How to Boot Into Recovery Mode windows 10 (5 Fast Ways)
Windows 10 Recovery Mode remains a vital built-in feature for troubleshooting and fixing system issues — and with over 800 million active Windows 10 devices still in use worldwide in 2025, it’s as important as ever to know how to access it’s as important as ever to know how to boot into Recovery Mode Windows 10 when problems arise. Recovery Mode gives you powerful tools like Startup Repair, System Restore, Command Prompt, and more to diagnose and resolve problems when your PC isn’t working right. You might need to boot into Recovery Mode if Windows fails to start, encounters boot errors, or you need to reset the system. It’s also a lifesaver for tackling driver conflicts, malware infections, or performing advanced repairs when normal startup isn’t possible. In this updated guide, we’ll walk you through 5 reliable ways to enter Windows 10 Recovery Mode — whether your system is still operational or completely unresponsive. These methods will help you quickly access the recovery environment and get your PC back up and running.
When Should You Use Windows Recovery Mode?
Windows 10 Recovery Mode is valuable in many situations where your operating system faces major challenges.
Here are some situations where recovery mode is useful:
- Start failure: When Windows encounters a problem during startup, system access is prevented.
- System files corrupted: In case the necessary system files are corrupted or corrupted.
- Driver malfunction: When a faulty or incompatible driver makes the system unstable or fails.
- Virus or Malware Removal: Recovery mode provides a secure environment for strong scanning and removal of infections effectively.
- System Restore: Returns your system to its previous state and revokes the most recent changes that may cause problems.
- Log Error: Repair and Restore Windows Entertainment if it’s damaged.
- Recovering from a failed update: Fix and fix issues caused by a faulty Windows update.
- Hardware Diagnosis: Identify and solve potential failures using discipline testing.
By understanding when Windows Recovery Mode is most effective, you can confidently use it to tackle system issues and restore your computer. Let’s walk through the 5 step-by-step processes to help you troubleshoot Windows 10 with ease.
Method 1: Using Advanced Startup via Settings
If your Windows 10 PC is still running normally, this is one of the easiest and safest ways to boot into Recovery Mode. All it takes is a few clicks in Settings. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
Step 1: Press Win + I on your keyboard to open the Settings window.
Step 2: In Settings, click on Update & Security — it’s usually near the bottom of the list.
Step 3: In the left-hand menu, click on Recovery.
Step 4: Under the Advanced startup section, you’ll see a button labeled Restart now. Click it.
Step 5: Your PC will begin to restart. When the blue recovery screen appears, choose Troubleshoot.
Step 6: Next, select Advanced options. This will take you to the Windows Recovery Mode tools, like Startup Repair, System Restore, and Command Prompt.
This method is perfect if your PC is working well enough to access Settings. It lets you safely and cleanly reboot into Recovery Mode without needing USB drives or forcing shutdowns.
Method 2: Using Shift + Restart
If you want a fast shortcut to boot into Recovery Mode without digging through Settings, Shift + Restart is a great option. It works directly from your desktop, Start menu, or even the lock screen. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard.
Step 2: While holding Shift, click Restart from one of these locations:
- The Start menu Power button (click Start → Power → Restart).
- The Lock screen Power button (if you’re on the login screen).
- The Power options on the Ctrl + Alt + Del screen (press Ctrl + Alt + Del → Power → Restart).
Step 3: Keep holding Shift until your PC begins to restart.
Step 4: When the blue recovery screen appears, click Troubleshoot.
Step 5: Click Advanced options to access Recovery Mode tools like Startup Repair, System Restore, and more.
This method is ideal when Windows is still running or at least showing the login screen. It’s a quick and convenient way to enter Recovery Mode without needing extra tools or commands. If you accidentally lose files while troubleshooting, consider using WinfrGUI, a completely free and easy-to-use recovery tool. Just select the drive, scan, and restore your files in a few clicks.
Method 3: Using Command Prompt (CMD)
If you prefer using commands or want a quick way to enter Recovery Mode without clicking through menus, you can do it right from the Command Prompt. This method is especially useful for advanced users or when you need to automate the process. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
Step 1: Click the Start button, type cmd in the search box.
Step 2: In the search results, right-click Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator.
Step 3: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command:
shutdown /r /o /f /t 0
Step 4: Press Enter to run the command.
Step 5: Your PC will immediately begin restarting and will boot into the Advanced Startup Options screen.
