Windows update glitch: BitLocker key required
The latest Windows 10, 11, and Server update comes with a delightful twist: some systems will not start without a BitLocker key.
Microsoft has confirmed that their latest security update for Windows can cause a little hiccup if you have BitLocker encryption active. In a move that shocks no one, some users are now being prompted to enter their BitLocker recovery key post-update. Without it, your operating system is taking a nap and will not be waking up.
"This screen does not usually appear after a Windows update," Microsoft writes regarding the BitLocker recovery that appears for some users after the update. The problem only occurs if device encryption is enabled in the Windows system settings.
All common Windows versions are affected. Windows 11 (23H2, 22H2, 21H2), Windows 10 (22H2, 21H2) and several Windows Server versions (2022, 2019, 2016, 2012 R2, 2012, 2008 R2, 2008) are listed. The error is triggered by the security update released on July 9 - such as KB5040442 for Windows 11 and KB5040427 for Windows 10.
Recovery key must be entered
Microsoft has not figured out a simple solution yet. They are still "investigating" the error. But do not worry, as soon as they stumble upon something, they will let us know.
In the meantime, affected users are stuck with a super convenient workaround: just enter your BitLocker recovery key, and voilà, your system should start normally.
To find the respective recovery key, the company refers to its web portal, via which recovery keys linked to the respective Microsoft account can be retrieved. Microsoft has also published instructions in its support area that help users find their Bitlocker recovery key.
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