BitLocker recovery screens can be frustrating, especially if you rely on your computer for your daily activities. Windows includes a disk encryption feature called BitLocker, which is designed to secure entire volumes of data.

Despite offering strong security, BitLocker’s recovery screen can sometimes be confusing. This guide will help you understand why this happens and how to resolve the issue effectively.

What is BitLocker?

With BitLocker, your data is encrypted to prevent unauthorized access. To ensure the security of your data, the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is combined with a PIN or password.

The BitLocker feature locks the drive, preventing you from gaining access to your data if your system fails or you change your hardware.

Why Does the BitLocker Recovery Screen Appear?

In case the drive cannot be authenticated by Windows, the BitLocker recovery screen appears. There are several common reasons for this:

1. Changes in hardware: BitLocker might prompt you to use the recovery key after upgrading or changing your hardware recently.
2. TPM issues: Occasionally, the recovery screen occurs due to problems with the Trusted Platform Module.
3. Changes in BIOS/UEFI settings: It is possible to trigger BitLocker by changing BIOS/UEFI settings.
4. Disk errors: These errors can also appear on the screen due to corruption or errors on the disk.

Steps to Get Out of the BitLocker Recovery Screen

Here are some methods to help you get out of the BitLocker recovery screen:

Fix 1: Enter the Recovery Key

To bypass the BitLocker recovery screen, enter your BitLocker recovery key. Your BitLocker key is a 48-digit numeric password that you were given when you set it up. To find it, follow these steps:

1. Once you reboot your computer, you’ll be asked to enter a BitLocker recovery key.
2. You can enter the recovery key and click Continue if you have it. You will need to use another computer to access the BitLocker recovery key if that is not the case.

Fix 2: Use a BitLocker Recovery Tool

When you can’t locate your BitLocker recovery key, you can use a BitLocker recovery tool to retrieve it.

It is possible to recover BitLocker-encrypted data by using several tools. There are a number of them, including:

• M3 BitLocker Recovery: It recovers data lost in BitLocker encryption.
• Passware Kit: This tool recovers passwords for a variety of encryption types, including BitLocker.

Using these tools, you can recover your data and bypass BitLocker’s recovery screens.

Fix 3: Perform Startup Repair

If you are experiencing BitLocker recovery issues, you may want to consider performing a Startup Repair. Use Windows installation media to perform a Startup Repair:

1. For recovery options, press Esc on the BitLocker recovery blue screen.
2. On the next screen, click Skip this drive.
   
   
3. Go to the Choose an option screen and click Troubleshoot.
   
   
4. Choose Advanced options.
   
   
5. Then click Startup Repair.
   
   
6. After that, click Restart.

Fix 4: Ensure Secure Boot & PTT is Enabled

By enabling Secure Boot and Platform Trust Technology (PTT), you can prevent issues with BitLocker recovery screens. To enable these settings in the BIOS/UEFI, follow these steps:

1. If you are on BitLocker’s recovery blue screen, press Esc to access recovery options.
2. To skip this drive, click the Skip this drive button.
   
   
3. When the Choose an option screen appears, click Troubleshoot.
4. Choose Advanced options.
5. Set the UEFI firmware settings.
   
   
6. Afterwards, click Restart.
7. The computer will restart in BIOS mode; select the Security tab.
8. Check that Secure Boot is enabled by locating it and enabling it.
   
   
9. To enable PTT, go to Security and find it.
10. In the BIOS settings, press F10 to save and exit.

Fix 5: Repair The Boot Files

When your computer is stuck on the BitLocker recovery screen, you may be able to resolve the issue by repairing the boot files.

To repair the boot files using Windows installation media, follow these steps:

1. For recovery options, press Esc on the BitLocker recovery blue screen.
2. On the next page, click Skip this drive.
3. Click Troubleshoot on the Choose an option screen, then select Advanced options.
   
   
4. Choose Command Prompt. In the cmd window, type the following commands one by one, hitting Enter after each:
   chkdsk c: /f /r
   bootrec /fixmbr
   bootrec /fixboot
   bootrec /scanos
   bootrec /rebuildbcd
   sfc /scannow
   
5. If you are using a command prompt window, close it and restart your computer.

Fix 6: Remove Protectors From The Boot Drive

Using the Command Prompt, you can suspend or remove BitLocker encryption from the boot drive. The steps are as follows:

1. For recovery options, press Esc on the BitLocker recovery blue screen.
2. To skip this drive, click the Skip this drive button.
3. Go to the Choose an option screen and click Troubleshoot.
4. Choose Advanced options.
5. Select Command Prompt.
   
   
6. In the following commands, C refers to the system drive or the drive assigned. Replace <password> with the BitLocker recovery key and hit Enter:
   manage-bde -unlock -recoverypassword <password>C:
   manage-bde -protectors -disable C:
   
7. Reboot your computer and enter the BitLocker recovery key when prompted.

Fix 7: Uninstall Updates

If your computer gets stuck on the BitLocker recovery screen, you may be able to resolve the issue by uninstalling recent updates. To uninstall recent updates, follow these steps:

1. For recovery options, press Esc on the BitLocker recovery blue screen.
   
   
2. To skip this drive, click the Skip this drive button.
3. Go to the Choose an option screen and click Troubleshoot.
4. Choose Advanced options.
5. Select Uninstall Updates.
   
   
6. To uninstall a previous Windows update, follow the prompts on the screen.

Fix 8: Contact Microsoft Support

If you’ve tried all the above methods and are still having trouble, please contact Microsoft Support. If your drive cannot be unlocked, they can provide advanced troubleshooting and assistance.

Also Read: 

1. Fix: Disappearing Quick Links in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11
2. Want to Use Android Phone as Webcam on Windows 11? Here’s How
3. Msxml4.dll Missing on Windows 11: How to Fix
4. How to Remove Copilot From Taskbar
5. Windows 10/11 Update Download Error 0x80070643 | Possible Fixes

So, that’s all we have for you on how to get out of preparing the BitLocker Recovery Screen. It’s our hope that this guide has helped you. But that’s not the end of the conversation here. You can comment below and let us know if you have any further doubts. 

Please leave this field empty

Don’t miss these tips!

Email Address *

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.