How To Boot Into Windows Recovery [Windows]

mia-j
By  
how to boot into windows recovery

This tutorial shows how to enter a Windows recovery environment when your machine can boot up and when it can’t. We’ll also cover Windows fundamentals, recovery mode, and how to enable it. Read all WinfrGUI postings for details.

Part 1: Overview of Windows Recovery Environment

Recovery Environment (WinRE) includes several diagnostic and repair capabilities in Windows Recovery Mode. These useful features let you patch, restore, and start your system using USB flash drives.

Many users rely on the Windows Recovery Environment to fix boot problems. Now the question arises – how do you boot in Windows 10 recovery mode? Below you will find various ways to this. However, it is important to make sure that Windows Recovery Mode is enabled. If it is disabled, you will not be able to access it. The detailed procedure for activating it is provided in the section below.

Part 2: Enable Windows Recovery Mode

  • Step 1: Type “cmd” in the search box and launch Command Prompt as administrator.
  • Step 2: Type “reagentc /info” and hit Enter in the box.
  • Step 3: Verify Windows RE state as “enable”. If not, type “reagentc /enable” and press Enter.
  • After enabling Windows Recovery Mode, follow these steps. The method is suitable for both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Part 3: Enter Windows Recovery Environment (Bootable)

If your computer can boot normally, you can use the following methods to access Windows Recovery mode.

Method 1: Press the F button during startup.

The only method to enter Windows recovery mode is to hit F at launch. Please switch off your computer and press F11 immediately after viewing the first startup screen. On certain PCs, F11 buttons may not work, so use F9 or F12.

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

  • Step 1: Click on the Windows icon and select the Power icon from the popup menu.
  • Step 2: While clicking on the restart option, hold the Shift button.
  • Step 3: You will be led to the Windows Recovery Environment to access the Win RE tool by choosing Troubleshooting > Advanced Options.

Method 3: Enter Windows Recovery Environment Through Settings

Another way to boot in a Windows recovery environment using a built-in tool called Windows Settings follows the steps below:

  • Step 1: Press the Windows and I buttons together to open the settings.
  • Step 2: Click “Update & Security” > “Recover”.
  • Step 3: Select “Restart Now” under “Advanced Startup”. Windows Recovery mode and restart will occur automatically.

Method 4: Use command instructions to feed WinRE.

You can also use the Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell to enter the Windows Recovery Environment. Here’s the guide:

  • Step 1: Start Command Prompt or PowerShell as administrator.
  • Step 2: Enter “shutdown /r /o” in the upper window.
  • Step 3: Click Close when “you are registering out” appears.
  • Step 4: Windows recovery mode loads after resuming.

Part 4: Enter Windows Recovery Environment (Unbootable)

When you can’t log in to your Windows system or your computer cannot boot, try the method below to enter Windows recovery mode.

Method 1: Use the lock screen.

If you’re stuck on the lock screen and can’t log in to Windows, you can boot into Windows Recovery mode, then just click on the Power icon, click the Restart option, and hold down the Shift button.

Method 2: Turn off the PC with power.

Forcibly enter Windows recovery if your machine fails to launch or Windows 11 does not display a lock screen. Hold down the power button until the screen shuts. Repeat this process three times and you will see the message “auto repair preparation” under the Windows logo. When requested, enter WinRE. Select Advanced options.

Method 3: Use a bootable USB drive.

If your PC can’t boot, a bootable USB drive, which is called a Windows installation medium, may be useful. If you don’t already have one, you can create it using USB boot software on another PC. When you have a bootable USB drive. Follow these steps to get into a Windows recovery environment.

  • Step 1: Power your PC and set it to boot from USB if recommended.
  • Step 2: Select the language and region in your Windows settings and click Next.
  • Step 3: In the next window, click on “Repair your computer”.
  • Step 4: Click Troubleshooting > Advanced Options

These methods give you different ways to boot in Windows 10 recovery mode regardless of whether your computer is running or not.