Microsoft has acknowledged a significant issue affecting users of BitLocker on Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, as well as Windows 10. This problem may prompt users to enter their BitLocker recovery key during startup, and without this key, there is a risk of losing all data stored on the device. Fortunately, the recovery key is typically synced with the user’s Microsoft account, providing a safety net for those who may find themselves in this predicament.
Understanding BitLocker
BitLocker serves as a robust security feature that is enabled by default in the latest Windows 11 versions. It encrypts entire volumes, safeguarding data from unauthorized access in the event of device theft or loss. While this feature is designed to enhance security, it can pose challenges for users unfamiliar with its operation, particularly if they do not possess their recovery key when prompted.
According to Microsoft, the issue arises following the installation of Windows Updates released on or after October 14, 2025. The company has indicated that certain devices may experience difficulties during restart or startup, leading to the BitLocker recovery screen being activated. This advisory is currently accessible only to users with a Microsoft 365 Business or Windows 11 Enterprise license.
The affected versions of Windows include:
- Windows 11 25H2
- Windows 11 24H2
- Windows 10
A fix is currently being rolled out, but business users will need to manually deploy it across their organizations to mitigate the issue.
Microsoft Identifies Affected Devices
In its advisory, Microsoft noted that the BitLocker recovery issue predominantly affects Intel-based PCs equipped with a feature known as “Connected Standby.” This feature, also referred to as Modern Standby, has been a standard inclusion in modern PCs since the early days of Windows 8 and has evolved through Windows 10.
Users can determine if their PC supports Modern Standby by executing the command powercfg /a in Command Prompt. If the output indicates Standby (S0 Low Power Idle), the device is compatible with this feature. While Microsoft has not explicitly linked the BitLocker issues to Modern Standby, it is speculated that the October 2025 Update may have disrupted the boot chain or Secure Boot state, particularly on Intel machines utilizing Modern Standby.
User Experiences with BitLocker Recovery
The extent of the impact on users remains unclear, but reports on forums and the Feedback Hub indicate a growing concern. One administrator noted that three PCs encountered BitLocker recovery prompts following the installation of Windows 11 KB5066835. Although entering the recovery key allowed the PCs to boot, one device continued to request the key daily.
Another user reported that their HP Pro Mini 400 G9 desktops experienced similar issues, linking the problems to ongoing challenges with TPM errors during Intune enrollment.
Checking BitLocker Status
For those uncertain whether BitLocker is enabled on their devices, verifying its status is straightforward. Users can navigate to Settings > System > Storage > Disk & Volumes. By selecting ‘Properties’ for any volume, they can check if it is marked as ‘Encrypted,’ indicating that BitLocker is active.
While users have the option to disable BitLocker, it is generally advisable to maintain it, provided they have access to their Microsoft account or a backup of the recovery key.
Backing Up Your BitLocker Recovery Key
The October 2025 update serves as a timely reminder for users to back up their BitLocker recovery keys. Windows facilitates this process, allowing users to automatically back up their keys to their Microsoft account. Additionally, users can access Control Panel > System and Security > Device Encryption and select ‘Back up your recovery’ key to export or photograph the key for safekeeping.
With the recovery keys securely stored, users can rest assured that they will not lose access to their storage drives. Despite BitLocker’s mixed reputation, it remains a vital tool for protecting personal files.
The October 2025 Update: A Series of Challenges
The October 14 release of Patch Tuesday updates from Microsoft has been anything but smooth. While several fixes were implemented, users soon discovered that the update disrupted functionality in WinRE (Windows Recovery Environment), rendering mouse and keyboard inputs ineffective. Microsoft has since acknowledged this issue and provided an out-of-band update to restore support for these devices.
Further complications arose with the Preview pane in File Explorer, which was intentionally disabled to mitigate NTLM attacks, contrary to initial assumptions that it was a bug. Additionally, users reported that Task Manager would not close as expected, requiring manual intervention to end processes.
Microsoft has recognized the duplicate processes in Task Manager as a known issue and is actively investigating the root cause, leaving many users to navigate these challenges in the wake of the October 2025 Update.
