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How do I disable Bitlocker, and how do I restore my laptop Desktop?

Kim 5 Reputation points
2025-03-06T10:23:40.0666667+00:00

I opened my laptop to find out that Bitlocker was enabled, and I needed a recovery key.

Thankfully, i did have that in my microsoft account, where I am a member of Microsoft 365 Family.

I've also checked the computer series number from my microsoft account, and the numbers match.

Problem is that while I found the Recovery Key ID in my microsoft account and entered it(it was created about a month ago), it somehow brought in the settings from an entirely different computer: the background, the Desktop files... I could also open the files from my Desktop as well. Luckily the Hardware drive files on my laptop was okay, but the Desktop wasn't.

It also change Windows 11 Home(as indicated in my microsoft account) to Windows 10 Home.

(That PC might have been under my account as well, but I still don't understand why bitlocker told me to enter that specific Bitlocker recovery key in that case. At this moment I cannot physically check that computer to make sure.)

This lead to a few problems:

  1. Now window asks for recovery key everytime I turn it on. Is there absolutely no way to solve this?
  2. In order to restore what was on my Desktop before Bitlocker turned on automatically, what can I do?
  3. Most importantly, i can't turn on my wifi, as in when I try to connect through the settings or the taskbar, the 'Wifi' option is not there. I have gone through the Device Manager > Network Adapter option, but it shows: WAN Miniport LKEv2 / IP / IPv6 / L2TP / Network Monitor / PPPOE / PPTP / SSTP, and I don't know what to click. This really limits my options of efforts I can do from this PC to change what happened.
  4. Would this have also enabled Bitlocker for that other PC as well? I cannot physically turn it on in any way possible to check.

5.Is there a possibility that the Desktop for the other computer currently have my laptop's Desktop?

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | Performance | Windows desktop and shell experience
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  1. Anonymous
    2025-03-13T01:21:48.93+00:00

    Hello,

    1. BitLocker Recovery Key Issue

    If your laptop is now asking for a BitLocker recovery key every time you turn it on, it indicates that the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) or BitLocker configuration has been reset or changed. Here's how to resolve this:

    Step 1: Suspend BitLocker Protection

    Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

    Press Win + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).

    Run the following command to suspend BitLocker protection:

    manage-bde -protectors -disable C:

    Restart your laptop and check if the recovery key prompt is gone.

    Step 2: Re-enable BitLocker

    Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

    Run the following command to re-enable BitLocker:

    manage-bde -protectors -enable C:

    Follow the on-screen instructions to configure BitLocker.

    Step 3: Check TPM Settings

    Open Device Manager (devmgmt.msc).

    Expand Security devices and check if the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is listed.

    If the TPM is missing or has an error, update the drivers or reset the TPM:

    Open Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.

    Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.

    Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings.

    Restart and enable TPM in the BIOS/UEFI settings.

    1. Restoring Desktop Files

    If your Desktop files were replaced with those from another computer, you can try to recover them:

    Step 1: Check File History

    Open Settings > Update & Security > Backup.

    Check if File History is enabled and restore your Desktop files from a previous backup.

    Step 2: Check OneDrive

    If you use OneDrive, log in to your Microsoft account and check if your Desktop files are synced there.

    Restore the files to your laptop.

    1. Fixing Wi-Fi Connectivity

    Open Settings > Network & Internet > Status.

    Click Network reset and confirm.

    Restart your laptop and check if the Wi-Fi option reappears.

    1. Windows Activation and Version Change

    If your laptop changed from Windows 11 Home to Windows 10 Home, it could be due to a recovery process or incorrect activation. Here's how to fix it:

    Step 1: Check Activation Status

    Open Settings > System > Activation.

    Check if Windows is activated. If not, click Change product key and enter your Windows 11 license key.

    Step 2: Upgrade to Windows 11

    Download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from the Microsoft website.

    Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to upgrade to Windows 11.Have a nice day.

    Best Regards,

    Hania Lian

    ============================================

    If the Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.

     

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