Bitlocker requires key on every reboot

Question

Today my laptop (surface laptop 2) would not log in using face recognition, I tried using pin and password but I was unable to type anything. I did a restart. Upon restarting bitlocker asked for a key. I didn't know what bitlocker was. I was able to find my key and get into windows. I am now unable to set up the "hello windows" face recognition and any restart asks for the bitlocker key. I have disabled bitlocker and uninstalled my last windows update.

Does anyone have any further suggestions?

TIA

Answer 1

Marie, you said you'd turned off Bitlocker but it was still appearing. So I gave you an illustrated tutorial for how to make sure it's turned off so you get rid of it before you lose your files,

As to Windows Hello not working, Here are steps for fixing Windows Hello:

1. Turn off Fast Startup: Go to Settings > System > Power & Sleep > Additional Power Settings > Choose what Power buttons do > Change settings that are unavailable > uncheck Fast Startup.
2. Reset Facial Recognition and/or Fingerprint Options

Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign In Options

Locate Fingerprint or Facial Recognition options and click Remove under them.

After that, click Get Started and follow the on-screen instructions to reset Fingerprint and Facial Recognition.

Reboot your PC if needed.

3. Modify Group Policy Settings (for Pro version only)

Creators Update might have modified some of the crucial settings of Group Policy. Therefore, we would recommend to launch the Group Policy Editor and check/edit the settings related to Windows Hello functionality.

Pres Windows key, type gpedit, and press Enter.

Click on Computer Configuration and open Administrative Templates.

Select Windows Components and open Biometrics.

Click on Facial Features and right-click on Configure enhanced anti-spoofing option.

Select Edit and disable the Configure enhanced anti-spoofing feature.

Reboot your PC.

4. Update drivers

If some of the system drivers, most probably webcam and fingerprint reader drivers, were corrupted during the upgrade process, Windows Hello may fail to perform.

Go to the PC maker's Support Downloads web page for your exact model, Serial Number or Dell Service tag, compare the latest Biometric drivers with the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start button, download and install any newer,

If no newer driver Right-click on Start button and select Device Manager.

Locate the Hello, Biometric device, webcam, and fingerprint drivers individually, choose Driver tab, 

Select Update driver,  then Automatic.  

If no newer driver, choose Roll back or if not available, choose Uninstall, 

Repeat the removal with all Windows Hello related drivers and then reboot your PC.

Once done, open Device Manager, click Action -> Scan for hardware changes.

The system should automatically detect and reinstall the drivers.

5. Run Hardware & Devices Troubleshooter at Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
6. If this was caused by Windows Updates then you can check which were installed at Settings>Update & Security>Windows Update under Installed Updates, then uninstall them from the link there, and hide with the Hide Updates tool downloaded from here: http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/2/2/f2...

You can also use System Restore to get before the problem began, then check for Updates with the Hide Update tool and hide them: http://home.bt.com/tech-gadgets/computing/how-t...

7. If nothing else helps you can run a Repair Install by installing the Media Creation Tool and choosing from it to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows in about an hour while saving your files, apps and most settings, solves many problems while also bringing it up to the latest version 1809 which you need anyway and by the most stable method. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

If you get hung up on any steps just ask back and I will walk you through.

Answer 2

Hi Marie. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 9 year Windows MVP here to help you.

I think you have made all the right moves, especially disconnecting Bitlocker before it loses your files.

Make sure it was fully disabled as shown here:

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/37060-turn-...

If it continues to bug you then it may be corruptions of WIndows or you account. Go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files, and also Step 16 to test a new Local Admin account. Then continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

If nothing else helps you can run a Repair Install by installing the Media Creation Tool and choosing from it to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows in about an hour while saving your files, apps and most settings, solves many problems while also bringing it up to the latest version 1809 which you need anyway and by the most stable method. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

---

But remember that in Windows 10 everything depends upon the quality of the install, and Factory or Upgrade installs are inferior installs which most enthusiasts won't even run because they'd expect endless issues. Consider now or later doing the Clean Install in this link which compiles the best possible install that will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

There is also an automated Fresh Start that reinstalls WIndows while shedding corrupting factory bloatware, saves your files, but doesn't clear the drive to get it cleanest: https://www.howtogeek.com/265054/how-to-easily-...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. If you'll wait to rate whether my post helped you, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

________________________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Answer 3

Wow. Ok. Thanks for the quick reply. I think some of that is a bit over my head. I have correctly turned of bitlocker. I haven't yet reinstalled the updates. I still can't re setup the "window hello" face recognition or even change my pin. I still have the factory install of windows on my laptop. I didn't know that there was a better option

Answer 4

Amazing!!! Got it all working! Thank you SO much!

I use Bitdefender as my antivirus/internet security software. Is that good enough or should I re enable the bitlocker?

Answer 5

Bitdefender should be enough. If you do use Bitlocker encryption be sure to have a separate backup or you could lose your files.

Run a full scan with the most powerful on-demand free scanner Malwarebytes:

https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/. In the Scan Settings first set it to include scanning for Rootkits.

Clean up anything found, restart PC and then run again until it comes up clean. You can turn off Real Time Protection in Malwarebytes Account settings.