PC Won't Start? Boot Problems and the BitLocker Recovery Screen, Step by Step

Your PC will not start, or a blue BitLocker screen is asking for a 48-digit recovery key. These pages start with what the screen is really saying, state honestly what each option does to your files before you touch it, and always try System Restore before Reset.

All articles in this cluster

• BitLocker Recovery Screen After an Update: Find Your 48-Digit Key
• Where Else Your BitLocker Key Might Be: Printouts, USB Drives, Another Account
• Save Your BitLocker Key Today, Before You Ever Need It
• Error 0xc000000e: Your PC Needs to Be Repaired
• Stuck in an Automatic Repair Loop: Getting Out Safely
• Black Screen With a Cursor After You Sign In
• How to Start Windows in Safe Mode When Your PC Won't Boot
• 'Your PC Did Not Start Correctly': Every Option on That Screen Explained
• Reset This PC: 'Keep My Files' vs 'Remove Everything', Honestly
• Startup Repair Failed and Mentions SrtTrail.txt: What Now