Microsoft’s latest security update for Windows 10 and Windows 11 has caused a serious issue on some devices. After installing this October 2025 security patch (versions 25H2, 24H2, and 22H2), some users’ computers are being redirected directly to the BitLocker recovery screen after rebooting.

Windows update creates a new problem

This poses a potential data loss risk, especially for users who don’t have their BitLocker recovery keys. BitLocker has been known as a disk encryption tool integrated into the operating system since Windows Vista. Normally running silently in the background, this feature can prompt the user for the recovery key after critical hardware changes or security updates.

With the latest update, this security mechanism appears to have been accidentally triggered on some systems, leaving users stuck at the recovery screen.

According to Microsoft, this issue is more common on Intel-based computers with Modern Standby (Connected Standby) enabled. Modern Standby allows devices to maintain a network connection even while in sleep mode.

Users on affected systems can recover their BitLocker key through their Microsoft accounts. The company also recommends keeping an offline copy of the recovery key.

For now, users who haven’t yet installed the update should take some precautions. Users are advised to check their BitLocker status in Settings > Privacy & Security > Device Encryption. From there, you can view the encryption key or be redirected to Microsoft’s website.

Users who remain stuck on the BitLocker screen after the update must log in to their Microsoft account using a different device and access the recovery page. Microsoft has stated that it is aware of this issue. It has also been reported that the company is working on a temporary group policy workaround to resolve the issue.