The main reason for this is a change in Secure Boot or TPM settings, often caused by resetting BIOS, updating firmware, or changing hardware. Other reasons can include changes to the hard drive setup, problems during Windows updates, or automatic encryption settings from the manufacturer or your organization. Before attempting the following solutions to bypass BitLocker, disconnect your system from the Internet to ensure the problem isn’t related to ransomware. Also, make sure your Microsoft account in the system settings is verified (ensure there is no “Verify Your Identity” warning). It’s also a good idea to see if the BitLocker Repair Tool helps resolve the issue. Lastly, if you can, use the Control Panelin Safe Mode to disable BitLocker.
1. Unplug the Power Cable or Remove the Laptop Battery
BitLocker problems can sometimes be triggered by unwanted or unexpected changes in your system’s hardware. Disconnecting the power source allows the motherboard components to fully discharge, which can resolve temporary issues.
2. Use the Command Prompt
If you can successfully log into Windows, and if only one drive is affected, you may be able to retrieve the BitLocker recovery key using Command Prompt.
3. Check Online Backup Locations for the BitLocker Key
If you can’t find your BitLocker recovery key on your local device, USB drives, or paper printouts, you can try recovering it from online backups. Remember to check all personal, work, or school Microsoft accounts previously used on your system, as the key might be stored there.
3.1. Check OneDrive
3.2. Check Your Microsoft Account Page
3.3. Check Office 365 or Azure Active Directory
If your organization restricts access to these keys, you may need to contact your IT or network administrator. If your computer is part of a business or school domain, the recovery key may be saved on a local server managed by your tech support team.
4. Adjust the BIOS Settings
BitLocker can be sensitive to changes in BIOS settings. For example, enabling/disabling the TPM (Trusted Platform Module), Secure Boot, or changing the boot order can cause BitLocker to ask for the recovery key. The following steps might help resolve the issue. Please note these may look a bit different on various computer models.
4.1. Enable or Disable TPM (Trusted Platform Module)
If TPM was already enabled, try disabling it and check if that fixes the issue.
4.2. Enable or Disable Secure Boot
4.3. Enable Platform Trust Technology (PTT)
4.4. Update or Roll Back Your BIOS Version
4.5. Edit the Boot Sequence
4.6. Change the Boot Mode
4.7. Reset BIOS to Default/Failsafe Settings
If you’ve tried all the above and still can’t recover your data or access your system, you may need to contact a professional data recovery service. As a last resort, you can reformat the drive or system, but this could result in data loss, so only proceed if you have exhausted all other options or can afford to lose your data.
