A blue screen indicating BitLocker recovery typically appears when your computer detects a potential security risk related to your system’s drive. BitLocker is a disk encryption feature in Windows that secures your data by encrypting the entire drive. Here are some common reasons why you might encounter the BitLocker recovery screen:
- Hardware Changes: If you’ve made changes to your hardware, such as replacing the motherboard or adding new components, BitLocker may require recovery.
- System Updates: Sometimes, a system update could trigger a BitLocker recovery if it affects the boot process or hardware configuration.
- Disk Errors: Corrupted files or disk errors can prompt BitLocker to activate recovery mode.
- Security Settings: Changes in the BIOS or UEFI settings, such as enabling or disabling TPM (Trusted Platform Module), can lead to a recovery prompt.
- Boot Configuration Changes: If the boot configuration is changed (like modifying the boot order), BitLocker might think that the drive is being accessed in an unauthorized way.
To resolve the issue:
- Enter Recovery Key: You will need to enter the BitLocker recovery key to access your drive. This key is typically provided when BitLocker is enabled and can also be found in your Microsoft account or in a secure location where you’ve saved it. You can access it by logging into your Microsoft account at https://account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey.
- Check Hardware Changes: If you recently changed hardware, consider reverting those changes.
- Consult IT Support: If your computer is part of an organization, reach out to your IT support for further assistance.
If you are unable to recover using the key or are unsure how to proceed, consider seeking help from a professional technician.