Microsoft Fix Coming in 2024 for BitLocker Encryption Bug Haunting Windows 11/10

Microsoft has acknowledged a troubling error that has been impacting Windows 11 and Windows 10 users when trying to enable BitLocker encryption. The BitLocker Encryption Bug, identified by code “0x8007000D 65000“, prevents users from turning on BitLocker to encrypt their hard drives. While Microsoft has been aware of the issue for some time, they finally confirmed a fix is coming in 2024.

What is the 65000 Error Code?

The 65000 error code appears when trying to enable BitLocker encryption on a Windows 11 or Windows 10 device. BitLocker is Microsoft’s built-in tool for encrypting hard drives to protect data in case a device is lost, stolen, or compromised.

When users attempt to turn on BitLocker, either through the Settings app or via the Control Panel, they receive an error message that says “Error 0x8007000D 65000. Unable to configure BitLocker. The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) hardware is not compatible with BitLocker.”

This suggests there is a compatibility issue with the TPM chip and BitLocker encryption. However, the error message is misleading – the problem is actually a bug in Windows and not related to hardware incompatibility.

Why Does the 65000 Error Occur?

Microsoft has confirmed the 65000 error is caused by a bug in how Windows handles BitLocker policies and TPM protocols. The TPM hardware is working correctly, but there is an issue in how Windows communicates with it when enabling BitLocker.

Specifically, the error is tied to Group Policy Objects (GPOs) that contain BitLocker configuration policies. These policies help manage and enforce BitLocker encryption across an organization.

The 65000 bug occurs because Windows is not properly reading the GPOs when kicking off the BitLocker encryption process. This results in the confusing TPM incompatibility error message.

Is the 65000 Error New in Windows 11?

While the 65000 error code gained more widespread attention with the release of Windows 11 in 2021, it is not exclusive to the latest version of Windows. The BitLocker bug has actually been around since Windows 10 version 1809, released in 2018.

When Windows 11 launched, many users tried turning on device encryption for the first time and encountered the confusing 65000 error. This led to the impression that it was a new bug related to Windows 11 and TPM 2.0 requirements.

However, Microsoft has clarified this is an existing issue impacting both Windows 11 and Windows 10 versions going back over four years. The bug managed to slip through testing for numerous Windows releases before finally being addressed in 2024.

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What Versions of Windows Are Affected?

Microsoft has acknowledged the BitLocker Encryption Bug affects the following versions of Windows:

  • Windows 11
  • Windows 10, version 1809 and later
  • Windows Server 2022
  • Windows Server 2019
  • Windows Server 2016

The bug appears to have been introduced in version 1809, so any Windows release since then contains the 65000 error and users may see the problem when trying to turn on BitLocker.

What is Microsoft Doing to Fix the 65000 Error?

Microsoft has clearly acknowledged the 65000 error is a bug in Windows that needs to be fixed. However, rolling out an update to address the issue is not simple.

Because the error is tied to how BitLocker and TPM functions integrate with Group Policy Objects, Microsoft has been cautious about rushing a fix. Any changes could have unforeseen impacts on enterprise BitLocker Encryption Bug policies.

Microsoft is working on an official fix for the 65000 error that will be rolled out in a monthly “Patch Tuesday” security update in 2024. The company says releasing the fix outside of the normal update cadence could destabilize BitLocker functionality for businesses.

So while an official fix is coming, Microsoft is still advising users to avoid enabling BitLocker unless absolutely required until the update with the resolution is available next year.

What Are the Workarounds for Now?

Since the 65000 error prevents users from turning on BitLocker encryption, many are left with an unencrypted drive until Microsoft releases the fix. However, there are a few temporary workarounds available:

  • Use a Third-Party Encryption Tool – Encrypt your drive with an open-source tool like VeraCrypt instead of BitLocker. This avoids the Windows bug entirely.
  • Try Disabling Group Policy Objects – If using a home Windows PC not part of an organization, disabling GPOs related to BitLocker may allow device encryption to work.
  • Switch SATA Operation Mode – Some users have reported switching the SATA operation mode in BIOS from RAID/Optane to AHCI allows BitLocker encryption to turn on successfully.
  • Reinstall Windows – A clean reinstall of your Windows version may clear up any corrupt files or settings related to BitLocker that are triggering the 65000 error.

These workarounds are not guaranteed, but provide temporary options to encrypt your drive while waiting for Microsoft’s official fix next year.

When Will Microsoft Release the Final 65000 Error Fix?

Microsoft has not provided an exact date for the final fix yet, only stating it will arrive sometime in 2024. Looking at Microsoft’s usual monthly Patch Tuesday schedule, it’s likely we will see the 65000 error resolution roll out in one of the early months of 2024.

Most experts expect the fix to arrive in either January, February, or March 2024, assuming Microsoft developers complete testing in time for one of those release windows.

Once available, the fix should be delivered automatically through Windows Update to devices running affected OS versions. It will likely be included as part of the standard monthly security patches.

For the latest information on when the final 65000 fix will arrive, be sure to keep Windows fully updated and follow Microsoft’s security update release notes each month.

Should the 65000 Error Stop You from Upgrading to Windows 11?

The 65000 BitLocker error primarily impacts users who are trying to turn on device encryption for the first time. It does not necessarily prevent Windows 11 or Windows 10 from functioning normally otherwise.

So this issue alone should not hold you back from upgrading to Windows 11 if your device is compatible. The latest OS introduces several security enhancements, performance improvements, and interface changes that provide a better overall user experience for most people.

As long as you can wait to enable BitLocker device encryption until the fix is released next year, you should still be able to upgrade and benefit from what Windows 11 offers over previous versions.

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Key Takeaways on Microsoft’s 65000 BitLocker Fix

  • The 65000 error prevent Windows 11 and 10 users from turning on BitLocker encryption due to a bug when handling TPM and Group Policy interactions.
  • Microsoft has confirmed the 65000 issue is a Windows bug, not a hardware incompatibility problem.
  • A fix is coming in 2024, likely January through March, to finally resolve the error through a monthly security update.
  • Workarounds exist like using third-party encryption tools, but there is no permanent solution until Microsoft releases the official fix.
  • The error does not prevent normal functioning of Windows 11 or 10, so should not alone stop you from upgrading.
  • Be sure to keep Windows updated and watch for Microsoft’s announcement of the final 65000 resolution releasing in early 2024.

With a comprehensive fix on the way, 2024 should finally see the end of BitLocker headaches for Windows users who have been haunted by the infamous 65000 error code.


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Updated: 31 January 2024 — 14:44