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


very_452001

very_452001

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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?
 
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Windows 11 Pro

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Windows 11AMD Ryzen 5 6600U
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Windows 11
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Laptop
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Acer Swift Edge SFA16-41
CPU
AMD Ryzen 5 6600U
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.

  1. Close any open applications.
  2. Temporarily disable your antivirus software. In Windows, search for and open Security and Maintenance settings, and then click Security to access virus protection settings.
  3. 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.
 
Last edited:

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    Beelink Mini PC SER5
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 6800U
    Memory
    32 gb
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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?
Click to expand...
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.
 

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Windows 11 Pro + Win11 Canary VM.I9 13th gen i9-13900H 2.60 GHZ16 GB solderedIntegrated Intel Iris XE
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Windows 11 Pro + Win11 Canary VM.
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Laptop
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ASUS Zenbook 14
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I9 13th gen i9-13900H 2.60 GHZ
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Yep, Laptop has one.
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16 GB soldered
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Macrium Reflect Home V8
Office 365 Family (6 users each 1TB onedrive space)
Hyper-V (a vm runs almost as fast as my older laptop)
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.

  1. Close any open applications.
  2. Temporarily disable your antivirus software. In Windows, search for and open Security and Maintenance settings, and then click Security to access virus protection settings.
  3. 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.
Click to expand...

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?
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11AMD Ryzen 5 6600U
OS
Windows 11
Computer type
Laptop
Manufacturer/Model
Acer Swift Edge SFA16-41
CPU
AMD Ryzen 5 6600U
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.
Click to expand...

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?
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11AMD Ryzen 5 6600U
OS
Windows 11
Computer type
Laptop
Manufacturer/Model
Acer Swift Edge SFA16-41
CPU
AMD Ryzen 5 6600U
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.
 

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W11 Pro x64 ongoing Canary 29500 latest builds
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Dell 7760 Mobile Precision 17"
CPU
Intel i5
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Unknown
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8Gb
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Intel HD Graphics
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Realtek
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Internal
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2 x 256Gb SSD
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Dell 240 watt
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Dell Premier Bluetooth
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50Mbps
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Edge
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Default Microsoft Security

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System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8655i9-10900 10 core 20 threads32 gbnone-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8655
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    2x1tb Solidigm m.2 nvme /External drives 512gb Samsung m.2 sata+2tb Kingston m2.nvme
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    Beelink Mini PC SER5
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    AMD Ryzen 7 6800U
    Memory
    32 gb
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    integrated
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    integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
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    1TB Crucial nvme
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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?
Click to expand...
As I said - if you do bios updates you will need the recovery key.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Pro + Win11 Canary VM.I9 13th gen i9-13900H 2.60 GHZ16 GB solderedIntegrated Intel Iris XE
OS
Windows 11 Pro + Win11 Canary VM.
Computer type
Laptop
Manufacturer/Model
ASUS Zenbook 14
CPU
I9 13th gen i9-13900H 2.60 GHZ
Motherboard
Yep, Laptop has one.
Memory
16 GB soldered
Graphics Card(s)
Integrated Intel Iris XE
Sound Card
Realtek built in
Monitor(s) Displays
laptop OLED screen
Screen Resolution
2880x1800 touchscreen
Hard Drives
1 TB NVME SSD (only weakness is only one slot)
PSU
Internal + 65W thunderbolt USB4 charger
Case
Yep, got one
Cooling
Stella Artois (UK pint cans - 568 ml) - extra cost.
Keyboard
Built in UK keybd
Mouse
Bluetooth , wireless dongled, wired
Internet Speed
900 mbs (ethernet), wifi 6 typical 350-450 mb/s both up and down
Browser
Edge
Antivirus
Defender
Other Info
TPM 2.0, 2xUSB4 thunderbolt, 1xUsb3 (usb a), 1xUsb-c, hdmi out, 3.5 mm audio out/in combo, ASUS backlit trackpad (inc. switchable number pad)

Macrium Reflect Home V8
Office 365 Family (6 users each 1TB onedrive space)
Hyper-V (a vm runs almost as fast as my older laptop)
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.
 

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    Ryzen 7 5700 X3D
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    MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS
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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.
Click to expand...
Same here with a Dell.

But good info to be aware in this thread.
 

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Win11 Ver 25H2 26200.6899Intel i58gb
OS
Win11 Ver 25H2 26200.6899
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Laptop
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Dell
CPU
Intel i5
Memory
8gb
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
256gb
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Firefox
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Windows Defender

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At a glance

Windows 11AMD Ryzen 5 6600U
OS
Windows 11
Computer type
Laptop
Manufacturer/Model
Acer Swift Edge SFA16-41
CPU
AMD Ryzen 5 6600U

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11AMD Ryzen 5 6600U
OS
Windows 11
Computer type
Laptop
Manufacturer/Model
Acer Swift Edge SFA16-41
CPU
AMD Ryzen 5 6600U
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 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.

www.elevenforum.com

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 www.elevenforum.com
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8655i9-10900 10 core 20 threads32 gbnone-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8655
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    2x1tb Solidigm m.2 nvme /External drives 512gb Samsung m.2 sata+2tb Kingston m2.nvme
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    #1 Edge #2 Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26200.8457AMD Ryzen 7 6800U32 gbintegrated
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26200.8457
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink Mini PC SER5
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 6800U
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics card(s)
    integrated
    Sound Card
    integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Crucial nvme
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    still too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    System 3 is non compliant Dell 9020 i7-4770/24gb ram Win11 PRO 26200.8457

My Computer My Computer

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Windows 11 ProCore i7-13700K64 GB Kingston Fury Beast DDR5Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2060 Super Gaming OC 8G
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Windows 11 Pro
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Self build
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Core i7-13700K
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Asus TUF Gaming Plus WiFi Z790
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64 GB Kingston Fury Beast DDR5
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Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2060 Super Gaming OC 8G
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Realtek S1200A
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Viewsonic VP2770 & Dell (secondary)
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2560 x 1440
Hard Drives
Kingston KC3000 2TB NVME SSD & SATA HDDs & SSD
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EVGA SuperNova G2 850W
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Nanoxia Deep Silence 1
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Noctua NH-D14
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Microsoft Digital Media Pro
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Chrome
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Defender, Malwarebytes Free & AdwCleaner
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