Latest Windows security update is locking users out of their PCs

pcgamer.com:

If you're planning on downloading the latest Microsoft Security Update for Windows, it's a good idea to have your BitLocker key ready to go. According to The Register(opens in new tab), users who download the update are having quite a few issues, including being completely locked out of their PCs on restart.

The latest Windows security update for Secure Boot DBX released nearly two weeks ago on August 9 and since then has been giving users all sorts of problems. Not unlike the last security patch for Windows 11(opens in new tab). Dubbed KB5012170, this update comes with fixes for exploits that could allow unauthorised code to run during the boot process, so it's important for security, especially when Unified Extensible Firmware Interface is used.

Unfortunately, as mentioned the KB5012170 update has also been locking users out of their PCs. Once the update has been installed and the PC has performed a mandatory restart, some users are being prompted for their BitLocker key to get back into their computers. Of course, most people aren't going to have that on hand at the time, let alone necessarily even know what it is.

Thankfully, Microsoft has a support page that can direct most users to find their BitLocker recovery key(opens in new tab). However, there are still going to be plenty of users who won't be able to access the key for whatever reason, be it a work device, family gift, hand-me-down, or just having lost passwords. All of which can mean suddenly being locked out of devices for doing a security update. 

Windows 11 review(opens in new tab): What we think of the new OSHow to install Windows 11(opens in new tab): Safe and secure installWhat you need to know before upgrading(opens in new tab): Things to note before