Windows Server: How to Upgrade Azure Stack HCI Single Node with BitLocker Enabled - Dell OMIMSWAC

Overview

This article applies to customers running Azure Stack HCI in a single node configuration, with BitLocker enabled on the OS partition. It outlines some best practices that should be taken prior to running a firmware update, either manually or using the Windows Admin Center with the OpenManage Integration extension.
 

Recommendations

Prior to running a firmware update for Azure Stack HCI - Single Node, with BitLocker enabled on the OS partition, customers should consider the following:

1. Ensure BitLocker RecoveryPassword is backed up on a device other that the machine you are performing the firmware update on. More information about this can be found here BitLocker recovery guide - Windows security | Microsoft Learn. This step is critical, failure to do so could result in data loss (unable to decrypt).
2. Consider running the PowerShell commands Suspend-BitLocker prior to the update and Resume-BitLocker post upgrade. More information about this can be found here Suspend BitLocker protection for non-Microsoft software updates - Windows Client | Microsoft Learn. Detailed information about the cmdlets can also be found here - Suspend-BitLocker (BitLocker) | Microsoft Learn and Resume-BitLocker (BitLocker) | Microsoft Learn