Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) is also known as Advanced Startup Options
, Advanced boot options, or
Windows Start settings
. The Advanced Startup Options
menu in Windows 11 and Windows 10 provides access to:
- Windows diagnostic and repair tools
- System Restore
- Command Prompt
- Startup Repair
Learn How to access the Windows Recovery Environment in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
This is also where you can access Startup Settings
, the menu that includes Safe Mode, among other startup methods. They are to help access Windows if it is having startup issues.

Figure 1: Advanced Startup Options screen (English only)
Windows Recovery Environment or Windows RE (WinRE) provides tools to diagnose and fix issues with Windows. The Advanced startup
or Windows RE (WinRE) can be accessed in multiple ways in Windows 11 or Windows 10.
Access Advanced startup (WinRE) from Windows recovery or install media
Accessing the Advanced startup
options using the Windows installation media is the most recommended method. When Windows does not load, use the "Advanced startup" options. If the computer does not start because of a Bluescreen or STOP error, the Advanced startup
options can be accessed using the Windows installation media.
Do not have the Windows recovery or installation media? Learn How to Download and Use the Dell Operating System Recovery Image.
- Connect the Windows recovery or installation media and turn on the computer.
- Tap the F12 key until you see the
One Time Boot Menu
.
- Select the Windows recovery or installation media from the list and press the Enter key.
- Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE or WinRE) loads on your device. On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.
Access Advanced startup (WinRE) from Settings
To access the Advanced startup options (Windows Recovery Environment or WinRE) from the Settings app, follow these steps.
- In Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > System > Recovery. Next to Advanced startup, select Restart now.
- In Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery. Under the Advanced startup section, select Restart.
Access Advanced startup (WinRE) using Automatic Repair feature
If Windows does not boot, and you do not have the Windows installation media, then follow these steps.
- Turn on the computer.
- Immediately after the Dell logo, when you see the blue Windows logo, press and hold the power button to shut down the device.
- Repeat steps 1 and 2, twice. On the third restart, the device enters the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE or WinRE) and some diagnostic tests are performed to fix any booting issues.
Access Advanced startup (WinRE) from Command Prompt
- Click Start.
- Search for Command Prompt, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
- In the Command Prompt, type
shutdown /r /o /f /t 00
and press the Enter key.
- The computer restarts to the Choose options screen.
Access Advanced startup (WinRE) from the login screen
From the login screen, select Shutdown, then hold down the Shift key while selecting Restart.
Advanced boot options in Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE or WinRE)
Automatic Repair
The Automatic Repair tool automates common diagnostic and repair tasks if Windows does not boot. Automatic Repair starts if the computer fails over to WinRE because of a detected startup failure.
System Restore
System Restore takes your computer back to an earlier point in time, called a system restore point. Restore points are generated when you install a new app or drive, and when you create a restore point manually. Using System Restore will not affect your personal files, but it will remove apps, drivers, and updates installed after the restore point was made.
Command Prompt
Windows command-line tools such as Registry Editor
, CHKDSK
, and more are available to fix Windows startup issues.
System Image Recovery
System Image Recovery is used for file backup and system image backup to an external storage device. After setting up System Image Recovery, Windows tracks new or modified files and folders, adding them to the backup. Anyone can create a system image or an exact image of a drive. If such an image is available, restore the contents of your computer if the hard disk drive or computer stops working.
Startup Settings
- Repair Your Computer.
- Safe Mode: Start up with a minimal set of drivers and services
- Safe Mode with Networking: Start up in safe mode and include the network drivers and services that must access the Internet or other computers on your network
- Safe Mode with Command Prompt: Start up in safe mode with the command prompt window instead of the Windows interface. This option is intended for IT professionals and administrators
- Enable Boot Logging: Creates a file, ntbtlog.txt, that lists all the drivers that install during startup and that may be useful for advanced troubleshooting
- Enable low-resolution video: Start up using the current video driver with low resolution and refresh rate settings. Use this mode to reset your display settings. For more information, see Change your screen resolution
- Last Known Good Configuration: Start up with the last registry and driver configuration that worked successfully
- Directory Services Restore Mode: Start up a domain controller running Active Directory so that the directory service can be restored. This option is intended for IT professionals and administrators
- Debugging Mode: Start Windows in an advanced troubleshooting mode intended for IT professionals and system administrators
- Disable automatic restart on system failure: Prevent the operating system from restarting automatically if an error causes it to fail. Choose this option only if Windows is stuck in a loop where Windows fails, attempts to restart, and fails again repeatedly
- Disable Driver Signature Enforcement: Allows drivers containing improper signatures to be installed
- Start Windows Normally: Start up in normal mode
Startup Repair
The Startup Repair function helps to automatically scan your device and fix common problems that are preventing Windows from starting up.
For more information about how to use the Advanced Startup Options menu, see the Microsoft article Recovery options in Windows
.