Microsoft has fixed a security bug that caused Windows PCs to boot into BitLocker recovery instead of the normal startup process.
BitLocker is a full-disk encryption feature included in some versions of Windows. It is designed to protect data by encrypting entire volumes, preventing unauthorized users from accessing the information on the device. The only way to read the files is to provide the correct decryption key.
While the feature is certainly commendable, Microsoft appears to have broken it with its most recent security update, and users with the Device Encryption feature enabled were particularly affected.
Affected versions
“After installing the July 2024 Windows Security Update, released on July 9, 2024, you might see a BitLocker recovery screen when you start your device,” Microsoft said. “This screen does not typically appear after a Windows update. You are more likely to experience this issue if you have Device Encryption enabled in Settings under Privacy & security -> Device Encryption.”
These are the versions of the Windows operating system that are affected by the error:
Client: Windows 11 version 23H2, Windows 11 version 22H2, Windows 11 version 21H2, Windows 10 version 22H2, Windows 10 version 21H2.
Server: Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2008.
Now, Redmond has released a fix and invited all users to apply it: “We recommend that you install the latest update for your device as it contains important improvements and issue resolutions, including this one,” Microsoft said.
As he explained Computer beepingBitLocker recovery mode is only activated when the computer detects hardware changes or Trusted Platform Module (TPM) updates to regain access to protected drives. Users can find their BitLocker recovery key by signing in to the BitLocker recovery screen portal with their Microsoft account.
