Microsoft has addressed a notable issue that has been affecting certain Windows devices, prompting them to boot into BitLocker recovery mode following the installation of last month’s security updates. Users encountering this situation are required to input their BitLocker recovery key to unlock their drives and resume normal operation.
Details of the Update
In a recent communication, Microsoft emphasized the importance of installing the latest update, which not only resolves this specific issue but also includes various enhancements and fixes. “We recommend you install the latest update for your device as it contains important improvements and issue resolutions, including this one,” the company stated.
The problem primarily impacts users who have the Device Encryption feature enabled. This setting increases the likelihood of encountering the BitLocker recovery screen upon booting after the installation of the July 2024 Windows security update, released on July 9, 2024. Microsoft clarified that this recovery screen is not a common occurrence following Windows updates, particularly for those with Device Encryption activated in their settings.
The issue spans multiple platforms, affecting both client and server versions of Windows:
- Client: Windows 11 version 23H2, Windows 11 version 22H2, Windows 11 version 21H2, Windows 10 version 22H2, Windows 10 version 21H2.
- Server: Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2008.
BitLocker serves as a crucial security feature within Windows, designed to encrypt storage drives and safeguard against data theft or exposure. Typically, devices only enter BitLocker recovery mode due to significant changes, such as hardware modifications or updates to the Trusted Platform Module (TPM), which are necessary to regain access to encrypted drives.
Users can retrieve their BitLocker recovery key by accessing the BitLocker recovery screen portal with their Microsoft account. For those needing assistance, additional guidance on locating the recovery key within Windows is available on the official support page.
This is not the first time users have faced challenges related to BitLocker. In August 2022, similar issues arose after the KB5012170 security update for the Secure Boot DBX, which led to 0x800f0922 errors and caused some devices to enter BitLocker recovery mode. More recently, in April, Microsoft resolved another issue that resulted in incorrect BitLocker drive encryption errors in certain managed environments, which was later identified as a reporting problem without any impact on actual drive encryption.
Furthermore, the company continues to address an ongoing issue affecting remote desktop connections on select Windows Server systems following the installation of the July Windows Server updates.
