How to fix a fatal Bitlocker error during boot

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Are you a Windows user experiencing Bitlocker fatal error with code 0x0000000120 ? This (Blue Screen of Death) BSod error pops up resulting in automatic shutdown and / or system reboot. Today, we will show you how to solve this error problem.

BitLocker is a full disk encryption feature that protects data through encryption; therefore, it is a Windows security feature. It uses the AES encryption algorithm in Cipher Block Chaining (CBC) or XTS mode with a 128-bit or 256-bit key.

Meanwhile, BitLocker is not available in Windows XP, Windows 2000 or Windows 2003 operating systems, but in later versions. However, fatal Bitlocker BSOD error appears during boot process on Windows operating systems like Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10 PC. However, the reasons for this error include:

  • Damaged system files
  • Damaged Bitlocker program files
  • Incomplete Windows installation and / or upgrade
  • Bitlocker drive encryption corruption
  • Adding / Removing drives
  • Dynamic link libraries (DLL) are missing
  • Changes in BIOS boot order

Meanwhile, Windows Report Team has provided solutions that are applicable in fixing Bitlocker fatal error with stop code 0x0000000120. The solutions are given below.

Contents index

  • How to fix fatal Bitlocker error on Windows PC
    • Solution 1: Disconnect your USB devices
    • Solution 2: Disk Cleanup
    • Solution 3: Repair the PC registry
    • Solution 4: Use CCleaner
    • Solution 5: reset BIOS settings
    • Solution 6: Run System Restore in Safe Mode
    • Solution 7: Update your Windows operating system
    • Solution 8: Disable Bitlocker

How to fix fatal Bitlocker error on Windows PC

Solution 1: Disconnect your USB devices

According to some Windows users, USB devices such as Wi-Fi adapters, keyboards, mice, and Bluetooth can cause this problem. During boot, the system may try to boot from any of these devices, resulting in the Bitlocker fatal error screen

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However, you can fix this problem by disconnecting all connected USB devices and starting the system later.

Also, check your PC for any CDs, DVDs, or any other secondary storage devices and run them before booting. If this method doesn’t work, you can proceed to the next method.

  • Also read : How to disable BitLocker in Windows 8, Windows 8.1, 10

Solution 2: Disk Cleanup

You can also fix the error problem by running Disk Cleanup on your Windows PC. Disk Cleanup is a Windows utility program that reduces the number of unnecessary files on the hard disk to free up disk space.

Delete the temporary files or unwanted files from the system that caused the Btlocker fatal error problem. Here’s how to run Disk Cleanup:

  1. Go to Start> Type Disk Cleanup and press “Enter”

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  1. Wait for Disk Cleanup to scan your drive (s)
  2. After scanning, check the boxes for the files and click “OK” to delete them
  3. Select “Delete files” to continue

Solution 3: Repair the PC registry

Another way to fix Bitlocker fatal error problem is to use System File Checker. SFC can be used to scan, check the integrity of system files, and fix corrupted system files. To run an SFC scan on your Windows PC, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Start menu and type “cmd” without quotes. Right-click the command prompt icon and click Run as administrator. Click “yes” to accept the UAC request
  2. Also, at the cmd prompt, type “sfc” without quotes and press the “Enter” key.
  3. Now, type “/ scannow” without quotes and hit the “Enter” key
  4. Finally, restart your Windows PC and try running the application again

Alternatively, you can use CCleaner to repair your PC’s registry in the following method.

  • ALSO READ: Here’s why Bitlocker is slower in Windows 10 than Windows 7

Solution 4: Use CCleaner

CCleaner is a Windows utility program that can fix corrupted system files, remove obsolete system files, and repair your PC’s registry.

You may need to download CCleaner on your Windows PC. Follow these steps to download, install, and use CCleaner:

  1. Download CCleaner on its official website .
  2. Install and follow the instructions to complete the installation.
  3. After installation, run CCleaner, and then click the “Analyze” option
  4. After CCleaner has finished scanning, click “Run Cleaner”. Follow the instructions to activate CCleaner and fix corrupted files.

Also Read : Can’t Install Drivers In Windows 10? Here’s how to fix it

Solution 5: reset BIOS settings

The BIOS consists of the system settings that determine the order and how the PC starts up. However, resetting the BIOS settings to the default state can fix the Bitlocker fatal error problem.

Before continuing with these steps, be sure to disconnect any connected external drives (as instructed in Method 1). Follow these steps to reset your PC’s BIOS settings:

  1. Restart the PC.
  2. Press the “F2” key repeatedly until a window appears on the system setup screen (BIOS function key varies; you may have to check during boot which function key to use to access BIOS setup ).
  3. Now, press “Right Arrow” on your keyboard and wait until the “Exit” menu is highlighted.
  4. Then press the down arrow on your keyboard and select the “Load Optimized Defaults” option.
  5. Finally, press the “Enter” button.

Solution 6: Run System Restore in Safe Mode

Safe mode is a diagnostic mode in Windows in which only basic files and drivers are run in limited state. However, you can perform Safe Mode System Restore to go back to a certain restore point on your system before a fatal Bitlocker error message appears during startup. Here is how to do this:

  1. Turn off your PC and turn it on again.
  2. Navigate to the “Run in Safe Mode” option and press “Enter”.
  3. Go to Start> Type system restore and hit “Enter”

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  1. Follow the instructions to go back to a certain restore point
  2. Wait for the process to complete and then restart.

Note: Make sure you can identify the date of the restore point before the error message starts. System restore does not affect any of your files, documents, and personal data.

  • Also Read : How to Delete Locked Files / Folders on PC

Solution 7: Update your Windows operating system

Microsoft is constantly releasing Windows updates to improve system stability and fix various issues and errors like the fatal Bitlocker error.

Additionally, Windows update improves PC performance and overall system speed. However, in all versions of Windows you can use these steps to update your Windows operating system:

  1. Go to Start> type “update” in the search box and click “Windows Update” to continue.
  2. In the Windows Update window, check for updates and install any available updates
  3. After the update is complete, restart your Windows PC.

Solution 8: Disable Bitlocker

However, if you are unable to fix the fatal bitlocker error using the above-mentioned methods, you may have to disable Bitlocker. You can disable Bitlocker in Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10.

After disabling Bitlocker, we recommend that you use any of the best 256-bit encryption programs to protect your files. In addition, you can also consider file and folder storage software and tools for Windows PC.

In conclusion, you can try any of the methods we have discussed in any order. If you have any suggestions, feel free to let us know in the comment section below.

 

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by Abdullah Sam
I’m a teacher, researcher and writer. I write about study subjects to improve the learning of college and university students. I write top Quality study notes Mostly, Tech, Games, Education, And Solutions/Tips and Tricks. I am a person who helps students to acquire knowledge, competence or virtue.

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