Step 6: On the blue screen, select Troubleshoot, then click Advanced options to access Recovery Mode tools.
This method is great for experienced users who are comfortable with the command line. It’s also useful when creating scripts or automating recovery tasks. After performing repairs, if you realize some files are missing, try WinfrGUI — a free, user-friendly tool that helps recover deleted or lost files with just a few clicks.
Method 4: Using Windows Installation Media (USB/DVD)
If your PC won’t boot at all, don’t worry — you can still access Recovery Mode using a Windows 10 installation USB drive or DVD. This method helps you get into recovery tools even when the system is completely unresponsive.
Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
Step 1: Insert your Windows 10 installation USB drive or DVD into the computer.
Step 2: Restart your PC. As it starts up, press the key shown on screen (often F2, F12, DEL, or ESC) to open your BIOS/UEFI settings.
Step 3: In BIOS/UEFI, go to the Boot or Boot Order section. Set your USB drive or DVD as the first boot device. Save changes and exit (usually by pressing F10).
Step 4: Your PC will boot from the installation media. When you see the Windows Setup screen, click Next.
Step 5: In the bottom-left corner of the window, click Repair your computer.
Step 6: Select Troubleshoot, then choose Advanced options to enter Recovery Mode.
This is the best option when Windows won’t start at all and you can’t access Recovery Mode using normal methods. It’s also useful if your system files are badly damaged. If you need a Windows 10 installation media, you can create one using Microsoft’s official Media Creation Tool on another working PC.
Method 5: Automatic Recovery After Failed Boot
When your Windows 10 PC fails to boot several times in a row, it automatically triggers Automatic Repair Mode — a built-in recovery feature that helps diagnose and fix startup problems. This method requires no special tools, just a few simple steps. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Press and hold the power button on your PC until it turns off completely.
Step 2: Turn your PC back on. As soon as you see the Windows logo, press and hold the power button again to force another shutdown.
Step 3: Repeat this force shutdown and restart process two or three times.
Step 4: On the next startup, Windows will automatically launch Automatic Repair Mode.
Step 5: When you see the Automatic Repair screen, click Advanced options.
Step 6: Select Troubleshoot, then click Advanced options to access Recovery Mode tools.
This method is ideal when your PC refuses to boot normally and you can’t access recovery through Settings, Shift + Restart, or Command Prompt. It’s a last-resort, built-in way to get to Recovery Mode without installation media. After fixing startup issues, if you discover important files are missing, try WinfrGUI — a free tool that makes recovering lost data simple and fast.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: How often should I use recovery mode?
The recovery mode is usually used when problems occur with your Windows 10 system. While there is no specified frequency to get acquainted with the process to be prepared for possible problems. Recovery Mode is a valuable tool for fixing software conflicts, system errors, and other issues that may require advanced diagnostic and repair procedures.
Q2: Is the recovery mode safe to use?
Yes. The Recovery Mode is a secure and integrated feature of Windows 10. It is designed to help solve system problems. It has a control environment for diagnostics and repairs. Follow recommended steps and precautions to make sure you use this feature safely and efficiently without damaging your files or system settings.
Q3: What is Windows 10 Recovery Mode and why do I need it?
Windows 10 Recovery Mode provides tools to troubleshoot and fix issues like startup problems, boot errors, and system failures. It allows you to reset your PC, repair system files, and restore the system to a previous state.
Q4: How can I access Recovery Mode if my PC isn’t booting?
If your PC isn’t booting properly, you can use methods like Windows installation media or the Automatic Recovery feature by forcing a shutdown multiple times. These methods will trigger the recovery environment even if Windows doesn’t start.
Q5: Can I use Recovery Mode to reset my PC?
Yes, one of the main features of Recovery Mode is the ability to reset your PC. This allows you to restore your system to its factory settings, keeping or removing your personal files based on the chosen reset option.
Conclusion
In this guide, we’ve explored five effective ways to boot into Recovery Mode in Windows 10, each tailored to different situations. Whether you’re troubleshooting startup issues, fixing boot errors, or performing a system reset, these methods provide the flexibility to access the recovery environment. Understanding how to boot into Recovery Mode Windows 10 is a valuable skill that can help you resolve a variety of system-related problems. By following the steps outlined here, you’ll be better prepared to handle any challenges and restore your system to optimal performance.
🔗 Also Read: How to Perform System Restore Windows 10 from Boot
