When installing Windows 11, the digital license associates itself with your device's hardware. If you make significant hardware changes on your device, such as replacing your motherboard, Windows will no longer find a license that matches your device, and you’ll need to reactivate Windows to get it up and running.

If you are unable to locate the BitLocker recovery key and can't revert any configuration change that might have caused it to be required, you’ll need to reset your device using one of the Windows recovery options. Resetting your device will remove all of your files.

Use the Startup Repair function. Use installation media to reinstall Windows 11. Use installation media to restore your PC. Use a recovery drive to restore or recover your PC. Go back to your previous version of Windows. Restore from a system restore point. Learn about the recovery options in Windows.

However, Windows will require a BitLocker recovery key when it detects a possible unauthorized attempt to access the drive. It's critical that you have a backup copy of this key. If you lose the key, Microsoft support isn't able to provide it, or recreate it for you.

Select Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Device encryption. If Device encryption doesn't appear, it isn't available. You may be able to use standard BitLocker encryption instead. Open Device encryption in Settings. If Device encryption is turned off, turn it On. Turn on standard BitLocker encryption.

Select the Start button, then select Settings > Update & Security > Device encryption. If Device encryption doesn't appear, it isn't available. If device encryption is turned off, select Turn on. Additional resources. Back up your BitLocker recovery key. Finding your BitLocker recovery key in Windows.

Or, select Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Device encryption > BitLocker drive encryption. Note: You'll only see this option if BitLocker is available for your device. It isn't available on Windows 11 Home edition.

Cause. This problem occurs if one of the following entries in the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) store points to the incorrect partition: Windows Boot Manager. Windows Memory Tester. Resume from Hibernate. Resolution. To resolve this problem, edit the following BCD entries: Windows Boot Manager. Set this entry to point to the system partition.

Cause. This problem occurs if one of the following entries in the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) store points to the incorrect partition: Windows Boot Manager. Windows Memory Tester. Resume from Hibernate. Resolution. To resolve this problem, edit the following BCD entries: Windows Boot Manager. Set this entry to point to the system partition.

You are prompted for your BitLocker recovery key at Windows startup on a Surface Book 2 13" device that has an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 video card. Cause. This issue may occurs after the August 2018 UEFI update is installed. If the recovery key was entered, the device is now in Legacy Bound (PCR 0,2,4,11) configuration.