BitLocker is a disk encryption feature in Windows that protects your data by encrypting entire drives. Sometimes, the BitLocker screen appears on system startup, preventing users from booting into Windows without entering the password. The affected users reported that their keyboard stopped working on the BitLocker boot screen. If the BitLocker keyboard is not working on your Windows computer, the solutions provided in this article will help you.
BitLocker keyboard is not working on Windows 11/10
Use the following fixes if the BitLocker keyboard is not working on your system and you are locked out of Windows.
- Check the Num Lock key
- Perform a hard reset
- Use a wired keyboard
- Use a PS2 keyboard
- Clear CMOS
- Disable Fast Boot in BIOS
- Try a workaround
- Perform the Clean Installation of Windows
All these fixes are explained in detail below:
1] Check the Num Lock key
BitLocker key is a numeric password. Therefore, the Num Lock key might be disabled. Press the Num Lock key at once and see if you can type the password. You can also use the numeric keys in the number row (the keys above the alphabetical keys on a keyboard).
On the BitLocker screen, the function keys also work the same as the numeric keys. You can also try typing your password.
2] Perform a hard reset
Hard reset your system and see if your keyboard works after that. Follow these steps:
- Force shut down your computer by pressing and holding the power button.
- Remove the power cord. If you have a laptop, disconnect its charger. Also, disconnect all peripherals.
- Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds.
- Connect the power cord and turn on your system.
3] Use a wired keyboard
If you have a wireless keyboard, use a wired keyboard. Connect the keyboard to all available USB ports. Sometimes, front USB ports do not work on the Recovery or BIOS screen. Connect your keyboard to the USB ports available on the back side of your computer case.
4] Use a PS2 keyboard
Some motherboards support PS2 input devices. These PS2 ports are available on the back side of the computer case. Look at the back side of your computer case and see if your motherboard has such ports. If yes, connect a PS2 keyboard to your system. If you do not have a PS2 keyboard, use a USB to PS2 adapter. The PS2 port should work on the BitLocker screen.
5] Clear CMOS
If the issue persists, you can try clearing the CMOS. This step also resets the BIOS settings to default.
The following steps will help you clear the CMOS.
- Turn off your computer and wait for a few minutes.
- Open the computer case and gently remove the CMOS battery from the socket.
- Wait for a few minutes and reinsert the battery with the right polarity.
- Turn on your computer and try typing the password on the BitLocker screen.
If this works, you can apply the same BIOS settings later.
6] Disable Fast Boot in BIOS
If the problem persists, you can try disabling Fast Boot in the BIOS. Fast Boot is a feature in BIOS/UEFI of modern computers that reduces the startup time by skipping certain hardware checks. Visit the official website of your computer manufacturer using a working computer and download the user manual for your computer. Check if the Fast Boot option is available on your system.
In most cases, clearing the CMOS also disables the Fast Boot option, as it resets the BIOS to its default settings. However, if you cannot enter the password on the BitLocker screen even after clearing the CMOS, you need to access the BIOS to check whether this feature is enabled. Try this:
Force shut down your computer. Press the power button and immediately start spamming the Esc key. See if you can enter into BIOS. You can also enter BIOS through WinRE. Since the keyboard is not working on the BitLocker screen, the chances that it works in the Windows Recovery Environment are also less. However, you can give it a try. To enter Windows Recovery Environment, interrupt the normal boot process by following these instructions:
- Force shut down your computer.
- Press the power button. When you see the Windows or manufacturer’s logo, immediately press and hold the power button to turn it off again.
Repeat these steps until you see the Preparing Automatic Repair screen. Once you are in WinRE, see if your mouse works. If yes, select Advanced Options > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware Settings.
The methods for disabling Fast Boot in the BIOS vary by motherboard. I have explained the method for ASUS computers:
In BIOS, enter the Advanced Mode. Now, open the Boot Configuration option. You will see the Fast Boot option there. Disable it, save the settings, and restart your computer. Other computer users refer to the user manual for the instructions to disable this feature in the BIOS.
7] Try a workaround
If you still cannot use your keyboard on the BitLocker screen, try this workaround. For this, you need a working computer. Force-shutdown your computer and wait a few minutes. Now, open the computer case. Disconnect your primary hard drive carefully. Disconnect the primary hard drive from the working computer and install your hard drive in it. Now, turn it on and enter the BitLocker password. Once you enter Windows, disable the BitLocker encryption.
After doing that, turn off that computer and disconnect your hard drive from it. Install the hard drive in your computer and turn it on.
8] Perform the Clean Installation of Windows
If nothing works, the last resort is to perform a clean installation of Windows. This method will bypass the BitLocker encryption screen but destroy all the data on your hard drive. This method may not work if the Fast Boot option is enabled in your BIOS.
That’s it. I hope this helps.
Why is my keyboard and mouse not working in BitLocker?
If your keyboard and mouse are not working in BitLocker, Windows might not have loaded the drivers. You are basically in a pre-boot environment where your USB devices are not fully initialized. This happens if the Fast Boot option is enabled in your BIOS. If your motherboard does not have the Fast Boot option, try using a wired keyboard and mouse.
Why can’t I type in BitLocker recovery key?
The BitLocker recovery key is numeric. If you cannot type it, check if the numeric keypad is working. Press the Num Lock key immediately, then try again. If you are using a wireless keyboard, connect a wired keyboard.
Read next: Windows RE cannot be enabled on a volume with BitLocker Drive Encryption Enabled.
