Bitlocker Enter the Recovery Key To get Going Again After Windows Dell

Dell XPS 15 9520 laptop with windows 11 pro.



I notice there was a windows update on the bottom right and when I click on it, it was a dell firmware update on the bottom right and usually I either update it now or wait sometime later. However, when I went to click on shutdown, it didn't allow me to shutdown and required me to update the firmware and afterwards it would either shut down or restart... this is from the window start menu. So I chosed update and shut down as the option. After the dell firmware update was done, I noticed that it didn't shut down and I got the screen of




Bitlocker Enter the Recovery Key To get Going Again



The only options seem to be to enter this recovery key to get going again and then continue

or

Skip this drive?



I do believe I have my Bitlocker recovery key on a USB flash drive. So I could plug that USB flash drive in my other laptop... a chromebook to check out what the bitlocker recovery key is? T



Can someone tell me what I should do right now? The thing is I did not back anything up on my laptop. How do I make sure my computer does not get wiped? It's late at night right now so I'm going to leave my laptop on all night on this screen.




My options seem to be


1. Enter the Bitlocker recovery key and click continue


2. Click on skip this drive


3. Power off my laptop manually by clicking on the power button and then clicking it again to power it on? If I do that... will it ask me for my bitlocker pin?



Normally when I power on my laptop, I first enter my Bitlocker pin and then my windows 11 password to get in my laptop.


Now in this situation, if I enter the recovery key and then click continue... will that bring me to my screen like normal with everything I have there? Or would it be completely wiped? I don't think I ever had this happen before after a windows update. I think I had a similar screen message like this a while back when I just powered on the laptop but I believe it was an older XPS laptop.


When it was doing the BIOS update, it did mention the BIOS update was done successfully. However, I remember when it restarted, I saw some message that said TPM couldn't be found or something like that?


Then I got this screen of enter the recovery key to get going again.

The bitlocker key should be in your Microsoft account. I've had a couple of firmware updates on my Dell 3530 recently and they've just gone through as normal.

Bitlocker should always be turned off before a uefi bios update. All the OEMS have a similar warning to this one as does MS.

Copied and pasted directly from Dell.
Caution: If BitLocker is not suspended, the next time you reboot the system it will not recognize the BitLocker key.
You will then be prompted to enter the recovery key to progress, and the system will ask for this on each reboot.
If the recovery key is unknown this can result in data loss or unnecessary operating system reinstall.

Updating the BIOS on Dell Systems With BitLocker Enabled | Dell US

Hello mate,

Hopefully, you can find your BitLocker recovery key using an option below. Option 1 is if it was backed up to your Microsoft account.

Same post on Bleeping Computer site, and presumably elsewhere, if his past history is any indication.

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/fo...o-get-going-again-after-dell-firmware-update/

Have a great day.

Regards,
Phil

garioch7 said:

Same post on Bleeping Computer site, and presumably elsewhere, if his past history is any indication.

Click to expand...

Yes.

RFS said:

The bitlocker key should be in your Microsoft account. I've had a couple of firmware updates on my Dell 3530 recently and they've just gone through as normal.

Click to expand...

I don't believe I create a microsoft account at setup and it was a local account.

I plugged in my USB flash drive into my Chromebook and can't open the bitlocker txt file as it's encrypted... I had encrypted it with axcrypt as the file ends in a.xx or something like that.

I did write down my bitlocker recovery phrase but I left it in another location. So have that person call me and read me the bitlocker recovery key and if it is correct, then it would work? I encrypted the bitlocker txt file on my usb flash drive because I thought if it wasn't encrypted, well if someone had access to my laptop and the USB flash drive, that person could get in my laptop correct since they wouldn't need my bitlocker pin and windows password?

glasskuter said:

Bitlocker should always be turned off before a uefi bios update. All the OEMS have a similar warning to this one as does MS.

Copied and pasted directly from Dell.
Caution: If BitLocker is not suspended, the next time you reboot the system it will not recognize the BitLocker key.
You will then be prompted to enter the recovery key to progress, and the system will ask for this on each reboot.
If the recovery key is unknown this can result in data loss or unnecessary operating system reinstall.

Updating the BIOS on Dell Systems With BitLocker Enabled | Dell US

Click to expand...

I didn't know that. I done many dell bios updates and this has never happened.

So the best option is have that person call me and read me the bitlocker recovery key then? I have a copy of the bitlocker recovery key on my USB flash drive but can't open it on my Chromebook because it's encrypted with axcrypt I believe as it ends with a.xx or something like that.

If the bitlocker recovery key isn't correct as read to me, I could download KeePass which is my password manager on Chromebook and axcrypt? Then upload the KeePass file from my Google drive so now I have my axcrypt email and password. Then enter my details on axcrypt. Then open that bitlocker txt file and that would work?

