Stuck in "Processing Authentication" and complete-silent-signin infinite loop when accessing BitLocker key

Question

I am currently locked out of my PC and desperately need my BitLocker recovery key. However, the Microsoft account portal is completely bugged for my account.

When I try to access the BitLocker recovery page (either directly or through the Devices dashboard), I get stuck in an infinite login loop. It either hangs endlessly on "Processing authentication" or instantly boots me back to the email input screen.

Things I have already tried:

Turned off "Passwordless" mode and deleted all saved Passkeys.

Cleared all cache and cookies.

Used Incognito/InPrivate windows.

Tried entirely different browsers and different networks (cellular data vs Wi-Fi).

The main Microsoft account dashboard lets me log in just fine, but the exact moment I click to get the BitLocker key, it breaks. I noticed the looping URL constantly includes complete-silent-signin, but it refuses to actually ask for my password or let me through to the key.

How can I bypass this broken authentication loop to get my recovery key?

Answer 1

Hello,

This issue is server-side related, and it is temporary and intermittent.

A potential workaround is, sign into your account https://account.live.com, then click on "change password" on the upper right. Make sure you replace it with a stronger/longer password. Then try to access the bitlocker page again. This seems to work for some users.

Answer 2

Hi CHESTER GREG PLAZA

I understand how concerning this is when you need your BitLocker recovery key to regain access to your device.

Microsoft is aware of reports that the BitLocker recovery key page is not loading correctly for some users and is investigating the issue.

If the page remains stuck on "Authenticating" or in a sign-in loop, please contact Microsoft Support via Live Chat for further assistance:

Contact Microsoft Support

Thank you!

Answer 3

If the account portal works until the BitLocker key page and then enters a complete-silent-signin or "Processing authentication" loop, the supported workarounds are:

1. Try the BitLocker recovery page from a private/incognito window with any VPN disabled.
2. If that still loops, switch to a different network, such as a mobile hotspot, and try again.
3. If the issue occurs specifically on support-related Microsoft sign-in pages, make sure these sites are not isolated by browser security zone settings: microsoft.com, support.microsoft.com, login.live.com, and login.microsoftonline.com. If organizational policy requires one of them in Trusted Sites, add all of them so cookies can be shared correctly.
4. Sign in first at https://login.live.com/, then open the Microsoft page again in a new tab.
5. If the device is a work or school device, use another device to open the Devices page in the My Account portal, select View BitLocker Keys for the locked device, and write down the key.
6. If the environment uses MBAM 2.5, use the Self-Service Portal instead: enter at least the first eight digits of the 32-digit Recovery Key ID shown on the recovery screen, select a reason, choose Get Key, and then enter the returned 48-digit recovery key on the locked PC. This requires that the user has physically signed in to that computer successfully at least once before.
7. If the BitLocker recovery page itself keeps blinking or looping after all browser, network, and session cleanup attempts, the documented Q&A resolution is that this can be a Microsoft-side intermittent server issue. Wait and try the recovery page again later.

Once the key is obtained, enter the 48-digit recovery key on the BitLocker recovery screen. Hyphens are optional.

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