Cant update BIOS because of Bitlocker

Question

Dell Inspiron 7591

The Dell Update app notified me of a few updates one of which was a BIOS update, but this update is blanked out in the Dell update app. So I downloaded it via the Dell website but after running the update it will not install, it complains: "Warning: MS Windows Bitlocker drive encryption/decryption is currently in progress. A firmware update is not possible at this time. Please try again later once this process is complete."

I have a separate data drive which is encrypted with Bitlocker, it does not make a difference weather it is locked or unlocked, the Dell update still complains either way and will not continue the update. I think about turning Bitlocker off on the drive but that involves decrypting the 1TB drive which would take a lifetime.

This is stupid, apparently is fixes 4 security vulnerabilities yet I can't apply the update.

Is there any options?

Kevin69 · Accepted Answer

@ My HT Space wrote:

Hi.

Unfortunately this isn't possible since the BIOS update is a Windows executable file. How it actually installs it itself I'm not sure, but I've always either just used the exe file or via the Dell update software.

Try Method 1 from = Updating the BIOS on Dell Systems With BitLocker Enabled

Download the appropriate BIOS update from the manufacturer’s website.
On the encrypted system, open the control panel and click on System and Security.
Click BitLocker Drive Encryption.
Click Suspend Protection.
In the BitLocker Drive Encryption window click Yes.
You will now see that BitLocker is suspended.
Run the BIOS update according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The system should restart and update the BIOS.NOTE: Do not reboot or power down the system during this process.
Once the BIOS upgrade is complete, check the BitLocker Drive Encryption applet (steps 2 & 3) in the control panel for the encryption status of the drive.Since most BIOS upgrades require a restart, and a restart will usually cause windows to resume encryption on the drive, the drive may show that BitLocker is on.If that is the case you are done!If it is still suspended click Resume Protection.

U2CAMEB4ME · Answer

Welcome to the Dell Community @aHumanError

Have you tried this method???

Create a bootable USB drive using “Rufus”

https://rufus.ie/

Under “Boot Selection” choose “Free DOS”

Copy the BIOS update to the bootable USB drive you just created..

Insert USB drive, power-on and start tapping the “ F12 “ key.

Boot from USB and run the BIOS update.

After reboot test and post any results.

Best regards,

U2

aHumanError · Answer

Hi.

Unfortunately this isn't possible since the BIOS update is a Windows executable file. How it actually installs it itself I'm not sure, but I've always either just used the exe file or via the Dell update software.

U2CAMEB4ME · Answer

@aHumanError

Fortunately, it is possible.

If you have a blank 8GB USB drive, it should not take more than 10-15 minutes to update.

Create a bootable USB drive using “Rufus”

https://rufus.ie/

Under “Boot Selection” choose “Free DOS”

Copy the BIOS update to the bootable USB drive you just created..

Insert USB drive, power-on and start tapping the “ F12 “ key.

Boot from USB and run the BIOS update.

After reboot test and post any results.

Best regards,

U2

NOTE: I have an 8GB USB drive that has dozens of BIOS's stored on it and I use it on a daily basis.

Peto Pedro · Answer

YOu forgot to mention tha user needs to switch bios to legacy mode in order to perform old fashion BIOS update

ezazbd · Answer

Solved 'Warning: MS Windows Bitlocker drive encryption/decryption is currently in progress. A firmware update is not possible at this time. Please try again later once this process is complete.' Install  DELL Support Assist and Run it. it will update your drives and others and BIOS etc.. wait for it..then run all... thats it.. Thanks Kabir

pbmurthy · Answer

i have this problem too

Stingray230sx · Answer

same issue here, same warning as OP.

checked bit encryption says "TURN ON BITLOCKER" so bitlocker is OFF

precision 5550 fresh win10 install.

everything else installs perfect except bios.

bios is 1.11.0 11/12/2021

new bios is 1.31.0 11/9/2024

tried using the DellAssistant. no joy

all driver updates installed but Bios failed

tried to use USB drive with Bios copied to it but when using the F12 command it doesn't show the drive to boot from.

will try the rufus method next

Stingray230sx · Answer

@Stingray230sx​  no joy with a rufus 'freedos' bootable drive. the bios simply allows no changes I can see, and does not show the thumbdrive to guide it to boot to it got to be a way as the bios file is quite old

Stingray230sx · Answer

follow up for anyone needing info.

I had tried the first bios I found, 1.12 with no luck. went and looked at ALL the old bios files. dl'd a few.

first one that worked was 1.16 then I ran 1.20 / then 1.29 followed by the latest 1.31 with no issues.

Inspiron

Cant update BIOS because of Bitlocker

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