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Win 11 bit locker screen disappears too fast for sight impaired users. How can I stop the screen from appearing at all; or how can I extend how long it stays while I am trying to enter my recovery key?

Random Roo 20 Reputation points
2025-10-22T20:21:25.62+00:00

Windows 11 bit locker repeatedly comes up on my laptop; often for no valid reason. When there IS valid reason such as me needing to access the Bios for setting changes; the bit locker recovery screen goes away too fast when I am trying to verify my entry of the recovery key.

I have vision issues that require extra effort to read and enter small text which forced me to retire from my employment as a developer. Having to use my phone to get the recover key itself is a struggle.

Example: I entered the recovery key and was double checking my entry when the screen just went away and I had to start all over again.

Is there a way to extend the timer for entering and validating the bit locker recovery key?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Security and privacy
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  1. Bryan-V 5,925 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-10-23T18:42:26.13+00:00

    Dear Random Roo,

    Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Q&A Forum.

    Unfortunately, there is no built-in setting in Windows or your BIOS to extend the timer on that specific pre-boot recovery screen.

    Why it appears for no valid reason? This is because BitLocker is protecting your system's boot integrity. If anything changes, it triggers the alarm:

    • A BIOS/UEFI firmware update.
    • A change in the boot order.
    • A new piece of hardware.
    • A failing laptop battery can sometimes cause this.

    You can either bypass this screen entirely or prevent it from showing up in the first place.

    1. Suspend BitLocker before you enter the BIOS:
      • Log in to Windows normally.
      • Go to the Control Panel. (You can search for it in the Start Menu).
      • Go to System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption.
      • You will see your C: drive. Click the "Suspend protection" link.
      • A warning will ask if you are sure. Click "Yes".
    2. If this feature causes you more problems than the security is worth, you can turn it off permanently. This will decrypt your entire drive. Your data will no longer be protected if your laptop is stolen, but you will never see the recovery screen again.
      • Log in to Windows.
      • Go to Control Panel > System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption.
      • Click "Turn off BitLocker".
      • Follow the prompts to confirm.

    I hope this could help. If you have any further issues, I'm very happy to assist.

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    1 person found this answer helpful.

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