Does enabling Bitlocker affect Computer Bios/Uefi System Firmware Updates?

very_452001 · Feb 8, 2024

Hello,

I read on the Internet that enabling Bitlocker stops firmware updates for hardware in a computer system from being installed unless Bitocker is turned off.

Is this true?

glasskuter · Feb 8, 2024

Does this answer your question. Updating the BIOS on Dell Systems With BitLocker Enabled | Dell US

You have HP. Here's what they say.

Prepare your computer for the BIOS update

To prevent possible problems, close any open applications, and temporarily disable antivirus software and BitLocker before updating the BIOS.

Close any open applications.
Temporarily disable your antivirus software. In Windows, search for and open Security and Maintenance settings, and then click Security to access virus protection settings.
Temporarily disable BitLocker drive encryption. In Windows, search for and open Manage Bitlocker. Click Suspend protection, and then click Yes. Be prepared and have the BitLocker recovery key available.

CAUTION:
If BitLocker is not disabled, the next time you restart the computer the BitLocker key might not be recognized. If you do not know the BitLocker recovery key, you might lose data or need to reinstall Windows.

cereberus · Feb 8, 2024

very_452001 said:
Hello,

I read on the Internet that enabling Bitlocker stops firmware updates for hardware in a computer system from being installed unless Bitocker is turned off.

Is this true?

No it is not actually true but if you do not suspend bitlocker, you will need the recovery key next time you boot after the update. I have heard claims you need to enter every time thereafter but I cannot say for sure.

In the end you would have to turn bitlocker off and in again anyway.

To avoid hassle, suspending bitlocker though is advisable. This minimises risk of ending up with an unaccessible drive.

Keeping your recovery keys safe is really important, and best place is to store them on an MS account.

very_452001 · Feb 9, 2024

glasskuter said:
Does this answer your question. Updating the BIOS on Dell Systems With BitLocker Enabled | Dell US

You have HP. Here's what they say.

Prepare your computer for the BIOS update

To prevent possible problems, close any open applications, and temporarily disable antivirus software and BitLocker before updating the BIOS.

Close any open applications.

Temporarily disable your antivirus software. In Windows, search for and open Security and Maintenance settings, and then click Security to access virus protection settings.

Temporarily disable BitLocker drive encryption. In Windows, search for and open Manage Bitlocker. Click Suspend protection, and then click Yes. Be prepared and have the BitLocker recovery key available.

CAUTION:
If BitLocker is not disabled, the next time you restart the computer the BitLocker key might not be recognized. If you do not know the BitLocker recovery key, you might lose data or need to reinstall Windows.

The circumstances are that I am using a modern Acer laptop that I bought recently and it has Windows 11 Pro. I noticed that Windows Update updated my Bios. To clarify does windows update manages Bios updates for Laptops automatically but not for Desktop PC's?

If that is the case where windows update manages Bios updates for my laptop automatically in the background and I turn on Bitlocker for my laptop then your telling me by doing this then I risk losing my data & reinstalling windows?

very_452001 · Feb 9, 2024

cereberus said:
No it is not actually true but if you do not suspend bitlocker, you will need the recovery key next time you boot after the update. I have heard claims you need to enter every time thereafter but I cannot say for sure.

In the end you would have to turn bitlocker off and in again anyway.

To avoid hassle, suspending bitlocker though is advisable. This minimises risk of ending up with an unaccessible drive.

Keeping your recovery keys safe is really important, and best place is to store them on an MS account.

I thought Recovery Keys are only required if you have forgotten your password. To confirm I still need the recovery key whether I know the password or forgotten it?

Apart from Bios updates do you know what else does Bitlocker affects?

Mooly · Feb 9, 2024

I have a Dell and use Bitlocker and always followed the correct procedure for updating firmware in the past. Never any issues.

I have also noticed Windows Update now carries these firmware updates as part of the normal updates cycle and these also update correctly with no manual intervention. If I recall the updates do suspend bitlocker (have a recollection of seeing that text flash up during the update) but it all happens seamlessly.

I would say if you are updating manually yourself then always suspend Bitlocker. It takes seconds to do and could save the day.

glasskuter · Feb 9, 2024

Yes, WU will update bios along with drivers for any system unless one disables including driver updates with windows update. which I highly recommend doing. Manage your drivers yourself or use your OEM updating tool. Use Group Policy for Pro. Use the regedit method for Home. Enable or Disable Include Drivers with Windows Updates in Windows 11 Tutorial

cereberus · Feb 9, 2024

very_452001 said:
I thought Recovery Keys are only required if you have forgotten your password. To confirm I still need the recovery key whether I know the password or forgotten it?

Apart from Bios updates do you know what else does Bitlocker affects?

As I said - if you do bios updates you will need the recovery key.

andrew129260 · Feb 9, 2024

My laptop has bitlocker turned on and I dont need to turn it off when it gets bios updates. It updates the bios like normal and nothing happens. no prompt for a key or anything.

Seems to vary on computer manufacturer. I noticed when bios updates are deployed through windows optional update it just works.

csun · Feb 9, 2024

andrew129260 said:
My laptop has bitlocker turned on and I dont need to turn it off when it gets bios updates. It updates the bios like normal and nothing happens. no prompt for a key or anything.

Seems to vary on computer manufacturer. I noticed when bios updates are deployed through windows optional update it just works.

Same here with a Dell.

But good info to be aware in this thread.

very_452001 · Feb 9, 2024

glasskuter said:
Yes, WU will update bios along with drivers for any system unless one disables including driver updates with windows update. which I highly recommend doing. Manage your drivers yourself or use your OEM updating tool. Use Group Policy for Pro. Use the regedit method for Home. Enable or Disable Include Drivers with Windows Updates in Windows 11 Tutorial

Hi do you know what else I can do in Group Policy that will optimise windows or can be useful to me?

very_452001 · Feb 9, 2024

cereberus said:
As I said - if you do bios updates you will need the recovery key.

So the password isn't sufficient, recovery key is needed?

glasskuter · Feb 9, 2024

There are so many tweaks and changes that can be made both in settings, group policy and/or regedit. I suggest you make yourself familiar with the tutorial index. It is listed in alphabetical order. It gives how-tos for just about everything 11 related.

Tutorial Index

Index of Windows 11 Tutorials.

www.elevenforum.com

Here is the same index but where you can select by category in right hand pane. The tutorial index is searchable as well. Tutorials

I consider my most valuable tweak to be getting rid of that darned new "select more options" right click context menu that drives me nuts. This gives back the context menu we've always known.

Disable "Show more options" context menu in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable having to click on "Show more options" to see the full context menu for your account or all users in Windows 11. When you right click on an item in Windows 11, you will see a new modern condensed context menu with Show more options...

www.elevenforum.com

Steve C · Feb 10, 2024

Bitlocker can be cracked so why bother?
Microsoft BitLocker encryption cracked in just 43 seconds...

Does enabling Bitlocker affect Computer Bios/Uefi System Firmware Updates?

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