Laptop won't boot

[Lostgirl13]

On start up I get a blue screen with an error saying that a system file was modified or removed. I'm unable to get in my microsoft accout to find my recovery key Ir was working fine but when I got home from work it wasn't working. My computer is conpletely useless. Can anyone offer any advice? I use it on a daily basis for school and work. I have tried all the self help options and nothing is working

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Lostgirl13 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

That’s a brutal surprise to come home to — especially when your laptop is essential for school and work. Let’s get you back up and running.

The error you're seeing usually points to BitLocker recovery or corrupted system files, and since you can't access your Microsoft account for the recovery key, we’ll need to work around that. Here's a structured plan:

Step-by-Step Recovery Strategy

1. Try F11 System Recovery

• Power off the laptop completely.
• Power it on and immediately press F11 repeatedly.
• If successful, this should launch HP Recovery Manager or Windows Recovery Environment.
• Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore or Startup Repair.

If F11 doesn’t work, try pressing Esc, F10, or Shift + F8 during boot — some models vary.

2. Use Windows Recovery via Shift + Restart

If you can reach the login screen:

• Hold Shift and click Restart from the power icon.
• This should launch recovery options.

3. Create a Windows 11 Installation USB

If recovery options fail:

• Use another PC to download the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool.
• Create a bootable USB drive.
• Plug it into your HP laptop → boot from USB (press Esc or F9 at startup to select boot device).
• Choose Repair your computer → then try Startup Repair or System Restore.

4. BitLocker Recovery Key Options

If BitLocker is enabled and asking for a recovery key:

• Try logging into your Microsoft account from another device at account.microsoft.com/devices.
• If you can’t access it, check:
  • Any printed or saved recovery key.
  • Your school/work IT admin (if it’s a managed device).
  • USB drives or cloud backups where the key might’ve been saved.

 5. HP BIOS Recovery

• Power off → hold Windows key + B, then press and hold Power for 2–3 seconds.
• Release all keys and wait — this may trigger BIOS recovery if the system firmware is corrupted.

6. Last Resort: Factory Reset

If nothing works and you don’t need to preserve data:

• Boot from the Windows USB → choose Install Windows.
• This will wipe everything, but get you back to a usable system.

Let me know if you want help creating the USB or navigating the recovery screens — I’ll walk you through it step by step. 

You’ve already done a lot, and we’ll get this sorted together.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye