Microsoft's forced BitLocker encryption could cause Windows 11 users lose their data

Last month, Microsoft announced its plans to remove the BYPASSNRO workaround, which lets Windows 11 users skip internet and Microsoft Account sign-ins during setup. This change, still in testing, has frustrated users who prefer local accounts. Now, such users are also complaining that BitLocker encryption can cause them lose their data are complaining that BitLocker encytion

Windows 11 users are fuming over BitLocker encryption, as it could cause users to lose their data

The push for Microsoft Accounts ties to the Windows 11 24H2 update, which enables BitLocker encryption by default, even on Home editions. BitLocker secures data but stores recovery keys in Microsoft Accounts, making local setups trickier.

While Microsoft defends encryption for security, especially with TPM, it’s not without flaws. BitLocker can slow drives and, worse, risk data loss if users lose access to recovery keys. Spotted by Neowin, a Reddit user, MorCJul, recently discussed BitLocker’s potential to wipe data. The post has 546 upvotes at the time of writing. Clearly, many users are frustrated over the forced BitLocker encryption.

The Redditor notes that losing account access means losing data forever. For everyday users, data availability—like family photos and documents—matters more than confidentiality. Without mandatory key backups, BitLocker sets users up for disaster, making Microsoft’s “secure by default” approach a major threat to personal data.

Keep your data safe

Microsoft’s removal of BYPASSNRO could deepen these issues, forcing reliance on Microsoft Accounts and BitLocker. Users upgrading to 24H2 should check encryption settings and save recovery keys securely. Microsoft needs to better educate users to prevent data loss disasters.