Brink said:

Hello mate,

Hopefully, you can find your BitLocker recovery key using an option below. Option 1 is if it was backed up to your Microsoft account.

Find BitLocker Recovery Key in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to find your BitLocker recovery key for a drive in Windows 10 and Windows 11. BitLocker Drive Encryption is a data protection feature that integrates with the operating system and addresses the threats of data theft or exposure from lost, stolen, or...

www.elevenforum.com

Click to expand...

Hi brink. I don't believe I set up my windows account with Microsoft account and used local account.

So based on what I described above, what is my best option?

Have that person call me and read me the bitlocker recovery key and if it's correct, then that works? Do you know what shows up on the screen after entering the correct bitlocker recovery key?

newmann said:

Hi brink. I don't believe I set up my windows account with Microsoft account and used local account.

So based on what I described above, what is my best option?

Have that person call me and read me the bitlocker recovery key and if it's correct, then that works? Do you know what shows up on the screen after entering the correct bitlocker recovery key?

Click to expand...

If that is the correct BitLocker Recovery Key for the provided Key ID, then it would be easier to have them give it if available.

When the recovery key has been entered correctly, then the drive will open as usual. In this case for the OS drive, Windows will start as usual.

Brink said:

If that is the correct BitLocker Recovery Key for the provided Key ID, then it would be easier to have them give it if available.

When the recovery key has been entered correctly, then the drive will open as usual. In this case for the OS drive, Windows will start as usual.

Click to expand...

Okay so have that person just call me and read me the bitlocker recovery key. If it isn't correct, then what?

I don't think I could download KeePass on a Chromebook. The thing is I don't know what my axcrypt password is unless I check out KeePass.

Okay so if the recovery key is correct, the drive will open as usual. So it won't ask me for my bitlocker pin and windows password?

newmann said:

Okay so have that person just call me and read me the bitlocker recovery key. If it isn't correct, then what?

I don't think I could download KeePass on a Chromebook. The thing is I don't know what my axcrypt password is unless I check out KeePass.

Okay so if the recovery key is correct, the drive will open as usual. So it won't ask me for my bitlocker pin and windows password?

Click to expand...

If the BitLocker recovery key is not correct, then you will not be able to access the data on the drive.

If correct, then Windows will start as normal. If you required a PIN for BitLocker, then it will ask for it before signing in to your account in Windows.

I've never gotten myself into a pickle with any bitlocker recovery since I do not use it and never will. I turn it off on every system I set up for anyone.Then if they turn it on, it's on them. So I can't 100% for sure say what will happen. What would be of concern to me is that statement from Dell.
You will then be prompted to enter the recovery key to progress, and the system will ask for this on each reboot.

You say you don't have your data backed up. That's surprising considering how long you've been on the forum. I strongly suggest you do if you can ever get access to it.

Brink said:

If the BitLocker recovery key is not correct, then you will not be able to access the data on the drive.

If correct, then Windows will start as normal. If you required a PIN for BitLocker, then it will ask for it before signing in to your account in Windows.

Click to expand...

I entered the bitlocker recovery key and it showed as correct.


However, I'm on this page that says


SupportAssist On-board Diagnostics


Alert! TPM device is not detected. Options are continue, bios-setup and diagnostics.


I clicked continue and I believe the laptop shut off. I then unplugged my 2 external monitors from it.


I then powered on laptop again and go back to the same screen.


What do I do now? Does this mean I still have my data?


The BIOS Version is 1.27.1 and it's a Dell XPS 15 9520.

What am I suppose to do now? Does this mean my laptop still works though? Does this mean I no longer have my data?


This is very frustrating as I didn't backup my laptop. The other thing is I recalled before I did this, I think I might even had my chrome windows opened. I have chrome windows opened many times before I normally shut down my laptop but could that have caused it. I don't think that would matter but maybe it does for this situation? Imagine having like a ton of youtube video tabs before the restart. I had a lot of chrome tabs opened but could that have caused this?


People said you are not suppose to have bitlocker on when you have a dell bios update done... but the thing is I didn't know that... and I done a ton of dell firmware bios update where it has never had this issue. So I unplugged my 2 external monitors and everything USB to it except my laptop charger. If I was to shut down my laptop, do I hold the power button to force it to power off? Or I click on continue again? When I clicked on continue, I recall it powered off my laptop. Do I unplug my charger for a bit? I read a post about removing the battery for a short time or something like that? This is very frustrating.

@newmann,

Usually, BitLocker gets temporarily suspended automatically during a BIOS update, so it's usually not an issue.

Check using the tutorial below to see if you are able to enable TPM (if available) again.


If you are able to get past entering the BitLocker Recovery Key and boot into Windows, I would turn off BitLocker.

