How to boot into the Advanced Options menu in Windows 11

The advanced startup options menu in Windows 11 It is the essential resource for troubleshooting system issues, whether due to conflicting drivers, problematic updates, or boot errors. From this environment prior to normal loading You can access features such as starting in Safe Mode, repairing the boot, uninstalling updates, opening a symbol of the system or restore a system image, all from one place.

The key to this menu is that it runs before the standard boot, allowing tools to run more efficiently and with less interference than within Windows itself. It is essential for diagnosis and repair, as well as providing options to configure how your computer boots through a Startup Settings screen with specific options.

What is Advanced Startup and what is it for?

The Advanced Startup (or Advanced Options Menu) bundles special startup and recovery utilities that Microsoft has concentrated to make troubleshooting easier. Although many of these tools are available within Windows, they are usually more effective here because they start before third-party services and drivers come into play.

Common usage examples These include enabling Safe Mode to isolate faults, performing a startup repair if Windows won't finish loading, uninstall the latest updates suspicious, or access UEFI firmware settings without the need to memorize motherboard key combinations.

How to access the advanced startup options menu

Windows 11 allows you to access Advanced Startup in several ways., all aimed at taking you to the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE) where these tools are located. Select the method that best suits you to your current situation.

Method 1: Restart by pressing Shift

1. Hold down the Shift key while clicking Restart from the Start button or shutdown menu lock screen.
2. The PC will restart and display the recovery screen; choose Troubleshoot to access advanced options.

This method is fast and very reliable because it forces direct entry into the recovery environment without the need for commands previous.

Method 2: From Windows Settings

In Windows 11, the most common path To get to Advanced Startup go to: Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced start > Restart now. You can also find it on some devices. in Settings > Windows Update > Advanced Options > Recovery, where you will see the Restart Now button.

In Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery and click Restart now in the Advanced startup section. The result is the same: The computer restarts and the recovery menu is displayed.

Method 3: Using PowerShell or Command Prompt

1. Open Windows PowerShell (Administrator) with Windows + X and select the administrator option (or use Terminal/Command Prompt with elevated permissions).
2. Enter the command shutdown.exe / r / a and press Enter. Windows will log you off and restart. directly into recovery mode.

This command is useful for scripts or shortcuts and avoid navigating through menus to get to recovery tools.

Enter Startup Settings and modify the boot

After accessing the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE), you'll see various options in a menu with several tabs. To modify the way the system boots, Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings and click Restart to display the available options.

When the system restarts, the Startup Settings screen appears. with multiple options. You can select them using the number keys or F1–F9, or press Enter to start Windows in normal mode if you no longer need to make changes.

Options available in Startup Settings

Each option is designed for a specific type of diagnosis or problem.Below is a summary of each so you can determine when it's best to use them.

1. Enable debugging: Starts Windows with advanced diagnostic options, aimed at technicians and IT professionals. It is useful in specialized environments where detailed system debugging is required.
2. Enable boot logging: Generates an ntbtlog.txt file with the drivers loaded during boot. Handy for detecting problematic drivers.
3. Enable low resolution video: Boot at a reduced resolution and frequency to recover from screens that show errors or display glitches.
4. Enable Safe Mode: Starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services. If the problem disappears in Safe Mode, indicates that it may be caused by a driver or setting.
5. Safe mode with networking: Same as Safe Mode, but adds support for accessing the Internet or network resources.
6. Secure mode with system symbol: Direct boot to command console, useful for performing repairs with tools such as DISM or SFC.
7. Disable driver signing: allows loading drivers unsigned, recommended only temporarily and with trusted drivers.
8. Disable antimalware protection (ELAM): reduces protection in the initial phase of startup, useful for certain specific diagnostics.
9. Disable automatic restart after error: Prevents Windows from automatically restarting after a blue screen, allowing you to read the error code.

You can press Enter to return to normal startup. If you're just looking to review your options, remember to revert any security or advanced settings after completing the diagnostic.

Other tools in the Advanced Options menu

Advanced Startup not only includes Startup Settings. It also features utilities for repairing, undoing changes, or restoring the system:

• Startup repair: Automatically fixes problems that prevent Windows from loading. It is convenient as a first step if the system does not boot.
• Uninstall updates: Removes the latest installed updates, which may be causing errors. Recommended if the failure started after an update.
• Symbol of the system: Allows you to run advanced repair and diagnostic commands in recovery mode.
• UEFI firmware settings: Reboot to BIOS/UEFI, useful if you need to change settings without doing it manually.
• System Restore: Returns the system state to a previous point, without affecting personal files.
• System Image Recovery: Restores a complete copy of the system including files, applications, and settings.
• Use a device: allows booting from external media such as USB or DVD, ideal for repairs or reinstallations.
• Reset this PC: Reinstall Windows, keeping your files, or perform a full wipe as a last resort.

Centralize these tools in a single menu facilitates quick recovery when the system does not start correctly or when action is required before Windows has fully loaded.

What to do if Windows keeps booting in Safe Mode

Normally, a reboot should exit Safe Mode.If Windows keeps starting in this mode, a system setting may be set to this mode.

1. Press Windows + R, writes msconfig and press OK to access System Configuration.
2. In the startuncheck the option Safe boot.
3. Apply the changes and restart your computer. This should return you to normal boot mode..

This setting may remain active after some testing., so it is advisable to check it after completing the diagnosis to avoid boot loops in Safe Mode.

If Windows Installer does not start after disabling services

If you disable “Load system services” from msconfig, Windows Installer may not work properly. It can be started manually from the service management console.

1. Opens Service administration searching for it in Start.
2. Finds Windows Installer, right click and select Start. This will allow the programs to be installed correctly..

When finished, remember to reactivate the service load in msconfig to maintain the normal environment and avoid limitations in future installations