Emergency Windows 10 Update Fixes BitLocker Boot Loop Issue
An emergency update has been released by Microsoft to address critical issues affecting Windows 10 systems. Users reported encountering BitLocker recovery screens and even the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) after installing the May 2025 security updates. This unexpected behavior primarily impacted devices with Intel vPro processors and Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) enabled.
Out-of-band Update KB5061768 is now available via the Microsoft Update Catalog to resolve this problem. This is also a cumulative update, saving you the inconvenience of installing any previous updates before deploying the fix. According to Microsoft, the problem specifically affects Windows 10 22H2, Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021, and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 with Intel vPro processors (10th gen or later) featuring Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT).
The root cause? Microsoft explains that installing the May 13, 2025, Windows security update (KB5058379) on these systems could cause the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS) process to terminate unexpectedly, leading to an Automatic Repair prompt that requires the BitLocker recovery key.
What if you can't immediately install the update? Microsoft suggests temporarily disabling Intel VT for Direct I/O (also known as VTD or VTX) and Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) in your BIOS / UEFI settings. However, remember that this step requires entering your BitLocker recovery key and could expose your hardware to security risks.
For those who have faced Blue Screens of Death, Windows Latest was the first to report that the KB5058379 update process would start but eventually lead to the “Enter the recovery key to get going again” screen, Sometimes also result in BSOD.
Microsoft has emphasized that its support team cannot retrieve, provide, or recreate a lost BitLocker recovery key. Impacted users can use this link to find your BitLocker recovery key and get in the system. Keep in mind that consumer devices are less likely to be affected as they typically do not use Intel vPro processors.
This isn't the first time Windows updates have triggered BitLocker issues. A similar problem occurred in August 2022 and again in July 2024. While the company is working on releasing out-of-band udates to Microsoft Update Catalog, administrators find themselves at a crossroads: weighing the benefits of important security patches against the possible risk of rendering devices unbootable.
Is this latest patch a step in the right direction, or does it highlight deeper issues with Microsoft's update validation processes? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. How has this emergency update impacted your systems? Let us know!
