I cannot type anything on the BitLocker Recovery Key screen

Check whether the keyboard works in the BIOS/UEFI setup; if it does but stops responding only at the BitLocker screen, configure firmware preboot USB support and use a directly connected wired keyboard.

1. Test and enable preboot USB support

1. Restart the PC and repeatedly press the manufacturer’s BIOS key—commonly F1, F2, F12, Delete, or Esc.
2. If the keyboard works in BIOS:
   • Open a section such as Advanced, USB Configuration, or Integrated Peripherals.
   • Enable Legacy USB Support or USB Keyboard Support.
   • If available, enable xHCI Hand-off.
   • Save changes and restart.
3. Connect a basic wired keyboard directly to the PC:
   • Prefer a rear USB-A/USB 2.0 port.
   • Avoid Bluetooth, wireless receivers, USB-C adapters, docks, and unpowered hubs for this test.

Firmware names vary by manufacturer. The accepted answer for a closely matching Windows 11 case—USB working in BIOS but not on the BitLocker/recovery screen—recommends Legacy USB Support, xHCI hand-off, alternate USB ports, or a PS/2 keyboard where supported.^1^

Do not clear the TPM, disable TPM, or change Secure Boot merely to test the keyboard. Firmware security changes can trigger additional BitLocker recovery or affect the device’s boot configuration.

2. If this began after the October 14, 2025 update

This branch applies specifically when all of these are true:

• The PC runs Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2.
• The problem started after installing the October 14, 2025 update KB5066835.
• USB input is failing in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), rather than solely in the standalone preboot BitLocker prompt.

Microsoft documented that update as causing USB keyboards and mice to stop working in WinRE. The issue was fixed by KB5070773 and later cumulative updates.^2^

If Windows can still be started by any method, install the latest update through:

Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates → Install all available updates → Restart

KB5070773 applies to Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 and specifically fixes USB devices not functioning in WinRE.^3^

If Windows cannot start, Microsoft’s documented temporary options for that particular regression are:

• Use the touchscreen keyboard, if the PC has one.
• Use a PS/2 keyboard if the PC has a PS/2 port.
• Boot from a USB recovery drive that was created before the problem; that recovery environment restores USB functionality.^2^

3. If the keyboard does not work even in BIOS

That points away from Windows and its recovery environment. Try different physical USB ports with no hub or dock. If none work in BIOS, contact the PC manufacturer for model-specific firmware recovery or hardware diagnostics.

Once input works, enter the 48-digit BitLocker recovery key; hyphens are optional.^4^

References

1. We have a Windows 11 PC for which we need to type in a bitlocker key, however, we cannot since the keyboard and mouse connected to it are not functional on that screen. However it momentarily goes to BIOS for 3-4 secs prior and the ports work, any advice - Microsoft Q&A
2. Resolved issues in Windows 11, version 25H2
3. October 20, 2025—KB5070773 (OS Builds 26200.6901 and 26100.6901) Out-of-band
4. Windows devices for home users, businesses, and schools with Microsoft-managed updates | Microsoft Support