Windows won't start, or your PC keeps landing on a recovery screen. Startup Repair diagnoses startup problems and attempts repairs automatically. Here's how to reach it from the screen you're stuck on and handle a BitLocker prompt along the way.
Run Startup Repair from the recovery screen
If your PC is already in Windows Recovery Environment, called WinRE, start here. Startup Repair is built into WinRE on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
After repeated failed starts, Windows enters recovery automatically when WinRE is functioning; newer Windows 11 recovery behavior also depends on the Quick machine recovery configuration. If you're on the Automatic Repair screen, select Advanced options to reach the recovery tools.
Select Troubleshoot, then open Advanced options. Choose Startup Repair, then select Restart.
Enter your BitLocker recovery key if requested. The key-retrieval instructions below explain where to find it.
Let Windows diagnose the startup problem and attempt repairs. Startup Repair cannot fix failed hardware or recover personal files.
Open recovery from the sign-in screen or desktop
You don't need to sign in first. At the sign-in screen, hold Shift while selecting Power > Restart.
Already at the desktop? Hold Shift while selecting Power > Restart there instead. Both shortcuts work on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
On Windows 11, another route is Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now. Once recovery opens, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair > Restart. Each route takes you to the same repair tool, so use the one you can reach.
Force recovery entry when Windows won't load
When the normal recovery controls are out of reach, turn on your PC to begin this sequence. At the Windows or manufacturer logo, hold the physical power button until the PC shuts down. Turn the PC on again, and when the logo returns, hold the power button until it shuts down a second time.
Start the PC a third time, then select Advanced options on the recovery screen. Follow Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair > Restart. Tip: Stop interrupting startup after the second shutdown and let the third start reach recovery.
Unlock the drive at a BitLocker prompt
A BitLocker recovery prompt means the encrypted drive needs its recovery key. On another device, open Microsoft's recovery-key portal, then sign in to the Microsoft account holding your recovery key. Match the recovery key ID shown on the affected PC to the ID in your account, and enter the corresponding 48-digit recovery key on the affected PC to continue.
If the key isn't in your Microsoft account, check a saved printout or USB copy. For a key held by your workplace or school, open the work or school recovery-key portal on another device, then sign in with your work or school account. Open Devices, expand the affected PC's entry, and select View BitLocker Keys.
Match the key ID shown on your PC, then enter the matching recovery key on the affected PC. If you cannot access the key, contact your organization's IT team.
Use recovery media if the built-in route fails
If the PC's own recovery environment is inaccessible, boot from an existing bootable recovery USB prepared for that device. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair > Restart. Choose Startup Repair for this task; Recover from a drive reinstalls Windows.
Compatible Windows 11 installation media provides another entry point. Boot from installation media that matches your PC's architecture.
Set the language and other preferences, then select Next. Choose Repair my PC, then select Next to enter WinRE. Run Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair > Restart.
If Startup Repair fails, Windows 11 PCs with Quick machine recovery have another option. Available on version 24H2 build 26100.4700 or later, this feature checks for Microsoft-provided fixes.
Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Quick machine recovery. Connect through Ethernet or supported Wi-Fi so Windows can check for a fix. If no fix is found, return to Advanced options to try another recovery option. The traditional recovery tools remain available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to download Startup Repair?
No. Startup Repair has no separate app download. It runs inside Windows Recovery Environment.
Is Windows 10 still supported?
Ordinary Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Startup Repair remains documented for Windows 10; the end of ordinary support did not remove it.
Can I create a recovery USB before a startup problem happens?
Yes. Create it while Windows works, for the PC concerned. Creation erases the USB drive.
Search Start for Recovery Drive and open it.
Select Back up system files to the recovery drive.
Select Next.
Connect an empty USB drive.
Select that USB drive.
Select Next.
Select Create.
Can I run Startup Repair remotely through my Microsoft account?
No. The account recovery-key portals retrieve BitLocker keys. Startup Repair itself runs from Windows Recovery Environment on the affected PC.