Hello!
I'm Yasllame, a member of the OnDemand Expert community.
I'm happy to help and clarify any questions.
From what you describe, your laptop is locked by BitLocker and cannot complete startup because it needs an internet connection to authenticate the key or update some account security settings.
The first step is to make sure the laptop is actually connected to a network. If you are using Wi-Fi, try connecting via a direct Ethernet cable to the router, because the BitLocker screen sometimes does not recognize wireless networks immediately.
If there is no network option or you cannot connect, you can try recovering access using the BitLocker recovery key on another device. The key is usually saved in your Microsoft account (https://account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey). Access this page from another computer or phone, retrieve the 48-digit key, and enter it when BitLocker prompts you.
If the problem persists even with the recovery key and an internet connection, there is an advanced startup alternative: use a Windows 10/11 recovery USB. Insert the USB, boot the laptop from it, and use the Startup Repair or Command Prompt option to unlock the drive with the recovery key without formatting the disk.
It is important not to force formatting, because your data is still intact on the encrypted drive; BitLocker just requires valid authentication.
I can also provide a detailed step-by-step guide to unlock BitLocker using another device and a recovery USB without formatting the laptop. Do you want me to do that?
I hope this information was helpful! If you need anything else, I'm here.
Sincerely,
Yasllame
Independent Specialist