How to Access and Use Advanced Startup Options in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Windows 11 includes a powerful set of tools called Advanced Startup Options. These tools help you troubleshoot and fix problems when your computer isn’t working as expected.

Accessing these options can seem tricky at first, but it’s quite straightforward once you know the steps. This guide will walk you through each method to open and use Advanced Startup Options in Windows 11.

Whether you want to repair your system, change boot settings, or restore Windows, these options are essential for resolving many common issues. Let’s get started with the basics.

By following this guide, you’ll gain confidence in navigating Windows recovery tools safely and effectively.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Make sure your computer is plugged into a power source to avoid interruptions during restart or recovery processes.
Save any open work, as some methods require restarting your PC.
If your PC is not booting normally, some methods may not be available; alternative approaches will be provided.
Having a backup of important files is always recommended before performing system repairs.

How to Access Advanced Startup Options in Windows 11

Method 1: Using the Settings App

This is the easiest and most user-friendly way to enter Advanced Startup Options.

Click the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
Select Settings (the gear icon).
In the Settings window, click on System from the left-hand menu.
Scroll down and click on Recovery.
Under the Advanced startup section, click the Restart now button.
Your PC will restart and open the Advanced Startup Options menu automatically.

Why this step is important: Restarting through Settings ensures you safely enter recovery mode without losing data or damaging system files.

Method 2: Using the Start Menu Power Options

This method works well when you want a quick restart into Advanced Startup.

Click the Start button or press the Windows key.
Click the Power icon to open power options.
Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard.
While holding Shift, click Restart.
Your PC will reboot directly into the Advanced Startup Options menu.

Why hold Shift? Holding the Shift key tells Windows to boot into recovery mode instead of normal startup.

Method 3: Using a Keyboard Shortcut at Boot (for PCs that fail to boot normally)

If your PC is not starting correctly, Windows may automatically enter recovery mode after repeated failed boots. You can also try this manual method:

Turn your PC off completely by holding the power button for about 10 seconds.
Press the power button to turn it on.
As soon as Windows starts loading (you see the spinning dots), press and hold the power button again to force shutdown.
Repeat this process 2-3 times.
On the next startup, Windows will automatically open the Advanced Startup Options menu.

Why this helps: Windows detects repeated failures and offers recovery options to fix problems.

Method 4: Using Command Prompt or Run Dialog

This method is useful if you prefer typing commands or want to create a shortcut for recovery mode.

Press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog.
Type shutdown /r /o /f /t 00 and press Enter.
Your PC will restart and open the Advanced Startup Options automatically.

Explanation of the command:

/r tells Windows to restart.
/o directs it to open Advanced Startup Options.
/f forces running applications to close.
/t 00 sets the timer to zero seconds for immediate restart.

Using Advanced Startup Options

Once you enter the Advanced Startup menu, you will see several options:

Continue: Exit recovery and continue to Windows 11.
Troubleshoot: Access tools to reset your PC, use recovery options, or open Command Prompt.
Turn off your PC: Shut down the computer safely.

Inside the Troubleshoot Menu

Here you will find:

Reset this PC: Lets you reinstall Windows, keeping or removing your files.
Advanced options: This includes:

System Restore: Restore your PC to an earlier point in time.
Startup Repair: Fix problems preventing Windows from starting.
Command Prompt: Open a text-based console for advanced troubleshooting.
Startup Settings: Change Windows startup behavior, including Safe Mode.
Uninstall Updates: Remove recent Windows updates that might cause issues.

Why Use Advanced Startup Options?

These tools allow you to repair your system without completely reinstalling Windows. They provide control over system recovery and troubleshooting, saving time and protecting your data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I access Advanced Startup Options if Windows won’t boot?

Yes. Repeatedly forcing shutdown during boot (Method 3) causes Windows to enter recovery mode automatically.

Will using Advanced Startup Options delete my files?

Not unless you choose to reset your PC with file removal. Other tools like Startup Repair and System Restore do not delete personal files.

How do I exit Advanced Startup Options and return to Windows?

Select Continue on the main menu to exit recovery mode and boot normally.

Can I use Advanced Startup Options to enter Safe Mode?

Yes. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings, then restart and choose Safe Mode from the list.

Is it safe to use Command Prompt in Advanced Startup?

Yes, but be cautious. Commands here affect system files and settings. Only use if you know what you are doing or following trusted instructions.

When Nothing Works

If you cannot access Advanced Startup Options or fix your PC using these tools, consider these final steps:

Use a Windows 11 installation USB drive to boot and repair your system.
Contact Microsoft Support for professional help.
Visit the official Microsoft recovery page: Windows 11 Recovery Options.

Conclusion

Advanced Startup Options in Windows 11 provide essential tools for troubleshooting and repairing your computer. By using simple methods like restarting through Settings or holding the Shift key, you can easily access these options.

Understanding each menu and option helps you make informed decisions when fixing problems, saving time and avoiding data loss. Remember to start with the simplest steps and progress to advanced ones only if necessary.

With this guide, you now have the knowledge to confidently use Windows 11’s recovery features whenever needed.