If Windows is not starting correctly, you may need to access Windows Recovery Mode to repair the problem. Windows Recovery Environment, commonly called Windows RE or WinRE, includes several built-in tools for troubleshooting startup and system problems.

You can enter Windows Recovery Mode in several ways. The best method depends on whether Windows can still start normally.

In this guide, we’ll show you 6 practical methods to access Windows Recovery Mode.

Important: If your device uses BitLocker encryption, some recovery tools may require your BitLocker recovery key.

What Is Windows Recovery Mode?

Windows Recovery Environment is a built-in recovery system designed to help diagnose and fix Windows problems.

It provides tools such as:

• Startup Repair
• System Restore
• Startup Settings
• Command Prompt
• Uninstall Updates
• Reset this PC
• UEFI Firmware Settings
• System Image Recovery

These tools can be especially useful when Windows cannot start normally.

Method 1: Enter Windows Recovery Mode from Settings

If Windows is working normally, using Settings is one of the easiest methods.

Windows 11

1. Open Settings.
2. Select System.
3. Click Recovery.
4. Find Advanced startup.
5. Click Restart now.

Windows will restart and open the recovery environment. Microsoft documents Settings → System → Recovery → Advanced startup → Restart now as a way to access Windows RE.

Windows 10

On Windows 10, go to:

Settings → Update & Security → Recovery

Under Advanced startup, select Restart now.

After restarting, you’ll see the Windows recovery options.

Method 2: Use Shift + Restart

This is another quick way to enter Windows Recovery Mode when Windows is still running.

Follow these steps:

1. Click Start.
2. Click the Power button.
3. Press and hold the Shift key.
4. While holding Shift, click Restart.
5. Keep holding Shift until Windows restarts.

Windows should open the recovery environment.

From there, select:

Troubleshoot → Advanced options

You’ll then see the available recovery tools. Microsoft specifically lists holding Shift while selecting Power → Restart as a way to access Windows RE.

Method 3: Let Windows Enter Automatic Repair

If Windows fails to start correctly multiple times, it can automatically enter Windows Recovery Environment.

Microsoft says Windows can automatically enter Windows RE when startup fails repeatedly.

You may see screens such as:

Preparing Automatic Repair

or

Diagnosing your PC

When the recovery screen appears, select:

Advanced options

You’ll then have access to Windows recovery tools.

If you’re specifically dealing with an Automatic Repair problem, you can also read:

Internal link: Windows 10 Automatic Repair Loop

Method 4: Use Advanced Startup from the Sign-In Screen

You don’t always have to be fully logged into Windows.

If you can reach the Windows sign-in screen:

1. Turn on your PC.
2. Wait for the Windows sign-in screen.
3. Click the Power icon.
4. Hold down Shift.
5. Click Restart.
6. Keep holding Shift while the computer restarts.

Windows should enter the recovery environment.

This method is useful if Windows starts but you cannot successfully log into your account.

Method 5: Use a Windows Recovery Drive

If Windows cannot start normally, a previously created USB recovery drive can be used to access Windows recovery tools.

Connect the recovery USB drive to the computer and boot from it.

Depending on your computer, you may need to change the boot device using the manufacturer’s boot menu.

Once the computer boots from the recovery drive, Windows Recovery Environment should be available.

Microsoft lists a USB recovery drive as one of the methods for accessing Windows RE.

Tip: A recovery drive is most useful when you created it before your PC developed a serious startup problem.

Method 6: Use Windows Installation Media

If Windows won’t start and you don’t have a recovery drive, Windows installation media can also provide access to recovery tools.

You’ll need a working computer to create the installation media.

Microsoft says you can create Windows installation media and use it to boot a non-working PC. From the Windows Setup screen, select Repair my PC to access Windows RE.

Basic process

1. Create Windows installation media on a working PC.
2. Connect the USB drive to the affected computer.
3. Start the computer.
4. Boot from the USB drive.
5. Select your language and other preferences.
6. Select Next.
7. Choose Repair my PC.

