Following the release of the April Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11, users have reported a significant issue stemming from update KB5083769. This update has unexpectedly triggered BitLocker recovery key prompts, effectively locking some users out of their PCs. Those without access to their recovery keys find themselves unable to use their devices.
Understanding the Issue
Microsoft has acknowledged the problem, noting that it primarily affects corporate devices configured with specific BitLocker Group Policy settings. The company stated:
Some devices with an unrecommended BitLocker Group Policy configuration might be required to enter their BitLocker recovery key on the first restart after installing this update.
This issue is not widespread; it affects only a limited number of systems that meet all of the following criteria:
- BitLocker is enabled on the operating system drive.
- The Group Policy “Configure TPM platform validation profile for native UEFI firmware configurations” is set, and PCR7 is included in the validation profile (or the equivalent registry key is manually configured).
- The System Information tool (msinfo32.exe) indicates that the Secure Boot State PCR7 Binding is “Not Possible.”
- The Windows UEFI CA 2023 certificate is present in the device’s Secure Boot Signature Database (DB), allowing the 2023-signed Windows Boot Manager to be the default.
- The device is not already operating with the 2023-signed Windows Boot Manager.
In simpler terms, the issue is likely to impact only a small subset of users, predominantly those in corporate settings. For those affected, the immediate solution is to enter the BitLocker recovery key. If this key is not readily available, users are advised to contact their IT support team for assistance.
Additionally, Microsoft has provided guidance for IT departments on how to address the issue. If necessary, a Known Issue Rollback can be performed to remove the problematic updates KB5083769 or KB5082052 from the affected Windows PCs. However, it is important to note that this rollback may expose the system to the vulnerabilities that these updates were designed to mitigate.
By the way: Users of Windows 11 Home may want to consider the advantages of upgrading to Windows 11 Pro. For those interested, a comparison of the two versions is available, and upgrades can be purchased at a discounted rate in the PCWorld Software Store, currently priced at instead of the usual .
This article was originally published in our sister publication PC-WELT and has been translated and adapted from German.
