How Do I Access the Advanced Startup Options in Windows 11?
How Do I Access the Advanced Startup Options in Windows 11?
3 Answers

Getting into the Advanced Startup Options in Windows 11 might seem tricky at first, but it’s actually pretty straightforward. This is where you go if you need to do some system troubleshooting or repairs. So, let’s see how you can access it.
First up, the good old Shift + Restart trick. If your computer\’s behaving, this one\’s easy. Just save your work, click the Start menu, hit the Power icon, then hold down the Shift key and click Restart. Hang tight—you’ll see the “Choose an option” screen pop up. From there, find Troubleshoot and then Advanced Options. Easy peasy. By the way, this works if you\’re already logged in or stuck at the login screen.
Next, there’s the Settings way. This is handy if you’re more of a clicker than a shifter. Hit Windows key + I or right-click on Start to get into Settings, then head over to System and look for Recovery. Under Advanced startup, smack that Restart now button. Your PC\’s going to do its thing and reboot into the Advanced Options. Now you’ve got recovery tools and other goodies at your fingertips.
For those who are command-line warriors, there’s a snappy method for you, too. Press Windows key + R to fire up the Run box, type shutdown /r /o, and hit Enter. Bam! Just make sure your work is saved because you’re going to restart in a flash right into those Advanced Startup Options without any clicking around.
Now, if things are going pear-shaped and Windows is refusing to start, whip out a Windows 11 installation USB/DVD or a recovery drive. Pop it in, restart, and boot from it. When you see the setup screen, just click “Repair your computer.” This setup is a lifesaver if your machine is stuck in the mud.
And here’s a throwback for you—if you\’re missing the old F8 boot menu from the Windows 7 days, you can bring it back. Crack open Command Prompt as admin, punch in bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy, and hit Enter. Give the PC a reboot, and you’ll have the classic Advanced Boot Options back at your fingertips. (Want to switch it back? Just run the command again but replace \’legacy\’ with \’standard.\’)
There you have it—a few ways to get your hands dirty with Windows 11\’s Advanced Startup Options. Whether you’re doing some troubleshooting or just exploring, these tools will come in handy when things go sideways.

Alright, let\’s dive into how to get to those Advanced Startup options in Windows 11—it’s a lifesaver if your PC is giving you trouble!
Getting to Know Advanced Startup in Windows 11
Think of Advanced Startup as your techy toolkit for fixing serious Windows hiccups. It\’s the place you turn to when you need to get into Safe Mode or do a System Restore, especially if your computer\’s being stubborn at booting up normally.
Ways to Reach Advanced Startup
The Easy Route: Settings
- Here’s how:
- Head into Settings (hit Win + I) and go to System, then Recovery.
- Look for Advanced startup and smash that Restart now button.
- When your PC restarts, choose Troubleshoot, then Advanced options.
If Windows Won’t Boot: Forced Entry
- Steps:
- Restart your computer by force three times during boot to kickstart Automatic Repair.
- From there, hop over to Advanced options, then hit Troubleshoot.
Using a Bootable USB
- Make yourself a Windows 11 USB installer, boot from it, and select Repair your computer.
Common Issues & Quick Fixes
Problem 1: Can’t Find Advanced Startup
- What’s up: System files might be chipped or the recovery partition isn’t playing ball.
- Fix it:
- Run
sfc /scannow
anddism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
via Command Prompt with admin rights. - Double-check the recovery partition in Disk Management.
- Run
Problem 2: Stuck in a Boot Loop After Choosing Advanced Startup
- Why it’s happening: Could be pesky drivers or a botched update.
- Solution:
- Choose Safe Mode in Advanced Startup to pull any recent updates or drivers.
- Try System Restore to roll back to a stable place.
Problem 3: No Access to Recovery Tools
- The culprit: Secure Boot or UEFI settings might need a tweak.
- Fix:
- Pop into BIOS (hit F2 or Del while booting up) and make sure Secure Boot and UEFI mode are enabled.
Extra Tips
- Always Backup: Use the Advanced Startup to make a system backup via Command Prompt (
wbadmin start backup
). - Tough Nut to Crack? In case all else fails, grab some offline recovery tools like Windows PE or another favorite like Hiren’s BootCD.
Feel free to holler if you need more info on any of this!

Getting into the advanced startup options on Windows 11 isn’t too tricky. These options can be real lifesavers for fixing issues or accessing safe mode. Let’s check out a few methods:
First off, using Settings:
- Hit the Start button and dive into Settings.
- Head over to System, then click on Recovery.
- Look for Advanced startup and tap on Restart now.
- Your computer will reboot, and you’ll end up at the Choose an option screen. Just select Troubleshoot and then Advanced options.
Now, if you’re up for something quicker, try the Power Menu:
- Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete.
- Click the Power button at the bottom-right.
- Hold down the Shift key and click Restart.
- The reboot takes you to the Choose an option screen. From there, it’s Troubleshoot to Advanced options.
For the adventurous, here’s how you do it with a Bootable USB Drive:
- Use the Microsoft Media Creation Tool to whip up a bootable Windows 11 USB drive.
- Pop that USB into your PC and restart it.
- Dive into the boot menu (usually it’s F12, Esc, or Del—depends on who made your computer).
- Pick the USB drive as your boot device.
- Once it’s up, choose your language settings, and hit Next.
- Click Repair your computer in the corner.
- At the Choose an option screen, go to Troubleshoot and then Advanced options.
And there you have it! Each of these will open the door to all those handy advanced startup options. If you’re itching for more details, the folks over at Microsoft have a heap of info in their Windows Recovery Options guide.