'Manage Bitlocker' won't launch

Question

After a recent automatic windows update my laptop (HP ENVY x360 Convertible 13-ar0xxx) is very confused. Suddenly, in the bottom right of my desktop is text that says "Windows 11 home", and "Windows isn't activated" has appeared when I open settings. Selecting 'Activate Now' does nothing except flash a light blue screen that closes in less than a second. After running the activation troubleshooter it told me I need to update to continue. I'm now trying to either install or update windows 11 (I can't tell at this point) but it gets stuck at 35%. A window appears that says:

"Turn off BitLocker because it isn't supported in the edition of Windows you want to install"

It gives me a button that says "Turn off", but it does nothing. Trying to launch "Manage BitLocker" through the search bar also does nothing. If I go through the settings to Device Encryption, clicking on "BitLocker drive encryption - Manage your encryption settings using BitLocker" also does nothing but flash a light blue screen and close settings, the same as when I try to activate windows.

In general, the laptop is slow and closing things randomly because there "isn't enough memory". Every so often I get a light blue screen popping up that tells me windows isn't activated and to go to settings, which just brings me back to the same problems. I'm not doing intensive things, I usually only have a browser and music player open at the same time. This only started a few days ago when my login screen suddenly wasn't cycling pictures (won't let me personalise) and I realised there had been an update as it told me to "please wait" as I switched it on.

Answer 1

Hi,

Thank you for sharing your concerns.

Please note that BitLocker is only available on Windows editions Pro and above. To activate it, you’ll need a valid license key. You can use the following commands to activate the system:

slmgr /ipk <your-product-key>

slmgr /ato

Additionally, please keep in mind that having too many pending Windows updates can potentially affect system performance. It’s recommended to keep your system updated for optimal functionality.

Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions.