To enter recovery mode in Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery, and under Advanced startup select Restart now. You can also hold Shift while you select Restart. The PC restarts into the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE), a blue Choose an option screen with repair tools.
Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Learn on September 26, 2026.
From Settings
- Select Start > Settings > Update & Security.
- Select Recovery, then under Advanced startup select Restart now.
Save your work first. The PC restarts right away.
With Shift + Restart
Hold down Shift and select Power > Restart, from the Start menu or from the power button on the sign-in screen. Keep holding Shift until the blue screen appears. This works even if you can’t sign in.
When Windows won’t start
Windows opens recovery on its own after two failed starts in a row. If the PC keeps failing, you can force this: turn it on, and when the Windows logo appears, hold the power button to turn it off. Do this twice, and the third start opens recovery. Some PCs also have a recovery key or button. Check your PC maker’s instructions.
From a recovery drive or install USB
If recovery won’t open at all, start the PC from a recovery drive or a Windows 10 installation USB. On an install USB, select Next > Repair your computer.
What to do in recovery mode
Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options to see the tools.
- Startup Repair fixes problems that stop Windows from loading. See how to run Startup Repair.
- System Restore takes system files and settings back to a restore point. Your personal files stay.
- Uninstall Updates removes a recent update that caused trouble. See also how to roll back an update.
- Startup Settings lets you restart into Safe Mode.
- Command Prompt is for advanced repairs.
- UEFI Firmware Settings opens the PC’s firmware setup.
To start over completely, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC. See how to factory reset Windows 10.
To leave recovery mode, select Continue to start Windows normally.
If recovery mode doesn’t start or work
- The PC restarts normally instead. Windows RE may be turned off. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run reagentc /info. If Windows RE status says Disabled, run reagentc /enable and try again.
- It asks for a BitLocker recovery key. This is normal on encrypted PCs. Find the key at account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey on another device, signed in with the same Microsoft account.
- The keyboard or mouse doesn’t work. Plug a wired keyboard into a USB port directly on the PC. Some wireless and Bluetooth devices don’t work in recovery mode.
- Command Prompt asks for a password. Choose an administrator account and type its password. A PIN won’t work here.
Frequently asked questions
Does recovery mode delete my files?
No. Opening recovery changes nothing. Reset this PC can remove files, but it asks first whether to keep them. See how to reimage a Windows 10 computer before you run it.
Is recovery mode the same as Safe Mode?
No. Recovery mode runs outside Windows. Safe Mode is Windows started with only basic drivers, and you open it from recovery’s Startup Settings.
Is there a command to restart into recovery mode?
Yes. Open Command Prompt and run shutdown /r /o /t 0. The PC restarts straight into the Choose an option screen.
How do I leave recovery mode?
Select Continue to exit and start Windows normally. You can also select Turn off your PC, then turn it on again.
Is recovery mode the same on Windows 11?
Yes. Windows 11 uses the same Windows RE screens and tools. In Settings, the Advanced startup button is under System > Recovery.
Can I make a recovery drive just in case?
Yes. Search for Create a recovery drive in Start and follow the steps with a USB drive of at least 16 GB. Keep it somewhere safe.
Microsoft’s reference is Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE). More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Related: enter recovery mode in Windows 11.
Related: boot into Safe Mode without signing in.
Related: how to recover Windows 10 from a USB drive.
Related: how to fix a white screen on a Windows 10 laptop.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.