How to Boot in Recovery Mode on Windows

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This document examines Windows Recovery mode booting on booted and non-booted systems. Windows Recover Mode (WinRE) offers diagnostic and repair solutions for diagnosing, repairing, and booting from USB flash drives. Read this post by WinfrGUI.

How to Enable Recovery Mode in Windows

The robust Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) has several diagnostic and repair options. Many people use WinRE to fix boot issues. Windows 10 requires activation to reach recovery mode. Detailed procedures to enable recovery mode: 

  • Enter “cmd” in the search bar and select “Run as Administrator” under the Command Prompt app.
  • In the Command Prompt window, type “reagentc /info” and press Enter.
  • Check that the Windows RE status is set to Enable. If you don’t type “reagentc /enable” and press Enter to enable it.

Once you enable recovery mode, you can follow the instructions below to boot in. The method provided here works for both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

How to Enter Windows Recovery Environment (Bootable)

Method 1: Press the F button during startup.

If you want to get to Windows restore mode quickly, press the F button while the computer is starting up. To do this, turn off your computer and hit F11 when you see the start screen. Please keep in mind that the F button on your machine may be different from the one shown. You may need to try F9, F12, or another button. 

Method 2: Use the restart option in the Start menu.

Utilizing the restart option that is located in the Start menu is still another method. In this manner:

To access the Power menu, first click the Windows icon, and then click the Power icon.

It is necessary to click and hold the Shift button while you are selecting the Restart option.

This will transport you to the Windows recovery environment, where you will be able to access a variety of troubleshooting options by selecting Troubleshoot > Advanced options. 

Method 3: Enter Windows Recovery Environment Through Settings

Windows’ Settings utility lets you enter the recovery environment. Follow these steps:

  • Press Windows and I to open settings.
  • Go to “Update & Security” > “Recover.”
  • Select “Restart Now” in Advanced Start. Computers restart and enter recovery mode automatically. 

Method 4: Use command instructions or Windows PowerShell.

If you want to use a command line, you can enter a Windows recovery environment with instructions, commands, or Windows PowerShell:

  • Run Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell as an administrator
  • Type “shutdown /r /o” and press Enter in the higher window.
  • When notified, click Off in the instruction “You are unregistered.”
  • After restarting your computer, it will boot into recovery mode.

How to Enter Windows Recovery Environment (Unbootable)

Now go to Windows Recovery mode on unbootable PCs.

Method 1: Use the lock screen.

If you find yourself stuck on a lock screen and can’t log in to Windows, you can try accessing Windows Recovery mode. Then just click on the power icon. Click on the Restart option and press the Shift button.

Method 2: Power out of the PC hard.

In Windows recovery mode, you may enforce the boot if your machine doesn’t charge or Windows 11 doesn’t display a lock screen:

Hold the power button to turn off the screen.

Do this three times.

Below the Windows logo is “auto repair preparation.”.

When asked, type WinRE. Choose Advanced. 

Method 3: Use a bootable USB drive.

A bootable USB drive (Windows installation media) may fix a PC that won’t boot. Use USB boot software on another PC to create a bootable USB device. What to do:

If advised, boot from a USB drive.

Choose your language and region in Windows settings and click Next.

On the next window, click “Repair your computer.”.

Select Troubleshooting > Advanced Options. 

The purpose of this post is to provide you with a variety of methods to enter Windows Recovery Mode on machines that are booting or are not booting.

1. How often should I use recovery mode?

When Windows 10 malfunctions, recovery mode is employed. No frequency settings are needed, although it’s good to become acquainted with the procedure in case of issues. It’s a useful troubleshooting tool for program conflicts, system failures, and other issues that need complex diagnostic and repair methods.

2. Is recovery mode safe?

Yes. Windows 10 Recovery Mode is safe and integrated. Helps with system issues. Controlled diagnostics and repairs. Apply as instructed. Recovery mode fixes errors without losing data or settings. Follow the advised procedures to keep this function safe and productive.  

>>Further Reading: Reinstall Windows 10: 3 Effective Ways