[Full Usage Guide] Windows 10 Recovery Mode Activation

[Full Usage Guide] Windows 10 Recovery Mode Activation

/ Sed Galope

What Is Recovery Mode in Windows 10?

Recovery mode in Windows 10 is a boot option that starts the system in a pre-defined state, allowing you to troubleshoot and fix issues with the operating system. In recovery mode, you can access System Restore, Startup Repair, and Command Prompt to resolve various problems, including system crashes, corrupted files, and other failures.

How to Access Recovery Mode in Windows 10

Using the Start Menu

Step 1: Click the Windows icon and click the power button.

Step 2: Click Restart while holding the Shift key to enter the Windows recovery environment.

Step 3: After your PC restarts to the Choose an option screen, Click on Troubleshoot.

Step 4: Click Advanced options.

Step 5: All the tools are in the Recovery options menu.

advanced options screen

Enter Recovery Mode Windows 10 Using a Bootable USB Drive

Step 1: Create a bootable USB Recovery Media for Windows 10.

Step 2: Insert your USB drive, restart your computer and enter the BIOS.

Step 3: Boot using the drive and click next.

Step 4: On the Windows setup screen, click Repair your computer.

windows repair your computer

Step 5: In the Advanced Startup, Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options

Access the Windows Recovery Mode in the Windows Settings App

Step 1: Press Win + I to open Windows Settings.

Step 2: Click on Update & Security > Recovery > Restart now

advanced startup restart now

Step 3: In the Windows recovery environment, Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options

Boot Into Recovery Mode Using the Command Prompt

Step 1: Press Win + R, type cmd, and press CTRL + SHIFT key + Enter to run the command prompt.

Step 2: In the command prompt window, type the following command:

shutdown /r

shutdown r o command

Step 3: Press Enter and close. A prompt You’re about to be signed out will appear.

Step 4: In the Advanced Startup, Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options

Boot Into Windows Recovery Mode Using Windows Powershell

Step 1: Press the Windows key + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).

Step 2: Type the following command and press enter:

shutdown /r /o 

shutdown r o in powershell

Press F11 Key During System Startup to Boot Into Windows Recovery Environment

For some computers, you can press the F11 key repeatedly as soon as your computer restarts, which can help you enter the advanced options screen.

Turn Off and on Your PC 3 Times to Enter Windows Recovery Mode

Step 1: Press your computer’s Power button to start your PC.

Step 2: Press the Power button while rebooting to shut down the computer.

Step 3: Repeat the process three times, and in the third restart, your computer should enter into Windows Recovery Environment.

Step 4: Select your Account and type in your Account Password, and you should see the Automatic Repair Window.

Step 5: Click the Advanced options button to access advanced options windows.

automatic repair advanced options

Step 6: In the Advanced Startup, Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options

Access Windows Recovery Environment in the Sign-in Screen

Step 1: Click the Power button at the lower-right corner of the lock screen.

restart through the windows welcome screen

Step 2: Hold the Shift key and click Restart. This will open the advanced options dialog.

Step 3: Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options.

Enter Recovery Environment Through Task Manager Power Menu

Step 1: Press CTRL + ALT + DEL to open the Task Manager menu.

Step 2: Press the Power button, hold the Shift key, and click the Restart button.

restart through task manager

Step 3: Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options

Recovery Mode Tools

System Restore

system restore option

System Restore is a feature in Windows 10 that allows you to revert the operating system to a previous state, fixing problems and restoring the system to a known working configuration. It is a backup and restore tool that creates snapshots of the system at regular intervals, allowing you to revert to an earlier state in case of a problem. When you use System Restore, the operating system and system files are returned to their previous state, but your files and settings are unaffected.

System Image Recovery

system image recovery option

System Image Recovery is a tool in Windows 10 that allows you to restore your computer to a previous state using a system image. A system image is a complete backup of your operating system, system files, settings, and installed programs.

The System Image Recovery tool is accessed through the recovery mode. It provides a way to restore the system to a previous state, fix problems, and restore the system to a known working configuration.

Startup Repair

startup repair option

Startup Repair is a tool in Windows 10 that helps diagnose and repair issues that prevent the operating system from starting normally. It is a part of the recovery environment and automatically launches when Windows detects a startup problem.

The Startup Repair tool can detect and fix common problems that prevent the system from starting, such as a corrupted boot sector, missing or damaged system files, and issues with the boot configuration. It can also restore the system to a previous working state by using system restore points, repairing corrupted files, and restoring the boot configuration.

Startup Settings

startup settings option

Startup Settings is a boot option in Windows 10 that provides advanced options for starting the system. It is accessed through the recovery mode and allows you to start the system in different modes, including Enable Safe Mode, with or without networking, and various diagnostic and repair options.

The Startup Settings option is especially useful for resolving issues that prevent the system from starting normally, such as driver problems, malware infections, and boot configuration issues. By using Startup Settings, you can access the tools and options you need to troubleshoot and repair the system, getting it up and running again quickly.

Command Prompt

command prompt option

The Command Prompt is a powerful tool in the recovery mode menu of Windows 10 that provides a command-line interface for advanced troubleshooting and repair. It allows you to perform manual repairs, run diagnostic commands, and access system files and settings, even when the operating system malfunctions.

The Command Prompt tool can be especially useful for resolving issues that prevent the system from starting normally, fixing boot problems, and restoring the system to a working state. With the Command Prompt, you can run various commands to diagnose problems, repair corrupted files, and perform other advanced troubleshooting tasks.

UEFI Firmware

confirm restart in uefi firmware settings

UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) Firmware Settings is a tool that provides access to the firmware settings for your device. UEFI is a firmware interface that replaces most modern computers’ traditional BIOS (Basic Input/Output System).

The UEFI Firmware Settings tool allows you to modify the firmware settings for your device, including boot order, secure boot settings, and other low-level system settings. This tool is handy for resolving boot problems, changing the boot order, and disabling secure boot to run non-signed operating systems.

Uninstall Updates

uninstall updates option

The Uninstall Updates option allows you to remove recent Windows updates that may be causing problems with your system. The Uninstall Updates option provides a way to remove recent updates and restore the system to a previous working state.

By uninstalling updates, you can reverse any changes made by the update and resolve any issues it may have caused. This option is beneficial for resolving problems after installing updates, such as system crashes, BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) errors, and performance issues.

Get Your System Up and Running With Windows 10 Recovery Mode – A Comprehensive Guide

In conclusion, Recovery Mode in Windows 10 is a valuable feature that allows users to troubleshoot and resolve various system issues. It provides access to several options, such as resetting the system, repairing the system image, restoring it to a previous state, and more. It is an essential tool for resolving problems with Windows 10 and helps maintain the operating system’s stability and integrity.

Sed Galope
Meet the author

Sedfrey is an experienced writer and editor. He's also a PC hardware and gaming enthusiast. In his spare time, he enjoys reading about the latest innovations in the PC market and finding fixes to hardware and software errors.