Locked Out: Windows Update Bug Forces Users Into BitLocker Recovery Mode After Reboot

Locked Out: Windows Update Bug Forces Users Into BitLocker Recovery Mode After Reboot reports that a recurring issue is resurfacing after the latest Windows 10/11 updates, which causes some systems to boot directly into BitLocker Recovery Mode. According to Microsoft’s latest support documentation, the problem affects Windows 10 version 22H2, Windows 11 version 24H2, and Windows 11 version 25H2, with the affected devices primarily being Intel-based computers that support Modern Standby.

Normally, Modern Standby is not expected to trigger BitLocker Recovery, which is ordinarily prompted by hardware changes such as TPM or firmware alterations, requiring a BitLocker recovery key to decrypt data. If you are signed into a Microsoft account, your recovery key should be stored in your account settings, enabling retrieval via a phone sign-in to decrypt the drive.

If the recovery key cannot be accessed, the article warns that data on the C drive can be irretrievably lost, with encryption confirming the drive is locked. Microsoft is attempting to roll back certain updates using Known Issue Rollback (KIR) technology to prevent further occurrences, but those already affected will still need to supply their recovery key to regain access.