Disable asking for Recovery Key during Boot up

[AsishB]

After purchasing my laptop, I decided to install a cleaner Windows. But, as soon as I started installing, I was asked for a Bitlocker Recovery Key.

My laptop has Windows 11 Home User Single language that came pre-installed. So, Bitlocker should not be there (since Bitlocker comes with Windows Pro version.

I did find the Recovery Key from my Microsoft account. But, no matter how many times I entered, the laptop did NOT let me reset. It would just go to the Keyboard layout, and then "Continue" page. 

After some time, I plugged in a USB to perform a clean boot, and somehow, I could enter my system.

How do I disable this extremely frustrating Bitlocker Recovery key system ?

[Kuroi_Kenshi · Accepted solution]

Hi @AsishB,

I understand your OMEN 16-xd0000 laptop is prompting for a BitLocker Recovery Key during a clean Windows installation, even though it came with Windows 11 Home, and you want to disable this system. Let’s go step by step.

1. Check Why BitLocker Is Active

BitLocker can be automatically enabled on OEM devices with TPM (Trusted Platform Module).

Even Windows Home can trigger a recovery prompt if the UEFI/TPM detects a hardware change, such as reinstalling Windows.

This is why you were asked for a key when attempting a clean install.

2. Access Windows After Recovery

Since you managed to boot into Windows via USB:

Press Windows + S, type Manage BitLocker, and select it.

Check if BitLocker is turned on for the system drive.

3. Disable BitLocker

In BitLocker Management, click Turn Off BitLocker.

Confirm and allow the system to decrypt the drive.

This may take some time depending on drive size.

After decryption, BitLocker will no longer prompt for a recovery key.

4. Future Clean Installs

When performing a fresh Windows installation on a device with TPM:

Either disable BitLocker during install using Shift + F10 and manage-bde commands,

Or unlink your Microsoft account until after installation.

I hope this helps.

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