UMVA has learned that a recent Windows 10 cumulative update, KB5094127, has caused issues for some users, forcing them to enter their BitLocker recovery key after restarting their PC.
The update, released as part of Patch Tuesday earlier this week, has triggered a problem on a limited number of computers with an "unrecommended" BitLocker Group Policy configuration. This issue has happened before, but Microsoft is now warning users about the potential pitfalls.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the problem occurs on computers with specific conditions met: BitLocker is enabled on the OS drive, a certain Group Policy configuration is set, and the device has a particular Secure Boot State. These conditions are unlikely to be found on personal devices not managed by IT departments.
The issue only requires users to enter their BitLocker recovery key once, after which subsequent restarts will not trigger a recovery screen. However, for many users, the real challenge will be finding their BitLocker recovery key in the first place. Without it, they will be locked out of their PCs until IT can provide assistance.
Microsoft emphasizes that personal devices not managed by IT departments are unlikely to be affected. However, enterprise and organizational Windows 10 computers that meet the specific conditions may require users to enter their BitLocker recovery key. The company is currently working on a solution to this problem.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that IT administrators can work around the issue by removing the Group Policy configuration before installing the update. Instructions for this workaround are available. Update KB5094127 is only available to Windows 10 users registered for the free Extended Security Updates program.
The update fixes numerous bugs, issues, and security vulnerabilities in the operating system. Users who are not registered for the Extended Security Updates program will not be affected by this issue. Microsoft's efforts to resolve the problem are underway, and a fix is expected to be released soon.
