Bit Locker Recovery Key Requested at Boot Time

Question

Hi,

At the weekend our two Surface 2 devices got a firmware update installed. My Surface 2 updated and rebooted fine with no issues.

But my wife's Surface 2 (64GB model) asked for the Bitlocker Recovery key at boot after the update, and now every time it reboots. Although I have the key this is very poor end user experience.

Especially as I am trying to sell her the Surface 2 over an iPad.

Any assistance in this would be most welcome.

Kind Regards,

Andrew

Answer 1

Hi,

Microsoft released an update for this today, for Surface 2 devices, as reflected in KB article 2921482.  Please check for Windows updates and install the latest updates.

Here's how to check for updates manually:

Step 1: Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Settings.   (If you're using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer up, and then click Settings.)

Step 2: Tap or click Change PC settings, tap or click Update and recovery, and then tap or click Windows Update. 

Step 3: Tap or click Check now. 

Step 4: If there are updates available, tap or click View details. 

Step 5: Tap or click to select the ones you want to install, and then tap or click Install.  You may need to restart Surface after the updates have been installed. 

Thanks!

Answer 2

Hi Andrew,

Sorry to hear about your issue with BitLocker on your wife's Surface 2 asking for a key at boot. First, please make sure you have all Windows and Surface updates through Windows Update and the App store. If that does not work, please try the article on Refreshing and resetting your Surface 2 here.

Can you verify if BitLocker is enabled or disabled on both devices? You can Enable/disable BitLocker by going to Desktop and follow these steps:

1. Swipe Right to Left to bring up the Charm.
2. Choose Settings
3. Choose Control Panel
4. Select BitLocker Drive Encryption
5. Verify whether BitLocker is on or off on each device.

Let me know if you need any further assistance.

Answer 3

Hi Tony,

Thanks for that and I thought of turning BL off but with Windows RT 8.1 it appears that turning BL off is not possible.

Seems a very strange issue as we have two identical Surface 2 in the house with identical updates but two different behaviours.

Cheers,

Andrew

Answer 4

you may try to go to http://windows.Microsoft.com/recoverykey

Answer 5

I had the same issue.  I advised my mother in law to get a Surface over an iPad, but it is now asking for Bit Locker recovery keys.  I have managed to recover it for her.  I hope it doesn't happen again.