Why does my PC keep asking for a BitLocker recovery key after shutting down?

First, find and save the recovery key somewhere other than the PC while you can still get into Windows. Check your Microsoft account for a device recovery key, or ask your workplace or school if they manage the device. Match the key ID on the recovery screen to the saved key.

Skipping the drive is not a reliable fix. If Windows stops unlocking it automatically, you may need that key to get at your files. Back up anything you can't afford to lose while the machine is accessible.

The shutdowns and the recovery prompt may be related, but the prompt alone doesn't tell you what caused the shutdown. Check Windows Reliability Monitor for errors around the time it happens, and note whether it shuts off completely or restarts with an error screen.

Also check for overheating, power or battery trouble, and drive errors. Avoid changing firmware settings or resetting the device before securing the recovery key and a backup, since those changes can trigger another recovery prompt or put data at risk.

You can turn off BitLocker or device encryption while Windows is accessible and let the drive finish decrypting. That removes the recovery prompts for that drive, but it also removes its protection if the computer is lost or stolen. It won't necessarily fix the random shutdowns.

If you want to keep encryption, another option is to decrypt the drive and enable encryption again after you've backed up your files. That might clear an encryption configuration problem, but there's no guarantee it will resolve the underlying reboot issue.