You should then enter Windows Recovery Environment.

You may also find your existing guide useful:

Internal link: Fix Windows 10 from USB

What Can You Do in Windows Recovery Mode?

Once you’ve entered Windows Recovery Mode, you’ll normally see several troubleshooting options.

Startup Repair

Startup Repair can automatically diagnose and attempt to fix common startup problems, including damaged system files, boot configuration problems, incompatible drivers, and some registry issues.

Use:

Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Repair

System Restore

System Restore can return Windows system files and settings to an earlier restore point.

It’s useful when a recent software installation, driver, or system change appears to have caused a problem.

You can read your related guide:

Internal link: Windows 10 System Restore

Startup Settings

Startup Settings provides different startup options for troubleshooting.

For example, you can use it to access Safe Mode.

Microsoft’s documented path is:

Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.

You can also read:

Internal link: Windows 10 Safe Mode Command Prompt

Command Prompt provides advanced troubleshooting capabilities.

Experienced users can use it to diagnose problems involving system files, boot configuration, disks, and other Windows components.

If you’re not comfortable with command-line tools, avoid running random commands from the internet.

Uninstall Updates

If Windows stopped working properly after a recent update, the recovery environment includes an option to uninstall updates. Microsoft lists this as one of the recovery choices for problems that began after an update.

Reset This PC

Reset this PC can reinstall Windows and provides options to keep or remove personal files.

Because resetting Windows is a more significant change, it shouldn’t be your first troubleshooting step if less destructive recovery options are still available. Microsoft also recommends backing up important data before starting recovery processes.

Which Windows Recovery Method Should You Use?

What If Windows Recovery Mode Doesn’t Appear?

If Windows doesn’t automatically enter recovery mode, try one of the other methods.

For example:

• Use Shift + Restart
• Use Settings if Windows can start
• Boot from a recovery drive
• Boot from Windows installation media

If none of these methods work, the issue could involve the boot process, storage device, firmware, or other hardware.

In that situation, professional diagnosis may be necessary. Important: BitLocker Recovery Key

If your Windows device is encrypted with BitLocker, some recovery operations may ask for your BitLocker recovery key.

Microsoft notes that an encrypted device may require this key to use certain Windows RE tools.

Before starting advanced recovery, make sure you can access your recovery key if your device uses BitLocker.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enter Windows Recovery Mode?

If Windows is running, go to Settings → System → Recovery → Advanced startup → Restart now. You can also hold Shift while selecting Power → Restart.

Can I enter Windows Recovery Mode if Windows won’t boot?

Yes. Windows can automatically enter Windows RE after repeated startup failures. You can also use a recovery drive or Windows installation media to access recovery tools.

What is the easiest way to enter Windows Recovery Mode?

If Windows is working normally, Shift + Restart is one of the quickest methods.

Can Windows Recovery Mode fix startup problems?

Yes. Windows RE includes tools such as Startup Repair, System Restore, Startup Settings, Command Prompt, and Uninstall Updates.

Does entering Windows Recovery Mode delete my files?

Simply entering Windows Recovery Environment does not mean your personal files will be deleted. However, some recovery options—particularly Reset or reinstalling Windows—can affect files, applications, and settings. Back up important data before using destructive recovery options.

Why is Windows asking for a BitLocker recovery key?

If your device is encrypted, certain recovery operations may require the BitLocker recovery key before you can continue.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to access Windows Recovery Mode can save you a lot of trouble when Windows won’t start normally.

If Windows is working, the easiest options are usually Settings → Recovery → Advanced startup or Shift + Restart.

If Windows cannot boot, you can rely on Automatic Repair, a recovery drive, or Windows installation media to reach Windows RE. Once you’re there, tools such as Startup Repair, System Restore, Safe Mode, Command Prompt, and Uninstall Updates can help you troubleshoot the problem.

Before using major recovery options such as Reset this PC, make sure important files are backed up.