HP Support Assistant BIOS update says I have bitlocker enabled on Windows 11 Home

[phit03]

I'm using HP Support Assistant to try and update my BIOS.

I've downloaded the update and started the install process and it's come up with a message saying that Bitlocker is enabled.

I'm running Windows 11 Home, which doesn't support Bitlocker so why is this message appearing?

I've cancelled the BIOS update as I don't want to end up with a "bricked" laptop.

Is it safe to continue?

[tk_srq · Accepted solution]

@phit03

If your laptop comes with Windows11 Home preloaded and you sign in with Microsoft account during the initial setup, your hard drive most likely is encrypted. Microsoft calls it Device Encryption, which is a lightweight version of BitLocker Drive Encryption which runs on Win11 pro and other business versions.

See the HP document below about Device Encryption. The article shows a warning that a laptop may be locked asking for recovery key after BIOS update. 

HP PCs - Using BitLocker and finding the recovery key (Windows 11, 10) | HP® Support

As far as I know, Device Encryption doesn't provide an option to disable encryption temporarily. If you leave the drive encryption enabled, it's very important to save the recovery key before BIOS update.

See this article for how to view your recovery key from MS account.

How to Find a BitLocker Key and Recover Files from Encrypted Drives | Tom's Hardware (tomshardware.c...

[edit]

Also, you can save a recovery key to a usb drive or print it from Control Panel. Run Control Panel -> System and Security -> Device Encryption -> Back up Your Recovery Key. Now you can save a key in text format on a USB drive and/or print it.

[phit03]

Thanks Tk_srq

Exactly what I needed, I've found and made a note of the recovery key and when I have more time I'll have a go at updating the BIOS.

Thanks for your help.

Tony