“This update broke BitLocker for me” — Windows 11’s April patch is locking out PCs, but here’s the fix that works

On April 14, 2026, Microsoft began rolling out the April 2026 Security Update (KB5083769) for Windows 11, introducing several visual changes, improvements, and fixes. However, as with previous updates, some users are running into issues after installation.

Microsoft has confirmed a specific BitLocker-related problem that can cause affected devices to boot directly into the BitLocker recovery screen, preventing access to the desktop.

According to the company, this behavior is triggered by an “unrecommended” BitLocker configuration. As a result, some devices are being prompted to enter the BitLocker recovery key on the first restart after installing the update.

The issue only affects a small number of systems with a specific configuration. For example, BitLocker must be enabled on the operating system drive, and the "Configure TPM platform validation profile for native UEFI firmware configurations" policy must be configured with PCR7 included in the validation profile.

In addition, System Information must report “Secure Boot State PCR7 Binding” as “Not Possible,” the UEFI CA 2023 certificate must be present in the Secure Boot Signature Database (DB), and the device must not already be running the 2023-signed Windows Boot Manager.

Microsoft notes that this is not a widespread issue, and most devices are not affected. In addition, this is a one-time recovery event. After entering the BitLocker recovery key, future restarts should boot normally into Windows 11.

In this how-to guide, I'll outline the different ways to recover from the BitLocker issue before or after installing the latest quality update on Windows 11.

How to fix the BitLocker recovery key at boot issue on Windows 11

If you prevent or resolve the current encryption issue with the April 2026 Security Update on Windows 11, you must undo the Group Policy configuration or enter the recovery key when prompted.

If you're a commercial customer, you can contact Microsoft to obtain the Known Issue Rollback (KIR) update to undo the faulty configuration if you cannot use Group Policy.

Confirm BitLocker recovery key after update

To find the BitLocker recovery key for your device, use these steps:

1. Open your Microsoft account online on a different device.
2. Confirm the PC name and "Key ID" to find the correct BitLocker recovery key.
3. Type the key in the BitLocker recovery key screen.

4. Click the Continue button.

Once you complete the steps, the computer will boot straight to the desktop, and future reboots won't require the recovery key.

Undo Group Policy configuration before update

To undo the unrecommended Group Policy configuration from your PC, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for gpedit and click the top result to open Group Policy Editor.
3. Open the following path: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > BitLocker Drive Encryption > Operating System Drives
4. Right-click the "Configure TPM platform validation profile for native UEFI firmware configurations" policy and choose the Edit option.
5. Select the Not configured option.

6. Click the Apply button.
7. Click the OK button.
8. Open Start.
9. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and choose the Run as administrator option.
10. Type this command to force the new configuration and press Enter: gpupdate /force
11. Type this command to suspend BitLocker protection on the system drive and press Enter: manage-bde -protectors -disable C:

12. Type this command to resume BitLocker protection after the policy update and press Enter: manage-bde -protectors -enable C:

After you complete the steps, the system will rebind BitLocker to use the default PCR profile in the operating system, and you won't see the recovery screen upon restart after installing the update.

Have you encountered this specific problem after installing the April 2026 Security Update? Let me know in the comments.

FAQs about resetting BitLocker config

These are common questions regarding resetting the unrecommended BitLocker on Windows 11.

More resources

Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

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