Microsoft has addressed a known issue causing some Windows 11 systems to boot into BitLocker recovery after installing the April 2026 Windows security updates.
BitLocker is a Windows security feature that encrypts storage drives to protect against data theft. It also often activates recovery mode after hardware changes or TPM (Trusted Platform Module) updates, blocking access to protected drives that haven't been unlocked normally.
Microsoft acknowledged the issue on April 14, saying it affects Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server devices with an "unrecommended" BitLocker Group Policy configuration, and that it will prompt users to enter their BitLocker recovery key.
"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," Microsoft said.
While this issue also affects systems running Windows client platforms such as Windows 10 and Windows 11, Microsoft said it's unlikely to affect personal devices, since affected configurations are typically found only on enterprise systems managed by IT teams.
