Windows Devices Show BitLocker Recovery Screen Post-July Patch Update

Some Windows devices are presenting users with a BitLocker recovery screen upon reboot following the installation of July’s Patch Tuesday update. Microsoft confirmed the issue overnight with an update to its Windows Release Health dashboard. The issue affects versions of Windows from Windows 10 21H2 to Windows 11 23H2 on the client side and Windows Server 2008 to Windows Server 2022 on the server side.

BitLocker Recovery Screen: A New Hurdle

This is quite different from the CrowdStrike issue that caused global chaos at the end of last week. However, affected users will need their BitLocker recovery key to start their device. After the excitement at the end of the previous week, we’re pretty sure most administrators have a handle on where their keys are. Alternatively, Microsoft directed users to the BitLocker recovery key portal, although you’ll need a Microsoft account to get into it.

Microsoft said: “This screen does not commonly appear after a Windows update. You are more likely to face this issue if you have the Device Encryption option enabled in Settings under Privacy & Security -> Device encryption.” However, it will be enough to trigger a nervous tic or two in administrators still recovering from the recent IT outage.

Staggered Rollouts: A Safety Net

Windows updates are perfect candidates for staggered rollouts and deployment rings, so the impact of the issue will be minimal for users who do not immediately take every update Microsoft offers. The company has form when it comes to broken patches.

In January, Microsoft attempted to deal with a BitLocker vulnerability, but some Windows 10 users ran into difficulty as the company’s legendary quality control struck, and threw up a generic error message during installation. As for this latest problem, Microsoft said: “We are investigating the issue and will provide an update when more information is available.”

Timing and User Concerns

For Windows users left somewhat rattled by recent events, the warning confirms mutterings in various forums that something was amiss with the update rather than anything to do with the CrowdStrike fiasco. The timing, however, could not be more unfortunate.

How to reset computer without bitlocker recovery key?

If you don't have the BitLocker recovery key, resetting your computer can be very difficult because BitLocker is designed to protect your data from unauthorized access. However, you can try booting into Advanced Startup Options and resetting your PC from there. Beware that without the recovery key, all data on the encrypted drive will be lost. Your best bet is to look for any saved recovery keys in your Microsoft account or other storage locations where you might have saved them.

Should I use BitLocker on Windows 11?

BitLocker is a good choice for encrypting your data, especially on a modern OS like Windows 11. It provides advanced protection against data theft and unauthorized access by encrypting the entire drive. If you're dealing with sensitive information, BitLocker adds an essential layer of security. However, make sure to back up your recovery key in multiple places to avoid data loss. Reddit generally has positive feedback on using BitLocker for its ease of use and effective security features.