If not, then you could try using option two below to use the BitLocker Repair Tool with the recovery key to recover the data on the hard drive. You will need to connect a second hard drive at least the same size or larger than the BitLocker drive being recovered to copy the data to.

Brink said:

@newmann,

Usually, BitLocker gets temporarily suspended automatically during a BIOS update, so it's usually not an issue.

Check using the tutorial below to see if you are able to enable TPM (if available) again.

Enable TPM on Windows 10 and Windows 11 PC Tutorial

This tutorial will show you how to enable Trusted Platform Module (TPM) on your Windows 10 and Windows 11 PC. Windows 10 will reach end of support on October 14, 2025, so you will need to upgrade to Windows 11 by then to keep current. One of Windows 11 system requirements is Trusted Platform...

www.elevenforum.com

If you are able to get past entering the BitLocker Recovery Key and boot into Windows, I would turn off BitLocker.

If not, then you could try using option two below to use the BitLocker Repair Tool with the recovery key to recover the data on the hard drive. You will need to connect a second hard drive at least the same size or larger than the BitLocker drive being recovered to copy the data to.

Use BitLocker Repair Tool to Recover Encrypted Drive in Windows

How to Use BitLocker Repair Tool to Recover Encrypted Drive in Windows

www.tenforums.com

Click to expand...

Okay that makes sense bitlocker gets temporarily suspended during a BIOs update because I have done a ton of these Dell BIOS update and never had this issue.


I'm confused what you are saying. I already entered the bitlocker recovery key and it showed a message that it was correct. It then restarted with the Secured By Dell screen that always shows up when powering on the laptop and then it showed the Alert! TPM device is not detected message.


I then clicked continue and I believe the laptop then powered off but not 100% sure. Then I unplugged my external monitor and cables from my laptop but did keep my laptop charger still connected. I then powered on my laptop and same message of Alert! TPM device is not detected shows. So what do I do now? I am confused what you mean by turn off bitlocker. I can actually do that right now? How would I even do that if I can't get into my main screen? I just want to get to my main screen now. So you don't click on Bios setup or diagnostics?


What about clicking continue again? That would shut down my laptop? Then maybe unplug the laptop charger and then power on my laptop?


Or just power off the laptop now by holding the power button for few seconds to do a force shutdown? Then unplug laptop charger. Then power laptop on again?


My concerns now is if I could still use my laptop or if my TPM is messed up? The other thing is if I still have my data.

newmann said:

Okay that makes sense bitlocker gets temporarily suspended during a BIOs update because I have done a ton of these Dell BIOS update and never had this issue.


I'm confused what you are saying. I already entered the bitlocker recovery key and it showed a message that it was correct. It then restarted with the Secured By Dell screen that always shows up when powering on the laptop and then it showed the Alert! TPM device is not detected message.


I then clicked continue and I believe the laptop then powered off but not 100% sure. Then I unplugged my external monitor and cables from my laptop but did keep my laptop charger still connected. I then powered on my laptop and same message of Alert! TPM device is not detected shows. So what do I do now? I am confused what you mean by turn off bitlocker. I can actually do that right now? How would I even do that if I can't get into my main screen? I just want to get to my main screen now. So you don't click on Bios setup or diagnostics?


What about clicking continue again? That would shut down my laptop? Then maybe unplug the laptop charger and then power on my laptop?


Or just power off the laptop now by holding the power button for few seconds to do a force shutdown? Then unplug laptop charger. Then power laptop on again?


My concerns now is if I could still use my laptop or if my TPM is messed up? The other thing is if I still have my data.

Click to expand...

I'd recommend to try and enable the TPM again.

Brink said:

I'd recommend to try and enable the TPM again.

Click to expand...

How do I power off my laptop right now though on the Alert! TPM device is not detected screen? Do I hold the power button and then force it to turn off? Or do I click continue? I believe I clicked continue earlier and then it powered off my laptop? I don't think it restarted when I clicked continue but I'm not 100% sure on this. I remember clicking continue and I think it showed the Secured By Dell icon but not sure and then it powered off?


Is there any harm in just powering it off by holding the power button for a few seconds... and then unplug my laptop charger. Then wait a bit and just power it on again to see if my laptop works? If I do that... it would be this same Alert! TPM device is not detected screen so I'm back to where I'm at now?


Okay so the instructions you gave to enable to the TPM is from the link you gave. So that should get it to work? I want to go the route of the safest first and it seems powering it off and unplugging the charger and then waiting a bit and powering it on... might work? That should do no harm if I try that?


But is there a concern my laptop TPM no longer works and have to get a new computer with either method?


What about backing up the hard drive if it's the TPM? If anyone here had this same exact issue, what did you do?


Brink, did you ever have this happen?

First things first. Let's see if you are able to boot back into your UEFI/BIOS to enable the TPM.