BitLocker recovery screen loop

What is BITLOCKER-RECOVERY-LOOP?

The system is stuck in a BitLocker recovery screen loop, repeatedly asking for a 48-digit recovery key. This occurs when the TPM chip detects that the boot configuration has changed (BIOS update, new hardware, Secure Boot toggle), invalidating the stored encryption keys. Entering the recovery key once should resolve it, but the loop indicates the underlying trigger persists.

Common Causes

• BIOS or firmware update changed PCR values
• New hardware detected (new GPU, RAM)
• Secure Boot policy change

Step-by-Step Fix Guide

• 1
  Enter 48-digit BitLocker recovery key from Microsoft account

  The 48-digit recovery key is stored in your Microsoft account under device protection. Once unlocked, use 'manage-bde -protectors -add C: -TPM' to rebind to TPM.

• 2
  Suspend BitLocker before future BIOS updates

  Always suspend BitLocker before making BIOS or hardware changes.

• 3
  Re-enable Secure Boot if recently disabled

Commands & Diagnostics