Windows crashed every time I plug or unplug External gpu.

Anonymous
2025-02-14T06:41:58+00:00

I have a laptop running Windows 11 pro, I also use thunderbolt 4 external gpu with rtx 3090 inside. I use this combo for data science tasks and then the famous issue of bottleneck should not be any big trouble since I'm not gaming. You can assume I did set up everything work well.

Every time I plug or unplug e-gpu, there's a high chance of crashing windows. Using the "safely remove device" from taskbar can effectively reduce the chance of that risk. However, the real problem is the next time time my laptop start up/ or shutdown or restart. It's annoying that I have to enter bitlocker recovcery key, then the process of reset PIN, and windows hello (face sign in, fingerprints....)

I did some investigate of the issue that it's some mechanic protection of bitlocker, when it found suspicious changes on hardware.

I did try twice turning off bitlocker, but the processes of decryption took tons of time on my 2TB SSD, and unable to finish in my reality. I had to re-install windows from fresh after that. It also killed my old SSD, I had to replace it with a new one.

Bitlocker is automatically install and turned during windows installation. Turning it off is a bad idea for my case because the decryption took ton of time, other apps / processes are unstable during the decryption.

Keeping egpu plugged or unplugged forever is a bad idea, which I sometimes need to bring my laptop to travel. And I know what troubles will happen next.

Could you suggest any solution?

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***moved from Windows / Windows 11 / Performance and system failures***

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | Devices and deployment | Recovery key

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-02-19T08:40:00+00:00

    Hello,

    Update TPM Settings: Ensure that your TPM firmware is up-to-date. Sometimes, updating the TPM can help in recognizing hardware changes more smoothly.

    Configure BitLocker Policies: You can adjust BitLocker policies to be less sensitive to hardware changes. This involves modifying group policies related to BitLocker. For example, you can configure BitLocker to not require additional authentication after a TPM recovery.

    Have a nice day.

    Best Regards,

    Hania

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-02-19T14:48:47+00:00

    Can you give me some more instruction?

    Your idea make sense but I don't know how to do it.

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-02-20T08:03:59+00:00

    To update TPM firmware and configure BitLocker policies, follow these steps:

    1. Update TPM Firmware:
      • Check your device manufacturer's website for instructions on updating TPM firmware.
      • You can also check Windows Update for any available TPM firmware updates.
    2. Configure BitLocker Policies:
      • Press **Windows key + R**, type **gpedit.msc**, and press **Enter** to open the Group Policy Editor.
      • Navigate to **Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > BitLocker Drive Encryption > Operating System Drives**.
      • Double-click on **Require additional authentication at startup**.
      • Select **Enabled** and uncheck the **Allow BitLocker without a compatible TPM** option.
      • Click **Apply** and then **OK** to save the changes.

    Please note that modifying group policies requires administrative privileges on your device.

    Windows Client for IT Pros and Windows Server forums are moving to Microsoft Q&A

    We’re transitioning to Microsoft Q&A for a more streamlined experience. Starting 21 February*, new questions can only be posted on* Microsoft Q&A. Existing discussions will remain accessible here.

    From the 26 February customers looking for support on Answers will be automatically redirected to Microsoft Q&A.

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  5. Anonymous
    2025-02-25T08:54:49+00:00

    I tried your solution, but it still doesn't work.

    To update TPM firmware and configure BitLocker policies, follow these steps:

    1. Update TPM Firmware:
    • Check your device manufacturer's website for instructions on updating TPM firmware.
    • You can also check Windows Update for any available TPM firmware updates.
    1. Configure BitLocker Policies:
    • Press **Windows key + R**, type **gpedit.msc**, and press **Enter** to open the Group Policy Editor.
    • Navigate to **Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > BitLocker Drive Encryption > Operating System Drives**.
    • Double-click on **Require additional authentication at startup**.
    • Select **Enabled** and uncheck the **Allow BitLocker without a compatible TPM** option.
    • Click **Apply** and then **OK** to save the changes.

    Please note that modifying group policies requires administrative privileges on your device.

    Windows Client for IT Pros and Windows Server forums are moving to Microsoft Q&A

    We’re transitioning to Microsoft Q&A for a more streamlined experience. Starting 21 February*, new questions can only be posted on* Microsoft Q&A. Existing discussions will remain accessible here.

     

    From the 26 February customers looking for support on Answers will be automatically redirected to Microsoft Q&A.

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