PC randomly shuts down and sometimes triggers BitLocker recovery
Asked by
MellowPine42
My PC has recently started powering off unexpectedly while idle. When I return, it is off, and on the next startup it may shut down again at the ASRock logo before Windows loads. Other times it enters BitLocker recovery, requiring me to find and enter the recovery key. If it gets past the logo, the system usually runs normally for several hours, including during gaming. The motherboard also has a faulty RAM slot, so I am currently using one 16 GB stick. What could be causing this, and what troubleshooting steps should I try?
Answers
After the next unexpected restart, check Event Viewer under Windows Logs > System for critical events around the shutdown. Kernel-Power errors can confirm an abrupt loss of power, though they usually do not identify whether the PSU, motherboard, or another component is responsible. Also inspect power connections, test with known-good RAM if possible, and consider replacing the old PSU or motherboard after backing up your data.
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Back up your important files immediately in case the storage, motherboard, or power supply fails completely. The symptoms point to an intermittent hardware or power problem, so avoid waiting for it to get worse.
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BitLocker recovery can appear after firmware, motherboard, TPM, or boot-state changes; it does not necessarily mean BitLocker caused the shutdown. Make sure the recovery key is safely backed up, then troubleshoot the underlying hardware. Disabling drive encryption is not a substitute for fixing the power problem, and changing security settings without the recovery key could make access harder.
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The main suspects are the power supply, motherboard, or CMOS battery. Please check the CPU model, power-supply model and age, and whether the BIOS clock resets after a shutdown. A clock that resets can indicate a dead CMOS battery, while shutdowns before Windows loads make the PSU or motherboard more likely.
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MellowPine42: It has a Ryzen 5 3600 and a Corsair SF850 that is about five years old. I am not sure how to check whether the BIOS clock resets.