Troubleshooting guide
How to fix the problem
In Windows Settings, check Device Encryption if supported or Control Panel > BitLocker Disk Encryption. The presence of these menus depends on the Windows edition and hardware. Before changing BIOS, TPM or boot settings, check where the BitLocker recovery key is stored. The login PIN is not this key; it can be managed by an administrator on an organization device.
Possible solutions
Choose the method that matches your situation. Start with the simplest suitable option and check the result. If the problem is fixed, you do not need to continue with the other methods.
Windows encryption menu
Check Device encryption in settings if your release and hardware support it.
Steps to follow
- Press the Windows logo key and I together on your keyboard to open Settings.
- Select "Privacy & Security".
- Select "Device encryption".
- See if encryption is enabled. If the section is not available, support for it is edition and hardware dependent.
- Before proceeding with BIOS or TPM, check your recovery key storage location; do not show the key publicly.
BitLocker management
On a supported edition of Windows, use Control Panel > BitLocker and check the availability of the recovery key.
Steps to follow
- Type "Control Panel" in the Start search and open it.
- Select System and Security > BitLocker Disk Encryption if your edition has it.
- Check the status and recovery key backup option next to the required drive; keep the key separate from this computer.
If the problem persists
Check the recovery key before replacing BIOS or TPM; it is not a login PIN. If the computer is managed by an organization, contact the organization's administrator for the key.
Request a repair