How to access Windows Recovery Environment on Dell PCs

Summary: Learn how to access the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE) on Dell PCs using built-in Windows options, Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery, and Command Prompt. Use this guide to troubleshoot and repair startup issues. ...

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Instructions

Overview of Windows Recovery Environment

The Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE) is a built-in recovery platform in Windows that helps you fix common issues that prevent your operating system from starting. Windows RE includes tools such as Startup Repair, System Restore, Command Prompt, and more.

If your Dell PC is experiencing startup problems or you need to perform advanced recovery tasks, you can access Windows RE using several supported methods.

Use Advanced startup from Settings

Use this method when your system is bootable and you can access Windows Settings.

  1. Select Start > Settings > System > Recovery.
  2. Under Advanced startup, select Restart now.
  3. Your system will restart and enter Windows RE.

Use Shift + Restart

Use this method from the desktop or sign-in screen.

  1. Press and hold Shift, then select Restart from one of the following:
    • Start > Power
    • Windows sign-in screen
  2. Your system will restart and enter Windows RE.

Use Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery

Note: BIOSConnect booted OS Recovery does not support the Windows Recovery Environment

Use this method when your system can't boot normally.

  1. Power on your system and press F12 to open the System Boot menu.
  2. Select SupportAssist OS Recovery.
  3. On the OS Recovery Home screen, select the three dots in the upper-right corner.
  4. From the dropdown menu, select Windows recovery.
  5. Your system will restart and enter Windows RE.

Use Command Prompt

Use this method if you prefer command-line access or need to automate recovery.

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. Run the following command: 
    shutdown /r /o /f /t 0
  3. Your system will restart and enter Windows RE.

Next steps

Once in Windows RE, you can choose from several recovery tools to diagnose and fix issues. Common options include:

  • Startup Repair: Fixes problems that prevent Windows from starting.
  • System Restore: Restores your system to a previous state.
  • Command Prompt: Allows advanced troubleshooting.
  • Uninstall Updates: Removes recent updates that may be causing issues.

Affected Products

Alienware, Dell All-in-One, Dell Pro All-in-One, Dell Pro Max Micro, Dell Pro Max Slim, Dell Pro Max Tower, Dell Pro Micro, Dell Pro Slim, Dell Pro Tower, Dell Slim, Dell Tower, Inspiron, Legacy Desktop Models, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS, G Series , G Series, Alienware, Dell Plus, Dell Pro, Dell Pro Max, Dell Pro Plus, Dell Pro Premium, Inspiron, Latitude, Dell Pro Rugged, Vostro, XPS, Legacy Laptop Models, Fixed Workstations, Mobile Workstations, Dell Pro Max Micro XE FCM2250, Dell Pro Max Slim XE FCS1250, Dell Pro Max Tower T2 XE FCT2250, Dell Pro Max 16 XE MC16250, Dell Pro Micro Plus XE QBM1250, Dell Pro Slim Plus XE5 QBS1250, Dell Pro Tower Plus XE5 QBT1250 ...
Article Properties
Article Number: 000113309
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 10 Oct 2025
Version:  15
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