How can I access the options menu when starting up Windows 11?
How can I access the options menu when starting up Windows 11?
2 Answers

Alright, let’s dive into how you can get to the Options screen when you fire up Windows 11. Whether your system is running just fine or throwing a tantrum by refusing to boot, there are a few tricks up our sleeves to get you there.
First up, we’ve got the trusty Settings method:
- Crack open Settings: Hit the Start menu and mosey on over to “Settings” (or save yourself some clicks with the shortcut: Windows + I).
- Find Your Way to System Recovery: Once you’re in, hunt down “System” and then “Recovery” in the side panel.
- Restart Now: Under “Advanced startup,” hit “Restart now.” Your PC will reboot and voilà, Options screen.
Next, try the classic Shift + Restart trick:
- Check Out the Power Menu: Grab the Start menu and spot the power icon.
- Shift Key Magic: Hold down the Shift key as you choose “Restart.” Your computer should reboot right into that Options screen!
If those two options aren’t doing it for you, let’s talk approaching things a bit more old-school with some good timing:
- Power Dance: Failures to launch? Turn your PC on, and the second you see the Windows logo, press and hold the power button to power down.
- Repeat as Necessary: Do this a couple of times. By the third try, Windows should pull up the recovery mode all by itself.
- Navigate Like a Pro: From there, just go to “Troubleshoot” and hit “Advanced options.”
Finally, if things just aren’t working, grab yourself some installation media:
- DIY Installation Media: Haven’t got one lying around? Create one using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool.
- Boot from USB or DVD: Plug it in and restart, tweaking your BIOS settings if you need to boot from the media.
- Skip the Install: Choose “Repair your computer” instead of jumping into a Windows setup.
- Get to Troubleshooting: Once you’re in, select “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced options.”
So, what can you do once you’re looking at that glorious Options screen? It’s like opening the door to a secret club with these perks:
- Startup Repair: Wrestle those pesky problems keeping Windows on the ropes.
- System Restore: Time travel back to when things worked smoother without axing your files.
- Command Prompt: Unleash the power of command-line tools to troubleshoot like a pro.
- Startup Settings: Get down to the nitty-gritty of boot options, including Safe Mode action.
These options are your best buddies when you’re grappling with Windows 11 headaches. So, gear up and take those recovery paths for a spin!

Getting to the options screen when booting up your Windows 11 PC is crucial when you need to troubleshoot or dive into more sophisticated startup choices. Here’s how you can get there without breaking a sweat:
Alright, first up is the Settings route. It’s kind of like your straightforward highway:
- Punch the Windows + I keys to jump into the Settings app.
- Head over to System and then click on Recovery.
- Look for Advanced startup and hit Restart now.
- Your PC will restart, and voila, the options screen will pop up.
Now, let’s mix things up a bit with the Shift + Restart trick:
- Tap the Start button and find the Power option.
- Press and hold the Shift key and tap Restart.
- Keep your finger on that Shift key until you see the options screen show up.
Feeling tech-savvy? Command Prompt’s got your back:
- Fire up the Command Prompt as an admin.
- Type in
shutdown.exe /r /o
and hit Enter. - Boom, your PC will restart and the options screen will be staring right back at you.
And if you’re already hanging out at the sign-in screen:
- Tap the Power button there.
- Hold down the Shift key and pick Restart.
- Let go of Shift when the options screen makes its grand entrance.
These tricks should get you into the advanced startup realm without any hassle. Whether you’re fixing a snag or planning a daring system repair, you’re all set to roll!