How to Access Windows Advanced Startup Options: 5 Methods

Introduction / Why This Is Needed

Advanced Startup Options (also known as the Windows Recovery Environment, or WinRE) is a special minimal recovery environment that loads before the main operating system starts. It is necessary when Windows cannot start normally due to critical errors, corrupted drivers, failed updates, or a virus attack.

Using this environment, you can:

• Restore the system from a previously created restore point.
• Roll back a problematic Windows update.
• Boot into Safe Mode to diagnose and remove malware.
• Perform startup repair to automatically fix boot errors.
• Reset the computer to its original factory settings (with or without keeping files).

This guide shows five universal methods to access this menu, which work both in standard situations and during system failures.

Requirements / Preparation

Before you begin, ensure:

1. The WinRE recovery environment is not disabled on your computer. You can check this in Command Prompt (Admin) with the command reagentc /info. If the status is Enabled, you're good.
2. If you plan to use a bootable USB drive, you must prepare it in advance on another working computer via the Media Creation Tool (for Windows 11) or a similar tool for Windows 10.
3. Some actions in the recovery environment (e.g., restoring from a point) may require a local account password or a Microsoft account password, if one was set.

Step 1: Method 1 — Through Windows Settings (Easiest)

This method works when the system boots and you can log in.

1. Press the Win + I key combination to open Windows Settings.
2. Navigate to "Update & Security" (Windows 10) or "System" → "Recovery" (Windows 11).
3. In the "Advanced startup" section, click the "Restart now" button.
4. The computer will restart and immediately display a blue screen with the "Choose an option" menu.

Step 2: Method 2 — From the Sign-in Screen

This method also requires Windows to reach the lock screen.

1. On the sign-in screen (where you select a user), click the "Power" icon in the lower-right corner.
2. Hold down the Shift key on the keyboard and, while holding it, select "Restart" from the context menu.
3. After restarting, you will enter the same recovery environment.

Step 3: Method 3 — Forced Interruption (If the System "Hangs")

This is the primary method if Windows won't boot past the logo, shows a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), or enters an infinite reboot loop.

1. Turn on the computer.
2. As soon as the manufacturer's logo (Dell, HP, ASUS, etc.) or the Windows logo appears, immediately cut the power (using the power button or by unplugging the cable).
3. Repeat steps 1–2 two more times. On the third or fourth attempt, when you turn on the computer, Windows will automatically detect a failure and load the Automatic Repair environment (WinRE).
4. After analysis, you will see an "Automatic Repair" screen. Click "Advanced options" to access the desired menu.

⚠️ Important: Do not perform more than 3–4 consecutive interruptions to avoid disk damage. If this method doesn't work, wait 10 minutes between attempts.

Step 4: Method 4 — Via Installation Media (Universal)

This method works regardless of the state of the installed Windows. You need a USB drive or DVD with the same or a newer version of Windows.

1. Insert the bootable media into a USB port or DVD drive.
2. Restart the computer and enter the Boot Menu (usually keys F12, F10, Esc, Del — depends on the manufacturer). Select your media to boot from.
3. On the "Install Windows" screen, select your language and keyboard layout, then click "Next".
4. In the lower-left corner of the window, click the "Repair your computer" link.
5. The system will restart and load the WinRE recovery environment from the same media.

Step 5: Method 5 — Via Command Prompt (From a Working System)

For administrators and advanced users. Allows rebooting into WinRE without using the graphical interface.

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Type cmd or command prompt.
3. In the search results, right-click on "Command Prompt" and select "Run as administrator".
4. Enter the command:

   shutdown /r /o
   

   Press Enter.
5. The computer will immediately restart into the Advanced Startup Options.

💡 Tip: If you want to add a timer, use shutdown /r /o /t 0 (where 0 is the number of seconds before restart).

Verifying the Result

After completing any of the methods, you should see a blue screen with the "Choose an option" title. The main menu items are:

• "Continue" — exit to Windows.
• "Troubleshoot" → "Advanced options" — available: Startup Repair, System Restore, System Image Recovery, Reset this PC.
• "Startup Settings" — restart with mode selection (Safe Mode, disable driver signature enforcement, etc.).

If this menu appears — the goal is achieved.

Potential Issues

1. Clicking "Restart now" in Settings just restarts the system normally

Cause: The WinRE recovery environment is disabled or corrupted. Solution:

• Check the status: open Command Prompt (Admin) and run reagentc /info. If Status: Disabled, enable it with reagentc /enable.
• If WinRE is corrupted, you can reinstall it via bootable media (Method 4) or run in Command Prompt (Admin) the command reagentc /setreimage /path C:\Recovery\WindowsRE (the path may vary).

2. After forced shutdowns (3 times), the system doesn't load WinRE but continues normal boot

Cause: Fast Boot is enabled in BIOS/UEFI, which skips some checks. Solution:

• Enter BIOS/UEFI (during startup, keys Del, F2, F10).
• Find boot settings and disable Fast Boot or Secure Boot (temporarily).
• Save changes and retry Method 3.

3. No "Repair your computer" option on the screen when booting from USB

Cause: You booted from a UEFI installation media, but the computer uses BIOS (Legacy) mode, or vice versa. Solution: When creating the USB drive, ensure you select the correct media type (UEFI/BIOS). In the Boot Menu, choose the device that matches your system's mode. Alternatively, recreate the media with both options included.

4. Restore points are not visible in the recovery environment

Cause: Restore points were created in a different system or on a different disk, or WinRE cannot access the Windows disk due to errors. Solution:

• Ensure the correct disk is selected in "System Restore" (usually C:\).
• If the disk is not displayed, there may be a driver issue with the controller. Try booting into Safe Mode with Command Prompt and perform the restore from there.
• As a last resort, use "System Image Recovery" if you have a current system image.