Enter Recovery Mode in Windows 10 With These 5 Methods

Learn how to access Recovery Mode from every part of the OS

by Matthew Adams
Matthew Adams
Matthew Adams
Windows & Software Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things... read more
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Reviewed by Alex Serban
Alex Serban
Alex Serban
Windows Server & Networking Expert
After moving away from the corporate work-style, Alex has found rewards in a lifestyle of constant analysis, team coordination and pestering his colleagues. Holding an MCSA Windows Server... read more
Affiliate Disclosure
  • The Recovery Mode in Windows 10 allows users access to many troubleshooting tools and the option to change startup settings.
  • Sometimes, the OS automatically enters the RE when it encounters a critical error.
  • There are various ways to enter the Recovery Mode, from Settings, Start menu, and login screen.
enter recovery mode in Windows 10
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Windows 10 includes a Recovery Mode that enables users to access a range of diagnostic and repair utilities. While it usually appears after startup errors, users may sometimes need to access the Recovery Mode manually. So, let’s find out all there is.

What is PC recovery mode?

That Recovery Mode assists users in troubleshooting Windows when it doesn’t boot as expected. It offers many options, including the Command Prompt, UEFI settings, Startup Repair, System Restore, and Startup Setting (accessing Safe Mode).

Also, this mode in Windows 10 comes to aid when troubleshooting BSOD errors that appear as soon as the OS is about to load. While the RE appears automatically in some cases, users can always access it manually through a series of ways.

How can I boot into Recovery Mode on Windows 10?

1. Press F11 during the system startup

This is among the more straightforward methods for entering recovery mode. Users can press the F11 key shortly after turning on their PCs. You can enter Windows 10 Recovery Mode without going into BIOS.

Note, however, that this method might not work on all PCs. For example, some may have the F9 or F12 keys set by default, so verify that with the manufacturer.

2. Use Start Menu’s Restart option

  1. Click on the Start icon, select the Power button, hold the Shift key, and click on Restart.restart
  2. Now, click on Troubleshoot.troubleshoot
  3. Next, click on Advanced options.advanced options to enter windows 10 recovery mode
  4. You now have all the recovery options listed on the screen.advanced options

This is one of the most simple and seamless methods to enter the Recovery Mode in Windows 10 while working, with the OS actively running.

You can similarly access Windows 10 Recovery Mode from the login screen by clicking the Power button and choosing Restart with the Shift key held.

3. Enter Recovery Mode with a bootable USB drive

  1. First, create a bootable USB drive for Windows 10.
  2. Now, turn off the computer, power it on, enter the BIOS, and choose the USB drive.
  3. Click Next on the Windows setup window.
  4. Select the Repair your computer option.repair your computer
  5. Click on Troubleshoot.troubleshoot
  6. Now, choose Advanced options.advanced options
  7. You now have all the recovery options listed here.recovery mode in Windows 10

If you can’t boot the OS due to errors or a corrupt state, download Windows 10, boot a USB drive, and access the Recovery Mode.

4. Select the Restart now option

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings, and choose Update & Security. update & security
  2. Now, navigate the Recovery tab, and click on Restart now under Advanced startup.restart now to enter windows 10 recovery mode
  3. Now, choose Troubleshoot.troubleshoot
  4. Click on Advanced options.advanced options
  5. The Recovery Mode options are all listed now.recovery mode in Windows 10

This is another quick way to access the Recovery Mode in Windows 10 while the OS is still running.

5. Boot into Recovery Mode using Command Prompt

Command Prompt is a built-in command-line tool that helps you get out of almost any troubleshooting situation. Similarly, you can enter Recovery Mode on Windows 10 from Command Prompt.

1. Press Windows + R open Run, type cmd in the text field, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

command prompt for windows 10 recovery mode

2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.

3. Input the following command and press Enter : shutdown /r /o

input command and press enter

4. Click Close on the You’re about to be signed out a prompt that appears.

5. Thereafter, select Troubleshoot.

troubleshoot to enter windows 10 recovery mode

6. Now, select Advanced options.

advanced options

7. All the advanced options in the Recovery Mode will now appear.

recovery mode

That’s it! And if you were wondering, there is no Windows 10 Recovery Mode key that you need to access it. Anyone with access to the computer can do it though specific changes require administrative privileges and the account password.

The solutions would help access Windows 10 Recovery Mode in Dell, Asus, HP, and most other devices. In case you face issues, find out how to perform a repair upgrade, one of the most effective troubleshooting methods.

If you have any other queries or want us to cover a similar topic, drop a comment in the section below.

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