Windows Update Causes Access Issues for Users

Following the release of the April update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2 on April 18, 2026, numerous users are reporting serious problems. The update, designated KB5083769, causes some users to be locked out of their computers as Windows requests the input of the BitLocker recovery key. Without this key, the use of the PC is not possible. Affected are not only users of the latest version but also those using Windows 11 version 23H2 who have installed the update KB5082052.

Microsoft has already acknowledged the issue in a support document, stating that it affects a limited number of systems under specific conditions. The specific conditions leading to this problem include, among others, that BitLocker is enabled on the operating system drive and a non-recommended group policy for TPM platform validation has been configured. This configuration is typically not found on personal devices but rather on corporate computers managed by IT departments. Microsoft describes in the document that the affected systems must have the group policy "Configure TPM Platform Validation Profile for Native UEFI Firmware Configurations" actively enabled. Additionally, PCR7 must be included in the validation profile or the corresponding registry key must be set manually.

These technical requirements significantly narrow down the group of affected users. Another criterion is that the system information (available via msinfo32.exe) shows the secure boot state PCR7 Binding as "Not Possible." This indicates that the affected systems are not configured for the 2023 signed Windows Boot Manager, further exacerbating the issue. The solution for affected users is to enter the BitLocker recovery key. If this key is unknown, users must contact their IT support for assistance.

Microsoft has also provided guidance on how IT departments can resolve the issue. A potential solution for companies could be a rollback (Known Issue Rollback, KIR) to remove the problematic updates KB5083769 or KB5082052. However, this carries the risk of reopening security vulnerabilities that these updates were meant to close, making the systems susceptible to attacks. Microsoft plans to provide a permanent solution to the problem in a future update. Until then, affected users are advised to follow the aforementioned steps to regain access to their systems.

However, the exact timeline for the upcoming update has not yet been disclosed. The company has emphasized in the past that user security is a top priority and that continuous improvements are being made. The vulnerabilities that the updates were intended to close affect a wide range of systems and are critical for IT security. Microsoft has noted in its support document that the issues will only affect a small group of users who meet the specific technical requirements. Most private users should not be affected by these difficulties. The current situation highlights the challenges associated with managing corporate systems and implementing security updates. Microsoft is expected to provide further information on the planned solutions in the coming weeks.