Solved Stuck with frozen BitLocker screen, cannot type anything

bob2026 · 2026-07-19T11:05:00-0400

Hi, I am requested to enter my BitLocker Recovery Key which I accessed on a different computer, but I cannot type it, nothing happens. There is a cursor, but it does not react. Tried a wired keyboard without success, as with F1, F2, etc. ESC for other options does nothing, nor does ALT. I've never had this issue. I cannot access my PC at all, nor install anything. Does anyone know what to do, please? Thanks very much in advance.

glasskuter · 2026-07-19T11:56:32-0400

Unplug AC
hold power button 10–15 seconds
Disconnect all USB devices
Wait 30 seconds
Reconnect only a basic wired keyboard in one of the rear usb 2.0 ports
restart and enter bios. Verify that the keyboard works in bios.
If KB does work in bios restart again and check if the KB will now type on the bitlocker screen.
If it does not work in bios, power off, unplug, remove cmos battery for 15 minutes, put battery back in and attempt sequence again. Still nothing? Install new CMOS battery. It's a cheap CR2032 battery found at any drug store.

Report back if you are still unable to type on BL screen.
I

bob2026 · 2026-07-19T12:55:16-0400

Thanks so much. A restart brings me to the same frozen BitLocker page, not into BIOS. I removed the battery, we'll see if that helps.

bob2026 · 2026-07-19T16:35:55-0400

After battery replacement I was able to type the BitLocker Recovery Key with a wired KB, then recovered access to my PC. Thanks very much, your solution is highly efficient. But another question rises (should I post a new thread ...?): when typing F11 on startup which should access the Boot Menu, W11 ignores it and simply launches, despite me tyîng F11 repeatedly. I don't understand why this is. Some time ago I was able to access the Boot menu, like when I tried Linux from a Live USB dongle. But for the initial solution, regardless of this new question: thanks again very much, I really do appreciate.

spapakons · 2026-07-19T16:50:41-0400

There is a setting in BIOS called Fast Boot or similar. This when enabled bypasses some stuff to load Windows faster. Disable this and try to override the Boot sequence (aka open Boot Menu) again. Have in mind that the time to press the key counts from the time the computer is switched on and after you hear the initial beep from the BIOS (which means everything OK, I continue booting), not from the time the screen is activated.

FrancoDT · 2026-07-19T17:07:21-0400

bob2026 said:
After battery replacement I was able to type the BitLocker Recovery Key with a wired KB, then recovered access to my PC. Thanks very much, your solution is highly efficient. But another question rises (should I post a new thread ...?): when typing F11 on startup which should access the Boot Menu, W11 ignores it and simply launches, despite me tyîng F11 repeatedly. I don't understand why this is. Some time ago I was able to access the Boot menu, like when I tried Linux from a Live USB dongle. But for the initial solution, regardless of this new question: thanks again very much, I really do appreciate.

Did you check to make sure the recovery menu is enabled in a CMD prompt? reagentc /info

Verify it's not set to disabled

glasskuter · 2026-07-19T18:27:41-0400

@bob2026 You do not give the make/model of your device in your computer specs section. I think you are hitting the wrong key to get into the boot menu or the one that accesses bios.
MOST mainstream OEMs use F12 or ESC for the boot menu. If you have an OEM device, you can find the key to access boot menu or uefi bios here.

List of PC brands with their corresponding hot-keys

How to get to your Boot Menu or your BIOS settings? Use different hot-keys that go to these settings.

www.disk-image.com

spapakons · 2026-07-20T00:21:13-0400

For desktop computer is F12 or F11 or F9 or F8 depending on brand.

idgat · 2026-07-20T00:27:16-0400

bob2026 said:
I was able to type the BitLocker Recovery Key with a wired KB, then recovered access to my PC

bob2026 said:
But another question rises

... which is, consider whether it's really necessary to encrypt your whole device, rather than just your personal data.

spapakons · 2026-07-20T00:41:27-0400

Do I have to remind you that if you forget the password you might be locked out of your own computer? Yes, the key might be on your Microsoft account, but this only helps if you use your Microsoft account to login to Windows. Otherwise you are screwed. I would avoid using BitLocker to lock the whole drive and encrypt only a certain folder.

bob2026 · 2026-07-20T03:56:50-0400

Thanks to each and everyone of you for your precious help, the problem is solved. Have a good day.

Solved Stuck with frozen BitLocker screen, cannot type anything

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