Recovery key can't be typed in blue BitLocker screen field

[sjsouder]

I went to work on my HP laptop yesterday morning, only to be met with a blue BitLocker screen, which locked my laptop. I had never heard of BitLocker before. It required a recovery key to be entered in the field at the top of the screen to unlock the laptop. I had my recovery key and tried to type it in the field, but I couldn't enter the key. The cursor was not active.

How am I supposed to unlock my laptop if I can't type in the recovery key? This is very frustrating!

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @sjsouder,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

Thank you for reaching out to HP Support. We understand how concerning and frustrating it is to start your day ready to work, only to be met with a static blue BitLocker screen, and no way to type in the recovery key you already have. Let’s work together to resolve this on your HP 17.3” Laptop PC 17-c4000 Pc.

Step 1: Try a USB Keyboard
Connect a wired USB keyboard (not Bluetooth) to your laptop and restart the system. Many users find this resolves the issue immediately.

Step 2: Perform a Hard Reset

1. Turn off your laptop.
2. Unplug the power adapter.
3. Press and hold the power button for 15 seconds.
4. Reconnect the power and turn the laptop on. Check if the keyboard responds at the BitLocker screen.

Step 3: Test Keyboard in BIOS

1. Power off your device.
2. Press the power button, then immediately begin pressing the Esc key repeatedly.
3. If the Startup Menu appears, your keyboard is functional, which means the issue is likely tied to the BitLocker interface only.

If your keyboard is responsive in BIOS but not at the BitLocker screen, and you still have trouble, use the link for more help: HP PCs - Using BitLocker and finding the recovery key (Windows 11, 10) | HP® Support

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, as it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

VikramTheGreat

HP Support