How to Resolve BitLocker Continuously Asking for Recovery Key? [Complete Guide]

BitLocker encrypts your hard drive. If BitLocker persistently requests the recovery key in an unusual manner, it might be encountering an issue. But guess what? We know what could assist in resolving it. If you wish to fix the abnormal behavior of BitLocker requesting a recovery key, keep reading!

Why Does BitLocker Keep Asking for a Recovery Key?

Alright, so as you're aware, BitLocker is a feature in Windows that enables both you and me to encrypt our hard drives. Occasionally, it might unexpectedly prompt users for a recovery key, and this could be due to the following reasons:

• Entering the incorrect pin repeatedly
• You have forgotten the pin
• A recent alteration in BIOS configurations might be the cause
• Updating both the TPM (Trusted Platform Module) and the option ROM firmware

There could be other factors causing the error as well, but these are the primary and most frequent reasons you encounter it. But guess what? We have the solutions. Keep reading to learn how to prevent BitLocker from requesting a recovery key and how to resolve the issue.

How to Solve the Issue of BitLocker Asking for Recovery Key?

If BitLocker keeps prompting for the recovery key, don't worry; I'll guide you on how to resolve this issue. I have 10 reliable solutions that should instantly fix the problem. Keep reading to learn more!

1. Method 1: Use the command prompt to unlock BitLocker
2. Method 2: Turn off BitLocker encryption
3. Method 3: Disable auto-unlock option
4. Method 4: Enable secure boot
5. Method 5: Update your BIOS
6. Method 6: Use legacy boot
7. Method 7: Update Windows operating system
8. Method 8: Uninstall and reinstall the problematic update

Method 1: Unlock BitLocker using the Command Prompt

The first solution is to use Command Prompt to unlock BitLocker; here's how:

Step 1. Open "BitLocker" and then press the "Esc" key on your keyboard for "More options."

Step 2. In the troubleshooting window, click on "Advanced Options."

Step 3. Now, under "Advanced Options" again, select "Command Prompt."

Step 4. In the Command Prompt, type the command `manage-bde -unlock C: -rp recoverykey` and press "Enter."

Step 5. Next, type the command "manage-bde -protectors -disable C." This command is used to remove the protection on the boot drive.

Step 6. Close the command prompt and restart your computer. After it boots up, enter the recovery key.

Here are some other reliable methods to unlock BitLocker:

How to Recover Forgotten Bitlocker Password & Recovery Key

This article outlines four effective methods to assist Windows users in recovering a forgotten Bitlocker password and unlocking encrypted hard drives.

Method 2: Disable BitLocker Encryption

Follow these steps to disable BitLocker encryption:

Step 1. Open BitLocker and enter your recovery key. If you're using Microsoft's Outlook account, BitLocker encryption will start automatically. To retrieve your recovery key, go to https://account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey and access it there.

Step 2. Next, click on the "Start" button and search for "Control Panel."

Step 3. Select "Bitlocker Drive Encryption."

Step 4. Click on "Suspend Protection" to disable BitLocker encryption.

Step 5. A dialog box will appear confirming the changes; click on "Yes."

Step 6. Now, wait a few moments for it to turn off, and once it does, reactivate it to proceed with the BitLocker TPM update.

Method 3: Disable the Auto-Unlock Option

Windows has the auto-lock feature enabled by default. Disable this to avoid having to enter the recovery key every time Windows locks you out.

Step 1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard and search for "Control Panel" to open it.

Step 2. Next, select "Device Encryption" under "Control Panel" to open the "BitLocker" settings.

Step 3. Next, click on the "Turn Off Auto-Unlock" option.

Step 4. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Method 4: Enable Secure Boot

Step 1. Open BitLocker and then press the "Esc" key on your keyboard.

Step 2. Click on "Skip this drive" in the top-right corner menu.

Step 3. Next, select "Troubleshoot."

Step 4. Select "Advanced Options" under the "Troubleshoot" window.

Step 5. Next, choose "UEFI Firmware Settings" and then click "Restart."

Step 6. The UEFI window will now open; click on "Security."

Step 7. Now, under "Secure Boot," select "Change Configuration."

Step 8. Select "Microsoft Only" and click on "OK."

Step 9. Next, click on "Exit" and restart your PC.

Method 5: Update your BIOS

The BIOS can also be the culprit behind BitLocker continuously requesting a recovery key. Like any other software, BIOS can become corrupted or exhibit performance issues over time, necessitating frequent updates to ensure optimal function.

Update your BIOS to prevent BitLocker from requesting a recovery key.

