Windows 10 Users Hit by BitLocker Recovery Loops After May Updates

Microsoft is facing a wave of user reports detailing BitLocker recovery screens and even Blue Screens of Death (BSOD) following the installation of the May 2025 security updates for Windows 10. This issue, impacting both personal and enterprise systems, arrives at a particularly sensitive time, with the end of support for Windows 10 looming on October 14th.

The problem seems to stem from the KB5058379 update, which, according to user accounts compiled by Windows Latest and other outlets, triggers a BitLocker recovery prompt upon startup. "The KB5058379 install starts, but ends up at ‘Enter the recovery key to get going again (Keyboard layout: US)’ screen, and there’s a text field to add the recovery key. In some cases, there’s a BSOD as well," reports Windows Latest.

BitLocker is a Windows security feature that encrypts storage drives to prevent data theft, and Windows computers typically enter BitLocker recovery mode after events like TPM (Trusted Platform Module) updates or hardware changes to regain access to protected drives. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue, stating that it is investigating reports of "a small number" of Windows 10 PCs displaying BitLocker recovery screens after installing the KB5058379 update.

Affected devices are seeing Windows failing to start enough times to trigger Automatic Repair, and on devices with BitLocker enabled, the system prompts for the recovery key. Event Viewer logs show LSASS errors and installation failure events with 0x800F0845 errors in the System event log.

Users facing this issue can attempt to retrieve their BitLocker recovery key by logging into the BitLocker recovery screen portal with their Microsoft account. If that fails, workarounds include disabling the Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) from the BIOS. Some users have also suggested disabling Secure Boot, Virtualization Technologies, or Firmware Protection.

Reports indicate that a variety of system configurations and devices from manufacturers like Lenovo, Dell, and HP are affected. This marks the second such BitLocker-related issue in recent months, with a similar problem arising after the July 2024 Windows security updates.

The timing of this issue is particularly unfortunate, given the looming end of support date for Windows 10. While Microsoft 365 apps will continue to receive security updates, users may feel pressured to upgrade their operating systems, particularly if they are affected by these frustrating update issues.

Microsoft is actively investigating the root cause of the problem and promises to provide further updates. In the meantime, users are advised to proceed with caution when installing the May updates and to familiarize themselves with the steps required to recover from a BitLocker lockout.

Have you encountered this issue after installing the latest Windows 10 updates? Share your experiences and workarounds in the comments below.

• BitLocker
• Microsoft
• Windows 10