How to Use System Recovery Options in Windows

Whenever you experience moderate to severe issues in Windows 11 or Windows 10, you can rely on the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to fix them. It provides several recovery options that let you perform advanced troubleshooting, from running startup repairs, uninstalling Windows updates, and resetting the operating system.

You’ve got multiple ways to boot Windows 11/10 into the Windows Recovery Environment. But that depends on the state of the operating system. For example, is Windows functional? Or do you have trouble even accessing the desktop area? Regardless, the methods below have you covered.

Once you boot into the Windows Recovery Environment, read on to learn more about the system recovery options that you can use to fix Windows 11/10.

Boot via Start Menu

Assuming that you can boot into Windows 11 or Windows 10, the most convenient way to get to the Windows Recovery Environment is by restarting your computer as usual via theStartmenu.

The only extra thing you must do is press and hold theShiftkey as you select theRestartoption.

Boot via Settings App

The Settings app in Windows 11 and Windows 10 features a dedicated option to reboot your PC into the Windows Recovery Environment. Using the method above is faster, but it should be helpful if you have trouble with the Start menu.

Begin by pressingWindows+Ito bring up theSettingsapp. Then, go toSystem(orUpdate & Securityin Windows 10) >Recoveryand select theRestart nowoption within theAdvanced startupsection.

Boot via Security Screen

You can also get Windows 11/10 to boot into your system recovery options via the Security Screen. It’s the best method to use while dealing with an operating system that keeps freezing.

PressCtrl+Alt+Delto open the Security Screen. Then, select thePowericon at the screen’s bottom-right, hold down theShiftkey, and chooseRestart.

Boot via Lock Screen

If you have trouble logging into Windows 11 or Windows 10, you can try booting into the Windows Recovery Environment via the Lock Screen. Again, select thePowericon and selectRestartwhile holding down theShiftkey.

Boot via Windows PowerShell

The Windows PowerShell console (which you can access via the programs list on the Start menu) offers another way to load the Windows Recovery Environment. Just type the following command and pressEnter:

shutdown /r /o

By default, Windows should boot into WinRE within 30 seconds. If you run into any trouble, try re-running the command with extra parameters. That force-closes all programs and reboots the operating system instantly:

shutdown /r /o /f /t 0

Another command that can help you access the system recovery options is thereagentc /boottorecommand. However, you must run it in an elevated Windows PowerShell console and then reboot your computer manually.

Boot via Hardware Recovery Button

It’s also possible to access WinRE by pressing a specific function key (e.g.,F11,F10, orF9) on your PC immediately at startup. Don’t expect it to work on every desktop or laptop device.

Boot via Automatic Repair

If Windows 11 or Windows 10 fails to load or freezes at startup, you can force your computer to enter the Windows Recovery Environment by forcibly shutting it down three times. To do that, press and hold thePowerbutton until the screen turns off.

You should see the wordsPreparing Automatic Repairflash underneath the Windows 11/10 logo on the screen after the third attempt. SelectAdvanced Optionswhen prompted to enter WinRE.

Boot via Using Installation Media

If you have aWindows 11/10 installation USB or disc, you can use it to enter the Windows Recovery Environment. Provided that you’ve then set up your computer to boot from a USB or DVD, press any key when your computer asks you to at startup.

On the Windows Setup that then shows up subsequently, selectNext>Repair your computer.

Using the Windows System Recovery Options

Once you enter the Windows Recovery Environment, you must selectTroubleshoot>Advanced Optionsto access your system recovery options. Or, you can chooseContinueto boot into Windows 11/10 orTurn off your PCto exit and shut down your computer.

Here’s a brief rundown of the system recovery options that you have access to in WinRE:

Startup Repair:Prompts your computer to run a series of automatic repairs and helps fix problems preventing Windows 11 or Windows 10 from loading. It’s best to run this while troubleshooting Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors.

Startup Settings:This allows you to change the default startup behavior of the operating system. For example, you can use it tolaunch Windows 11/10 in Safe Mode.

Command Prompt:Loads theCommand Promptconsole. You can use it to perform various command-line tools such as theSystem File CheckerandCheck Disk Utility.

Uninstall Updates:If an issue occurred right after applying a feature or quality update for Windows 11/10, this option lets you roll it back.

UEFI Firmware Settings:Helps you access your UEFI firmware settings quickly.

System Restore:If you’veset up System Restore in Windows 11/10, this option lets you undo harmful changes by reverting your computer to an earlier state.

System Recovery Image:This lets you use a system recovery image to restore the data on your computer.

Reset this PC:This option is available after selectingTroubleshootin WinRE. You can use it toreset Windows 10 or Windows 11 to factory settings. You also get the opportunity to keep personal data intact.

Start Fixing Windows 11/10

Using the system recovery options in the Windows Recovery Environment is not the solution to all issues that crop up in Windows 11 and Windows 10. If you continue to experience problems, you might want to take that extra step and reinstall Windows from scratch.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked*

Comment*

Name*

Email*

Website

Welcome to Help Desk Geek- a blog full of tech tips from trusted tech experts. We have thousands of articles and guides to help you troubleshoot any issue. Our articles have been read over 150 million times since we launched in 2008.

HomeAbout UsEditorial StandardsContact UsTerms of Use

Copyright © 2008-2024 Help Desk Geek.com, LLC All Rights Reserved