How To Boot Into Recovery Mode In Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Edgar Nicov

How-To

6 min. read

Published on November 2, 2025

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Windows 11, while generally stable, can sometimes encounter issues that prevent it from starting normally. In such situations, accessing Recovery Mode becomes crucial for troubleshooting and restoring your system. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to booting into Recovery Mode in Windows 11, enabling you to diagnose and resolve startup problems effectively.

Recovery Mode offers a range of tools, including System Restore, Startup Repair, Command Prompt, and more, allowing you to address various issues from driver conflicts to corrupted system files. Understanding how to access this mode is an essential skill for any Windows 11 user. Let’s explore the different methods available to get you back on track.

What Are The Ways To Access Recovery Mode in Windows 11?

Method 1: Using the Settings App

This method is the easiest if you can still access Windows, even if it’s unstable.

Open the Settings app. You can do this by pressing Windows key + I, or by searching for “Settings” in the Start Menu.
Click on System.
Scroll down and click on Recovery.
Under “Advanced startup,” click the Restart now button.
Windows will restart and boot into the Advanced Startup Options menu, which is essentially Recovery Mode.

Method 2: Interrupting the Startup Process

This method works even if Windows is failing to boot correctly.

Start your computer.
As soon as you see the Windows logo, press and hold the power button until the computer shuts down.
Repeat steps 1 and 2 two more times. On the third interruption, Windows should automatically boot into the Advanced Startup Options menu (Recovery Mode).

Method 3: Using a Recovery Drive or Installation Media

This method is useful if Windows is completely unbootable.

Insert the recovery drive or Windows 11 installation media (USB or DVD).
Start your computer and boot from the USB drive or DVD. You may need to change the boot order in your BIOS settings to prioritize the USB drive or DVD drive. The exact key to enter BIOS settings varies depending on your motherboard manufacturer (usually Del, F2, F12, or Esc).
On the “Windows Setup” screen, click Next.
Click on Repair your computer in the lower-left corner.
This will boot you into the Advanced Startup Options menu (Recovery Mode).

Method 4: From the Login Screen

This method is useful if you can get to the login screen but can’t fully boot into Windows.

At the Windows 11 login screen, hold down the Shift key.
While holding Shift, click on the Power icon.
Select Restart.
Continue holding the Shift key until the Advanced Startup Options menu (Recovery Mode) appears.

Navigating Recovery Mode Options

Once you’re in Recovery Mode, you’ll see a blue screen with several options:

Continue: Exit and continue to Windows 11.
Use a device: Use a USB drive, network connection, or Windows Recovery DVD to restart your PC.
Troubleshoot: Reset your PC or see advanced options.
Turn off your PC: Shut down your computer.

If you select “Troubleshoot,” you’ll find further options:

Reset this PC: Allows you to reinstall Windows, choosing to keep your files or remove them.
Advanced options: Provides access to System Restore, Startup Repair, Command Prompt, UEFI Firmware Settings, Startup Settings, and Go back to the previous version.

Tips For A Smooth Recovery

Back Up Your Data: Regularly back up your important files to an external drive or cloud storage. This will protect your data in case of a serious system failure.
Create a Recovery Drive: Create a recovery drive using a USB flash drive. This will allow you to boot into Recovery Mode even if Windows is completely unbootable.
Know Your BIOS Key: Find out which key you need to press to enter your computer’s BIOS settings. This is necessary if you need to change the boot order to boot from a USB drive or DVD.
Document Error Messages: Take note of any error messages that appear before booting into Recovery Mode. This information can be helpful for troubleshooting the problem.
Be Patient: Some recovery processes, such as System Restore or Startup Repair, can take a considerable amount of time. Be patient and allow the process to complete.

Comparing Recovery Methods

Here’s a quick comparison of the different methods for accessing Recovery Mode:

Method	Accessibility	Difficulty	Use Case
Settings App	Windows is accessible	Easy	When Windows is running but you want to access Recovery Mode.
Interrupting Startup	Windows is failing to boot correctly	Medium	When Windows is stuck in a boot loop or failing to start.
Recovery Drive/Install Media	Windows is completely unbootable	Medium	When Windows cannot boot at all, and you need an external bootable source.
From the Login Screen	Can get to login screen but not into Windows	Easy	If you can get to the login screen but are having issues booting into Windows.

Getting Your Windows 11 Back On Track

Booting into Recovery Mode is a crucial skill for troubleshooting and resolving various Windows 11 issues. By understanding the different methods and options available, you can effectively diagnose and repair your system, ensuring a smooth and stable computing experience.

FAQ

How do I create a recovery drive in Windows 11? You can create a recovery drive by searching for “Create a recovery drive” in the Start Menu and following the on-screen instructions. You’ll need a USB flash drive with at least 16GB of free space.

What does System Restore do in Recovery Mode? System Restore allows you to revert your computer to a previous state, using restore points that are automatically created by Windows. This can be helpful if you’ve recently installed a program or driver that’s causing problems.

Will resetting my PC in Recovery Mode delete my files? When resetting your PC, you have the option to keep your files or remove them. If you choose to keep your files, only your system settings and apps will be removed. If you choose to remove everything, your personal files will also be deleted.

What is Startup Repair in Recovery Mode? Startup Repair is a tool that attempts to automatically fix common startup problems that prevent Windows from booting correctly.

How long does it take to reset my PC in Recovery Mode? The time it takes to reset your PC can vary depending on the speed of your computer and the amount of data on your hard drive. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.