Booting to the Advanced Startup Options Menu in Windows 11, and Windows 10

Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), is also referred to as Advanced Startup Options, Advanced boot options or Windows Start settings. The Advanced Startup Options menu in Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows 8 provides access to Windows diagnostic and repair tools such as System Restore, Command Prompt, Startup Repair, and more.

This is also where you can access Startup Settings, the menu that includes Safe Mode, among other startup methods that could help you access Windows if it's having startup issues.

Figure 1: Advanced Startup Options screen (English only)

Windows Recovery Environment or Windows RE (WinRE) provides tools to diagnose and fix issues with Windows. The Advanced startup or Windows RE (WinRE) can be accessed in multiple ways in Windows 11 or Windows 10.

Access Advanced startup (WinRE) from Windows recovery or install media

Accessing the Advanced startup options using the Windows installation media is the most recommended method. If Windows is not loading, or the computer does not start because of a Bluescreen or STOP error, the Advanced startup options can be accessed using the Windows installation media.

Don't have the Windows recovery or installation media? Learn How to Download and Use the Dell Operating System Recovery Image.

1. Connect the Windows recovery or installation media and turn on the computer.
2. Tap the F12 key until you see the One Time Boot Menu.
3. Select the Windows recovery or installation media from the list and press the Enter key.
4. The Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE or WinRE) loads. On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.

Access Advanced startup (WinRE) from Settings

To access the Advanced startup options (Windows Recovery Environment or WinRE) from the Settings app, follow these steps.

• In Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > System > Recovery. Next to Advanced startup, select Restart now.
• In Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery. Under the Advanced startup section, select Restart.

Access Advanced startup (WinRE) using Automatic Repair feature

If Windows does not boot, and you don't have the Windows installation media, then follow these steps.

1. Turn on the computer.
2. Immediately after the Dell logo, when you see the blue Windows logo, press and hold the power button to shut down the device.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2, twice. On the third restart, the device will enter the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE or WinRE) and some diagnostic tests are performed to fix any booting issues.

Access Advanced startup (WinRE) from Command Prompt

1. Click Start.
2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
3. In the Command Prompt, type shutdown /r /o /f /t 00 and press the Enter key.
4. The computer restarts to the Choose options screen.

Access Advanced startup (WinRE) from login screen

From the login screen, select Shutdown, then hold down the Shift key while selecting Restart.

Advanced boot options in Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE or WinRE)

Automatic Repair

The Automatic Repair tool automates common diagnostic and repair tasks if Windows does not boot. Automatic Repair starts if the computer fails over to WinRE because of a detected startup failure.

System Restore

System Restore takes your computer back to an earlier point in time, called a system restore point. Restore points are generated when you install a new app or drive, and when you create a restore point manually. Using System Restore will not affect your personal files, but it will remove apps, drivers, and updates installed after the restore point was made.

Command Prompt

Windows command-line tools such as Registry Editor, CHKDSK, and more are available to fix Windows startup issues.

System Image Recovery

System Image Recovery is used for file backup and system image backup to an external storage device. After setting up System Image Recovery, Windows keeps track of new or modified files and folders, adding them to the backup. Users can create a system image or an exact image of a drive. If such an image is available, users can restore the contents of their computer if the hard disk drive or computer stops working.

Startup Settings

• Repair Your Computer.
• Safe Mode. Starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services.
• Safe Mode with Networking. Starts Windows in safe mode and includes the network drivers and services needed to access the Internet or other computers on your network.
• Safe Mode with Command Prompt. Starts Windows in safe mode with a command prompt window instead of the usual Windows interface. This option is intended for IT professionals and administrators.
• Enable Boot Logging. Creates a file, ntbtlog.txt, that lists all the drivers that are installed during startup and that might be useful for advanced troubleshooting.
• Enable low-resolution video. Starts Windows using your current video driver and using low resolution and refresh rate settings. You can use this mode to reset your display settings. For more information, see Change your screen resolution.
• Last Known Good Configuration. Starts Windows with the last registry and driver configuration that worked successfully.
• Directory Services Restore Mode. Starts Windows domain controller running Active Directory so that the directory service can be restored. This option is intended for IT professionals and administrators.
• Debugging Mode. Starts Windows in an advanced troubleshooting mode intended for IT professionals and system administrators.
• Disable automatic restart on system failure. Prevents Windows from automatically restarting if an error causes Windows to fail. Choose this option only if Windows is stuck in a loop where Windows fails, attempts to restart, and fails again repeatedly.
• Disable Driver Signature Enforcement. Allows drivers containing improper signatures to be installed.
• Start Windows Normally. Starts Windows in normal mode.

Startup Repair

The Startup Repair function helps you automatically scan your device and fix common problems that is preventing Windows from starting up.

For more information about how to use the Advanced Startup Options menu, see the Microsoft article Recovery options in Windows.

Recommended Articles

Here are some recommended articles related to this topic that might be of interest to you.

• How to Install Windows from the Dell ISO
• How to access the Windows Recovery Environment in Windows 10 and Windows 11
• How to Enable Boot from CD or DVD Option with UEFI Boot Mode Enabled
• How to Run Windows Startup Repair on a Dell computer
• How to Access UEFI (BIOS) System Setup from Microsoft Windows on your Dell Computer