Bitlocker suddenly activated on my machine, prompting for recovery key that I don't have - Microsoft Q&A (2024)

FAQs

Why is my computer suddenly asking for BitLocker recovery key? ›

I understand you are encountering a BitLocker recovery key prompt after updating your BIOS, it generally means that the system's security configuration changed, prompting BitLocker to require the recovery key to ensure the system hasn't been tampered with.

If you experiences that the computer shows BitLocker recovery screen after power on, it means that the HDD/SDD has been encrypted. (HDD/SDD is locked.) Once PC hardware components have been replaced or BIOS settings have been changed, all may cause system shows BitLocker recovery screen after power on.

Bitlocker recovery mode can be triggered by a number of situations, including: A malicious attempt by a person or software to change the startup environment. Rootkits are one example. Moving the BitLocker-protected drive into a new computer.

It starts on the supported device when you set up it for the first time and automatically encrypts the internal drive when you sign in with a Microsoft Account or an Azure Active Directory account. And the whole process is without the user's intervention.

BitLocker stores system details when first turned on and prompts for a recovery key if major changes are detected. If prompted on every startup, one can update BitLocker's record of the system by suspending and resuming BitLocker.

If a device doesn't initially qualify for device encryption, but then a change is made that causes the device to qualify (for example, by turning on_Secure Boot_), device encryption enables BitLocker automatically as soon as it detects it.

The malware ShrinkLocker alters various registry keys to change how BitLocker handles encryption, potentially bypassing TPM requirements, enabling BitLocker without TPM and enforcing specific startup key and PIN configurations.

An owner or administrator of your device activated BitLocker protection (also called device encryption on some devices) through the Settings app or Control Panel: In this case the user activating BitLocker either selected where to save the key or (in the case of device encryption) it was automatically saved to their ...

Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings 2. Press Restart 3. Skip the first Bitlocker recovery key prompt by pressing Esc 4. Skip the second Bitlocker recovery key prompt by selecting Skip This Drive in the bottom right 5.

Not 100% Secure: While BitLocker provides strong protection against most cyber threats, there are some cases where it can be bypassed by malicious actors with sophisticated techniques.

Why does BitLocker randomly pop up? ›

Ok, so as you know, Bitlocker is a feature on Windows that lets you and I encrypt our hard drives. At times, it can randomly ask users for a recovery key, and it can be due to the following reasons: Entering the incorrect pin numerous times. You forgot the pin.

BitLocker automatic device encryption starts during Out-of-box (OOBE) experience. However, protection is enabled (armed) only after users sign in with a Microsoft Account or an Azure Active Directory account. Until that, protection is suspended and data is not protected.

That means if you clean install Windows 11 later this year or buy a new PC with 24H2 installed, BitLocker device encryption will be enabled by default.

On the BitLocker recovery screen asking for the recovery key, press Esc for more BitLocker recovery options and then select "Skip this drive."

Open a web browser on another device, navigate to https://aka.ms/aadrecoverykey and log in to your work or school account, then click on [Devices]①. Expand the device for which you want to find the BitLocker recovery key②, and then click [View Bitlocker Keys]③. Match the Key ID, and then click [Show recovery key]④.