Since Windows 11 24H2, Device Encryption automatically turns on when you clean install and sign in with a Microsoft account. This only affects fresh installs or new PCs with 24H2 preinstalled—not ...

BitLocker recovery key saved my PC after an update locked me out. Here’s how I used the recovery key from my Microsoft account to unlock encrypted drives.

First, some history. The issue was reported on May 15 by Windows Latest. “Windows 10 KB5058379 is causing PCs to boot into Windows Recovery and require BitLocker key.

Microsoft has confirmed that some Windows 10 and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 systems will boot into BitLocker recovery after installing the May 2025 security updates.

Windows 11 and old versions of the Windows operating system have BitLocker Encryption enabled on the drives. BitLocker has a recovery key that can be saved to your Microsoft account.

Many corporate clients use BitLocker to secure their PC fleets, Lambertz noted, and the encryption technology is now being enabled by default on newer Windows 11 installations.

To do this, he used Secure Boot to first start an outdated Windows boot loader. Unfortunately, this "forgets" the encryption key in the working memory in recovery mode.

Furthermore, some devices open the Windows Automatic Repair tool after multiple restarts, and even BitLocker recovery can pop up in some cases.

If you're running Windows, you've probably run into the BitLocker Recovery screen at some point. Here's everything you need to know about the Microsoft program.

BitLocker and Device Encryption are critical tools for protecting a PC’s data from thieves. Here’s everything you need to know about the encryption technologies built into Windows 10 and 11.

Also: How to install Windows 11 the way you want (and sneak by Microsoft's restrictions) After entering the recovery key, Windows starts up normally.