Method 6: Use legacy boot

To prevent BitLocker from requesting a recovery key when using the legacy boot method, follow these steps: 1. Open the Start menu and search for "Control Panel." 2. Click on "Control Panel" to open it. 3. In the Control Panel, select "System and Security." 4. Within "System and Security," click on "BitLocker Drive Encryption." 5. Locate the drive that is protected by BitLocker and click on "Turn Off BitLocker" (this will not remove encryption, but only disable the requirement for a recovery key during boot). 6. A warning message may appear; click "Turn Off" to proceed. 7. Follow the on-screen instructions to save any pending changes and disable the requirement for a recovery key at startup. 8. After the process completes, your system should no longer prompt for a recovery key when booting in legacy mode. Remember that disabling the recovery key requirement may expose your encrypted data if your system encounters a boot issue. It's generally recommended to keep the recovery key as a safety measure.

Step 1. Click on the magnifying glass icon and search for "cmd."

Step 2. Next, choose "Run as administrator."

Step 3. Type "bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy" and press the "Enter" key on your keyboard.

Method 7: Update the Windows Operating System

If you haven't updated your Windows recently, we strongly recommend doing so. Since you're using an outdated version, it's possible that this is the reason Bitlocker keeps requesting a recovery key.

Here's how to update Windows: 1. Click on the Start button located in the bottom left corner of your screen. 2. Type "Settings" in the search bar and select the "Settings" app from the results. 3. In the Settings window, click on "Update & Security." 4. On the left-hand side, under "Windows Update," click on "Check for updates." 5. Windows will now scan for any available updates. If there are updates available, it will download and install them automatically. You may be prompted to restart your device to complete the installation process. 6. After the updates are installed, it's a good idea to restart your computer to ensure that all changes take effect. Remember to keep your Windows up to date to ensure optimal performance and security.

Step 1. Click "Start" and search for "Windows Updates."

Step 2. The "Windows Updates" window will open and should automatically search for available updates. If it doesn't, click on "Check for updates."

Step 3. Click on "Install updates."

Method 8: Uninstall and Reinstall the Problematic Update

If BitLocker began requesting the recovery key following an update on your computer, it's possible that the update contained errors or wasn't installed correctly. To resolve this issue, uninstall and then reinstall the application.

Here's how it can be done:

Step 1. Click on the "Start" button, search for "Settings," open it, and then click on "Windows Update."

Click on "Windows updates" in settings

Step 2. Click on "Update history," and then select "Uninstall updates."

Step 3. Uninstall the problematic updates by double-clicking on them, and then restart your PC.

Step 4. After your PC restarts, suspend BitLocker from the Control Panel.

Step 5. Open "Settings" and then look for any available updates by clicking on "Windows Update" and install the most recent updates.

In addition to resolving this issue, if you'd like to learn more about BitLocker, explore the following links to delve into the details:

Closing Thoughts

BitLocker is an incredible method for encrypting your hard drive and safeguarding your files from unauthorized access. Like any other software, however, it can encounter issues and require troubleshooting, which is equally possible to resolve.

Follow the solutions above to prevent BitLocker from asking for a recovery key.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Here are some additional answers related to BitLocker that we believe you will find helpful:

1. Why am I constantly being prompted for a BitLocker recovery key?

Whenever you connect a drive to your PC and it appears in the boot list, BitLocker will prompt for the recovery key.

If you're not connecting any devices and the system consistently requests the recovery key, it's likely because the Boot Support for Preboot for Thunderbolt (TBT) and USB-C/TBT is enabled by default. To prevent the continuous prompt for the recovery key, you can disable this feature in the BIOS settings.

2. Why does my computer keep requiring a recovery key?

If BitLocker is enabled, you will be prompted to provide a recovery key when connecting any new drive or copying files, as a verification that it is indeed you performing these actions.

3. What triggers the Bitlocker key? The BitLocker key is typically triggered or accessed in the following scenarios: 1. **System Startup**: When you start your computer, BitLocker will prompt for the key if the drive is encrypted and the computer does not recognize the trusted platform module (TPM) or the startup key. You can enter the key during the boot process to unlock the drive. 2. **Recovery Situations**: If there's an issue with the TPM, a system update, or a hardware change that affects BitLocker, the recovery key might be required to access the data on the encrypted drive. 3. **External Drives**: For external drives protected by BitLocker, unlocking is usually initiated manually. You would be prompted for the key when connecting the drive to a new or different computer. 4. **Password Change**: If you've set a password as part of your BitLocker encryption and then change it, the new password will be required to unlock the drive. 5. **Sharing or Transferring Data**: When sharing an encrypted drive with another user or transferring data to a new device, the BitLocker key is needed to access the contents. Remember, BitLocker is designed to enhance data security, and the key serves as a safeguard to ensure only authorized users can access the encrypted information.

If BitLocker detects any unauthorized access attempts to your files, it will prompt for the key.