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How to Fix BitLocker Password Prompt Screen Not Working on Windows 10: Step-by-Step Guide

BitLocker is a powerful encryption tool built into Windows 10 that helps protect your data. Sometimes, you might face an issue where the BitLocker password prompt screen does not work as expected. This can prevent you from accessing your encrypted drive.

Don’t worry—this guide will walk you through simple, easy-to-follow steps to fix the BitLocker password prompt screen issue. Each method is explained in detail, even if you’re not very tech-savvy.

Make sure to follow the steps in order, starting from the simplest solutions. This way, you can quickly resolve the problem without unnecessary complications.

Let’s get started and get your BitLocker password prompt working again.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

  • Ensure your keyboard is working properly because you need to enter the password. Try typing in another program to confirm.
  • Check if your system is fully updated with the latest Windows 10 updates. Updates often fix bugs that cause issues.
  • Make sure your USB keyboard (if used) is connected correctly and recognized by the system, especially during boot.
  • Have your BitLocker recovery key ready as a backup in case the password prompt does not appear or accept your input.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can fix temporary glitches causing the password prompt to freeze or not respond. Restarting clears temporary files and refreshes system processes.

  • Click on the Start menu.
  • Select Power, then Restart.
  • Wait for your computer to reboot and check if the BitLocker password prompt works.

Step 2: Check Keyboard Functionality on the Password Screen

If the password prompt appears but you cannot type anything, the keyboard might not be active at that stage.

  • Try pressing different keys like Caps Lock or Num Lock and observe if the indicator lights change.
  • If you don’t see any response, try using a different keyboard or connect the keyboard to a different USB port.
  • If you use a wireless keyboard, try switching to a wired one as wireless devices sometimes don’t initialize early in the boot process.

Step 3: Disable Fast Startup in Windows 10

Fast Startup can sometimes interfere with BitLocker password prompts by not fully resetting hardware during boot.

  • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box, type control, and press Enter.
  • Go to Power Options.
  • Click Choose what the power buttons do on the left panel.
  • Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
  • Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended).
  • Click Save changes and restart your computer.

This step ensures a clean boot sequence, allowing BitLocker to prompt correctly for your password.

Step 4: Run Startup Repair

Corrupted system files can cause the BitLocker password screen to malfunction. Running Startup Repair fixes these files.

  • Restart your PC and interrupt the boot process three times by turning off the PC as Windows tries to load. This will trigger the Automatic Repair screen.
  • Click Advanced options.
  • Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions. Windows will try to fix problems preventing startup.
  • Once complete, restart your PC and check the BitLocker prompt.

Step 5: Use Command Prompt to Fix Boot Configuration

If the problem persists, the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) might be corrupted. Fixing it can restore the BitLocker prompt functionality.

  • Boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (you can do this by interrupting startup or using Windows installation media).
  • Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
  • Enter the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd

These commands repair the master boot record and rebuild the boot configuration, which are crucial for BitLocker to function correctly during startup.

After completion, type exit and restart your PC.

Step 6: Temporarily Suspend BitLocker Protection

If you can access Windows without the password prompt, try suspending and re-enabling BitLocker. This can reset the password prompt behavior.

  • Open Control Panel and go to BitLocker Drive Encryption.
  • Find the encrypted drive and click Suspend protection.
  • Confirm the action and restart your computer.
  • After reboot, go back to BitLocker settings and click Resume protection.

This refreshes BitLocker’s status and may resolve prompt issues.

Alternative Method: Use BitLocker Recovery Key to Unlock

If the password prompt does not work, you can use your BitLocker recovery key to unlock the drive.

  • When the prompt appears, select More options.
  • Choose Enter recovery key.
  • Type your 48-digit recovery key carefully.
  • Press Enter to unlock the drive.

This method ensures you can access your data even when the password prompt fails.

FAQs

Q: Why does the BitLocker password prompt screen not accept my input?

A: This often happens if the keyboard is not initialized during boot or if Fast Startup is enabled. Trying a different keyboard or disabling Fast Startup usually fixes the issue.

Q: Can I bypass the BitLocker password prompt?

A: No, bypassing BitLocker defeats its purpose. However, you can use the recovery key to unlock the drive if the password prompt fails.

Q: What if I lost my BitLocker recovery key?

A: Without the recovery key or password, your data is inaccessible. Check your Microsoft account online or any physical/USB backups where you might have saved the key.

Q: Does suspending BitLocker remove encryption?

A: No, suspending BitLocker temporarily disables protection but keeps your data encrypted.

Q: Will updating Windows fix BitLocker prompt problems?

A: Yes, updates can fix bugs affecting BitLocker functionality, so always keep your system updated.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above methods fix the BitLocker password prompt issue, consider these final options:

  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft support website for personalized help.
  • Use Windows Installation Media: Boot from the Windows 10 installation USB/DVD and use recovery tools to troubleshoot further.
  • Data Recovery Services: As a last resort, professional data recovery services might help retrieve your encrypted data if you have the recovery key.

Remember, always keep your recovery key backed up safely and never share it with unauthorized users.

Conclusion

The BitLocker password prompt screen not working can be frustrating, but most problems are fixable by following simple steps. Start by restarting your PC and checking keyboard functionality. Disabling Fast Startup and running Startup Repair often resolve common issues.

For more advanced fixes, repairing the boot configuration or suspending BitLocker protection can help. Always keep your recovery key handy to avoid data loss.

By carefully following this guide, you should be able to regain access to your encrypted drives and keep your data secure.

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