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Generally, these updates include security fixes and general improvements that deliver a better computing experience.

They do occasionally, however, include new bugs that need to be ironed out.

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite

The latest Windows 11 security update can cause PCs to show the BitLocker recovery screen while booting up.

Several versions of Windows Server dating back to Windows Server 2008 are also affected.

This screen does not commonly appear after a Windows update.

As noted by Microsoft, the issue is more likely to appear if you have unit Encryption enabled.

Kevin Addley, VP Marketing & Growth at Future photographs a BSOD at JFK airport

An issue separate from the recent Patch Tuesday bug also led people to research BitLocker.

If you type your recovery key, your PC should start up as normal.

You’ll need to log into your Microsoft account to get your recovery key.

At the moment, using a recovery key is the only known workaround for the issue.

Binary code displayed on a laptop screen and Guy Fawkes mask are seen in this illustration photo.

Microsoft is looking into the situation and working on a permanent fix.

BitLocker in the news

BitLocker has been around for quite some time.

It adds an extra layer of security to devices by using encryption.

Windows 11 update in Settings app

While BitLocker is not new, interest in the technology spiked recently due to theCrowdStrike outage.

That issue was unrelated to the Patch Tuesday bug covered above, but it was also related to BitLocker.

The CrowdStrike outage causeGoogle searches of BitLocker to spike.

Windows Updates

Microsoft has sinceupdated its recovery toolto work without a BitLocker recovery key in certain situations.

Windows Copilot key

Windows 11 system features

Windows 11 Start menu

Windows 11 battery usage

Copilot Vision for Windows announcement

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A closeup shot of the MSI Claw 8 AI+�s ABXY buttons.

The Crew

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