Microsoft has confirmed that the October 2025 Windows security updates may cause certain systems to enter BitLocker recovery mode, requiring users to enter recovery keys before the system can boot normally.
BitLocker is a core Windows encryption feature that protects drives from unauthorized access. Typically, recovery mode activates after firmware or hardware changes — but this time, it’s directly tied to the latest October cumulative updates.
According to a Microsoft service alert, the issue primarily affects Intel devices with Connected Standby (also known as Modern Standby), which allows PCs to stay connected during sleep mode.
“After installing Windows updates released on or after October 14, 2025, some devices might encounter issues during restart or startup,” Microsoft said.
“Affected devices may boot into the BitLocker recovery screen, requiring users to enter the recovery key once. After that, the system should restart normally.”
Which Systems Are Affected by the Windows BitLocker Recovery 2025 Bug
The Windows BitLocker recovery 2025 issue impacts:
- Windows 11 24H2
- Windows 11 25H2
- Windows 10 22H2
Microsoft recommends that IT administrators apply a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) policy to mitigate the bug.
Organizations must contact Microsoft Support for Business for deployment assistance.
BitLocker Recovery Prompts Return with Recent Updates
This is not the first time Microsoft patches have triggered similar BitLocker recovery prompts.
In May 2025, Windows 10 users experienced comparable issues, leading to emergency updates.
In August 2024, Windows 10 and 11 systems again displayed recovery screens after cumulative updates, forcing Microsoft to issue another rollback.
Earlier, in 2022, the KB5012170 patch caused the same type of recovery behavior, highlighting BitLocker’s sensitivity to firmware and TPM changes.
How to Fix BitLocker Recovery Issues
If your device boots into recovery mode:
- Enter your BitLocker recovery key.
- Restart — the issue should not reoccur.
- Ensure your firmware and TPM module are up to date.
- IT teams can contact Microsoft Support to deploy the KIR policy.
The bug doesn’t cause data loss but can interrupt enterprise workflows, particularly for remote-managed devices.
Why This Windows Update Bug Matters
The incident highlights how tighter security integration in Windows can occasionally lead to operational disruptions.
Each new update improves protection, yet also exposes dependencies between firmware, TPM chips, and the Windows update process.
The Windows BitLocker recovery 2025 case emphasizes the need for careful testing and rollback readiness in enterprise environments.
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