How to Access Windows 10 and Windows 11 Recovery Environment

The Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) is a powerful tool that allows you to troubleshoot operating system issues, restore the system, and perform various diagnostic tasks. In this guide, we’ll look at several ways to access the recovery environment in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

1. Using the Restart Options

The easiest method is to restart the computer with special startup settings:

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. Click on Power, hold down the Shift key, and select Restart.
  3. After the system restarts, a menu will appear where you can select Troubleshoot > Advanced options.

This action will take you directly to the recovery environment.

2. Through the System Settings

If you have access to the desktop, you can access WinRE through the system settings:

  1. Go to Settings (press Win + I).
  2. In Windows 10, select Update & Security; in Windows 11, go to System > Recovery.
  3. In the Advanced startup section, click Restart now.
  4. After restarting, the system will enter the recovery environment.

3. Using the Power Button During Boot

If the operating system isn’t loading, you can enter the recovery environment by using the power button:

  1. Completely power off the computer.
  2. Press the power button to turn it on, and as soon as the Windows logo appears, press the power button again to turn it off.
  3. Repeat this process 2-3 times until you see the Automatic Repair screen.
  4. On this screen, select Advanced options.

4. Using a Windows Installation Media

If the previous methods don’t work, you can use a USB installation drive or disc:

  1. Connect the installation media to your computer and restart the system.
  2. Enter the BIOS/UEFI and select boot from the USB drive.
  3. When prompted, choose Repair your computer in the bottom left corner.

This method is useful if you can’t access the standard recovery options on your computer.