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14 Posts
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53710
August 20th, 2021 06:00
XPS 13 9360, Asks for BitLocker after Update
Summary:
Hello, I’m running into BitLocker issues and need help coming up with a different solution to try before I consider completely resetting the PC and losing all my files.
Background:
I turned on my personal laptop (Dell XPS 13 9360) and get the BitLocker blue screen. I’m assuming it’s due to the recent Dell update since I didn’t do anything dramatic the day before.
The current error message says “BitLocker needs your recovery key to unlock your drive because Secure Boot policy has unexpectedly changed”.
On the next screen, I do have a “Recovery Key ID (to identify your key)” and FWIW the drive label states “DESKTOP-#######”.
I have also poured through forums and tried most everything.
What I’ve Tried:
No, I don’t have a 48-digit BitLocker recovery key.
I’ve never set one up, never saved it somewhere or on a USB drive, nor printed it out.
No, I didn’t find the recovery key after attempting to follow Microsoft’s published instructions - logged onto my Microsoft and Azure accounts but i receive “you don't have any BitLocker recovery keys uploaded to your Microsoft account.” FWIW, my device is listed there.
BIOS Screen:
I initially attempted to Restore Settings and tried all four options: BIOS Defaults, Factory Settings, Last Known Good Settings, and Custom User Settings. None worked.
I’ve also attempted the following steps (with no luck) -
- General > Boot Sequence > UEFI > Apply
- Security > TPM 2.0 Security > Enable > Apply
- Secure Boot > Secure Boot Enable > Enable > Apply
I’ve tried disabling above, restarting, then enabling, restarting and it does not help.
Command Prompt:
Below are the details if I go into the command prompt and type manage-bde -status c:
Size: Unknown GB
BitLocker Version: 2.0
Conversion Status: Unknown
% Encrypted: Unknown %
Encryption Method: XTS-AES 128
Protection Status: Unknown
Lock Status: Locked
ID Field: Unknown
Automatic Unlock: Disabled
Key Protectors:
TPM
Numerical Password
manage-bde -protectors -disable c:
I realize it shouldn’t work, but wanted to try and it says cannot be performed because volume is locked
Dell-specific Options:
I’ve tried the following screens / steps -
Reset this PC > Keep my files > Cloud download
Error message = “Unable to download. Use local reinstall”
Reset this PC > Keep my files > Local reinstall
Error = Brings me back to previous page
Advanced Options > Startup Repair
Error = “Startup Repair couldn’t repair your PC”
Advanced Options > Uninstall Updates > Uninstall Latest Quality Update
Error = Brings me back to previous page
Advanced Options > Uninstall Updates > Uninstall Latest Feature Update
Error = “Ran into a problem and won’t be able to uninstall latest feature update of Windows”
Advanced Options > Startup Settings
Error = “Must enter recovery key to access”
Advanced Options > System Restore
Error = no restore points created on computer
Advanced Options > System Image Recovery
Error = no system image found on computer
Factory Image Restore > SupportAssist OS Recovery
Repair > Requires BitLocker recovery key
Recover > Requires BitLocker recovery key
Scan Hardware > Battery an issue was detected
Message states, “We detected an issue with your battery. Try removing anything that might obstruct or clog vents. If that doesn’t work, update your computer BIOS, restart your computer and run the hardware scan again.”
I’ve cleaned my battery charger. Battery is @ 100% and also unplugged, replugged from overnight. I run the BIOS updates and scans again. Same message.
Any advice on next steps? Buy a new battery charging cord? Or actually crack open the laptop back cover to remove the battery, clean it, and put it back in?
Thanks ahead of time!
FranksTheTank
1 Message
1
August 26th, 2022 18:00
This happened to my friend and I was able to fix it for him (Even without the recovery key!). Here's what happened: Last Friday Dell pushed a BIOS update on his laptop. After a reboot, Bitlocker detected that a firmware version related to secureboot changed and refused to boot unless he provided the bitlocker recovery key. All I had to do was to downgrade his BIOS to the previous version, reboot and then bitlocker stopped complaining and let us access windows and the precious data. Enjoy the solution. By the way, I don't recommend calling Dell's technical support about this, because they told me the only solution they know is to format + re-install windows because it's "Microsoft's fault".
Please mark this reply as the solution to your problem if it fixed it!