BitLocker recovery key after Windows 11 updates

Experiencing what sounds to be the exact same issue, very keen to hear any suggested fixes.

same issue here, i look at my ms accounts, the device is there but no bitlocker keys. has anyone resolve the issue?

This is a problem with that update.

same problem, has anyone found a solution?

First, it’s important to understand that BitLocker is automatically enabled on devices for security reasons. It ensures that your data remains inaccessible to thieves in case of theft. 

Here are some options to retrieve your recovery key:

1. Microsoft Account:

   • Open a web browser on another device and visit this link to find your recovery key.
   • Note that the recovery key may be in your Microsoft account if someone else set up the device or enabled BitLocker.

2. USB Flash Drive:

   • If you saved the recovery key as a text file on a USB flash drive, plug it into your locked PC and follow the instructions.
   • Alternatively, you can use a different computer to read the text file.

3. Work or School Account:

   • If your device was connected to a work or school email account, your recovery key might be stored in the organization’s Azure AD account.
   • Try accessing it directly or contact their IT support for assistance.

If needed, you can also start afresh using a USB drive. Just make sure to change the BIOS settings to enable USB boot.

Usefull troubleshooting to bypass the Bitlocker screen so you can disable (not recommended by Microsoft) the same inside Windows:

1. Ensure the Secure Boot is ON.
2. Load BIOS defaults* and check in PTT On under PTT Security.
3. Load BIOS defaults.

Load BIOS defaults

1. Enter System Setup. (Tap the F2 key at the Dell logo)
2. Press the up- and down-arrow keys or use the mouse and select Load Defaults.
3. Press. ENTER then select Yes.
4. Press Esc or select Exit. If prompted "Are you sure you want to exit?" Select Yes.

Ultimately, if none of the above steps work, an OS reinstallation would be the final recommendation.

Exactly the same issue, laptop is locked and the Microsoft account does not have the key associated.

Scratch that. Found the correct MS login and got it.

I have the same issue, i tried every solution possible and still can't gain access my laptop. Its so frustrating ....

My Inspiron is now locked since end of August, is it normal that there is no solution provided other than formatting the PC?

This can cause the BitLocker to keep asking for a recovery key. So this is how you can turn it off. Step 1: Go to the Start button, then to the control panel > Bitlocker drive encryption. Step 2: Then click on the "turn off auto-unlock" option given next to the C drive.

This is not possible because once the update is done, BitLocker is activated without warning and locks the PC. You can't unlock the PC except if you have the recovery key (which I don't have, as I've never been asked to create one - I already checked on my MS account, nothing).

Well dang it… I just had this happen to my laptop too. Apparently this problem has not gone away nor been fixed.

I got the same problem after the latest BIOS update 1.11.1 was updated automatically by Dell on my laptop in august 2022 (dell 5515, Windows 11 Professional). 

The problem was solved by resetting the BIOS version to the previous version.

By clicking F2 several times when the PC is started you can come to the BIOS menu. There you can find an option to reset to the previous BIOS version. 

After resetting to the previous BIOS version,  I could restart the laptop and did not get the blue-white recovery key screen anymore. In order to avoid this happening again, I deactivated the recovery key feature under security settings (in windows).

=> Control Panel => System & Security => Bitlocker Drive Encryption.  Select Turn Off Bitlocker.

If you can´t reach the "Rollback BIOS version" option by pressing F2 several times when the laptop is starting up, you can try the following (works on Dell 5515):

Switch off the laptop.

Remove the power cable. 

When the laptop is switched off:  Hold down CTRL + ESC at the same time as you insert the power cable.  Now the laptop should start up automatically.  You come to another BIOS menu. There you can see the option "Rollback BIOS version".   You must rollback to the version before 1.11.1