BitLocker

[scooter419]

I boot up my laptop and BitLocker comes up and I login onto my Microsoft account from another computer and get the recovery key and enter it on the other laptop and it says unlocking but than goes back to the same screen to enter the code again

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @scooter419,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

When BitLocker keeps looping back to the recovery screen even after entering the correct key, it's typically because your system's hardware or firmware setup no longer aligns with BitLocker's expectations. Here's how to resolve it and regain access to your laptop:

1. Restore BIOS/UEFI to Default Settings

Your laptop may have undergone changes that make BitLocker think it's on a new device.

• Power on and press Esc repeatedly, then F10 to enter BIOS setup.
• Look for Restore Defaults (often under the Exit tab), select it, then save and restart.
• After reboot, re-enter your BitLocker key again.

2. Clear/Re‑initialize TPM

BitLocker uses TPM to verify system integrity; if the TPM state changed (like after BIOS reset), it can trigger a loop:

• While in BIOS/UEFI, find Security → TPM Configuration, and choose Clear TPM (ensure you've backed up your recovery key!).
• Restart and re-enter the recovery key. This resets TPM trust and often breaks the loop.

🛠️ 3. Use WinRE and the manage-bde Command

If the loop continues, use the recovery environment to bypass and re-bind BitLocker:

1. On the BitLocker screen, click Skip this drive → Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Command Prompt.
2. Unlock the drive manually: manage-bde -unlock C: -RecoveryPassword YOUR-48-DIGIT-RECOVERY-KEY
3. Suspend BitLocker protectors: manage-bde -protectors -disable C:
4. Close Command Prompt, choose Continue to Windows, and your PC should now boot normally. Afterwards, resume BitLocker protection.

These steps manually re-establish trust and prevent BitLocker from locking you out again.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat