Windows users who have encrypted their PCs with BitLocker may find themselves in a bit of a pickle after installing a July OS update. Microsoft is advising those affected to follow the standard BitLocker recovery procedure to resolve the issue. This hiccup is just one of many that have plagued the operating system in recent weeks, including the infamous CrowdStrike debacle that caused BSODs worldwide.
Recovery Steps
Microsoft is currently looking into an issue that could put encrypted Windows 11 and Windows 10 systems into a recovery state post the July 2024 security update. In the meantime, users are encouraged to locate and enter their BitLocker recovery key.
The company’s support site offers detailed instructions on how to retrieve a BitLocker key. The simplest method involves logging into the same Microsoft account as the affected PC’s administrator on a different device and visiting the recovery key page on the site. Alternatively, users can reboot affected systems using USB media, with Microsoft recommending keeping a printed copy of the key handy.
Identifying the Problematic Update
For Windows 10 users, the troublesome update is known as OS Build 19045.4651 KB5040427. Windows 11 users, on the other hand, will see it listed as KB5040442. To check if BitLocker is enabled on a system, users can navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Device Encryption. The Device encryption section will only be visible on PCs that support this feature.
History Repeats Itself
If this scenario seems all too familiar, it’s because a previous Windows update caused similar headaches just a month ago. Windows 11 build KB5039302 led some systems into an endless reboot cycle, prompting users to engage the OS’s recovery tool by allowing the loop to run through several failed startup attempts.
Shortly after this incident, CrowdStrike’s faulty security update took center stage, crashing a staggering eight and a half million Windows PCs worldwide. The latest statement from CrowdStrike attributes the disaster to a bug in the tool used to validate rapid updates. Moving forward, the company has committed to implementing more rigorous testing and staggered release schedules for updates, mirroring Microsoft’s approach to Windows updates.
Transitioning to a New Update Method
Microsoft is in the process of shifting to a new update release method aimed at saving time and bandwidth. The checkpoint cumulative update system is designed to automatically break patches into smaller segments and only download data that users don’t already have, thereby reducing download sizes. However, concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of this new technique, as it is relatively untested on a wide scale. Its ability to prevent errors like reboot loops remains uncertain at this time.
