Microsoft Alerts Businesses: Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 October Update Causes BitLocker Recovery Issues

Microsoft has acknowledged a significant issue that may prompt BitLocker Recovery on Windows systems including versions 25H2 and 24H2 of Windows 11, as well as Windows 10. This situation could require users to input their BitLocker recovery key, and failure to provide this key could result in irreversible data loss. For most users, the recovery key is typically linked to their Microsoft account (MSA), which serves as a safe backup.

Understanding BitLocker

While BitLocker can be a valuable security feature, its complexity can lead to challenges for users unfamiliar with its functionality. When faced with the BitLocker recovery screen, which is now more prevalent following the Windows October 2025 Update, users must have access to their recovery key to proceed.

Microsoft detailed the issue in a recent support document indicating that after updating to versions released on or after October 14, 2025, certain devices may struggle during boot-up. It’s worth noting that access to this document is restricted to users with a Windows 11 Enterprise E3 license.

Affected Versions of Windows

The following Windows versions have been identified as encountering this problem:

Windows 11, Version 25H2 – KB5066835
Windows 11, Version 24H2 – KB5066835
Windows 10, Version 22H2 – KB5066791

This issue appears to primarily impact business users, as confirmed by Microsoft representatives speaking to Windows Latest. Fortunately, a remedy is in the process of being implemented, although businesses will need to manually distribute the fix within their networks.

Intel PCs and Connected Standby

In their advisory, Microsoft noted that the majority of the affected devices are Intel-based PCs utilizing a feature known as “Connected Standby.”This capability, also referred to as Modern Standby, is prevalent among contemporary PCs and dates back to early development phases during Windows 8, enhancing features introduced in Windows 10.

Although the specifics connecting BitLocker and Modern Standby remain unclear, there are indications that the October 2025 Update may have altered the boot process or Secure Boot state. For Intel machines operating under Modern Standby (S0), it appears that the update or subsequent system restart improperly managed the suspension of BitLocker for a singular reboot, triggering the recovery prompt. Users should note that following recovery key entry, the system will automatically restart.

The October 2025 Update has proven to be an unstable transition for many Windows users, as it has also been linked to performance issues with the Task Manager.

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