Windows RE is based on Windows PE (Preinstallation Environment) and includes the following tools:

Automatic Repair automatically fixes boot errors. System Image Recovery allows you to restore your computer using a system image, provided you had created one. System Restore allows you to revert to a previous computer state using a restore point, provided you had created one.

These are the most commonly used tools. Other tools available in WinRE are Command Prompt, Startup Settings, and Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool.

WinRE runs automatically upon detection of a boot failure. Two consecutive failed attempts to start Windows will trigger WinRE. However, there are several ways to boot into Windows RE manually.

Ensure Windows RE Is Enabled

Before we discuss methods to boot into WinRE, let’s make sure the recovery environment is enabled on your computer.

Windows RE is enabled by default on Home, Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions of Windows 10. However, if you had previously disabled it, make sure to re-enable it.

Naturally, this needs to be done while you’re still able to boot into Windows. If you’ve disabled Windows RE and your computer encounters a boot error, your only option will be to use a Windows recovery or installation drive.

We will use Command Prompt to enable WinRE.

Click on the Start Menu, type “cmd” in the Search bar, and run Command Prompt as an administrator by right-clicking and choosing Run as administrator. Check if Windows RE is enabled or disabled with the following command:

If Windows RE status is enabled, you can skip the remaining steps. If it’s disabled, you’ll need to enable it. Use the following command to enable Windows RE:

You’ve now enabled Windows RE.

1. Pressing F11 When Computer Starts

When you switch on the computer and you see the first screen, press F11 to boot into Windows RE.

Note that this method won’t work on all PCs. Some systems may require you to press a different key such as F9 or F12.

2. Using the Settings App

If you can boot into Windows and want to use Windows RE for something other than boot errors, use the Settings app in Windows 10.

Navigate to Settings > Update and Security > Recovery.

Click Restart Now button under the Advanced start-up section. The computer should restart and enter recovery mode.

3. Using Restart Option in Start Menu

This is another option to boot into WinRE if you can boot into Windows.

Click on the Start Menu and click on the Power icon. Press and hold the Shift key as you click on the Restart option.

This should take you to the Windows RE where you can select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options to access Windows RE tools.

Note: You can also do this from the login screen. Click Shutdown, then hold down the Shift key while selecting Restart.

4. Using a Windows Bootable USB

If you can’t boot into Windows, you can use a Windows bootable USB or DVD to enter Windows RE. If you don’t already have a Windows bootable USB or DVD, you’ll need to create one before you proceed to the next step.

You can download a Windows ISO and burn it on a DVD. Alternatively, you can create a bootable USB with tools like Rufus.

Insert the bootable USB or DVD into your computer and boot into it, just like you would for installing a fresh copy of Windows. On the next screen, you’ll see an option to Repair your computer at the bottom-left. Click on it, and you will enter Windows RE.

5. From the “Choose an operating system” screen

If you’re lucky enough and have been dual-booting Windows 10 with another operating system, you’ll have another option to boot into Windows RE.

When you switch on the computer, you’ll see the Choose an operating system screen.

Click on Change defaults or choose other options. On the next screen, select Choose other options. This will take you to the Windows RE.

6. Using Hard Reboot

A hard reboot is when you press and hold the power button to power off the computer. Don’t worry, hard reboots are not as harmful as they sound.

Hard reboot your computer and repeat the process a couple of times. Usually, it takes two consecutive system reboots within two minutes of boot completion for your computer to boot into Windows RE.

Your computer will display the Recovery screen that reads “It looks like Windows didn’t load correctly” and at the bottom of the screen, you’ll see a button to See advanced repair options. Click on it to enter Windows RE.

7. Using the Command Prompt

You can use Command Prompt to boot into Windows RE as long as you’re able to boot into Windows.

Open the Start Menu., type “cmd” in the Search bar, and run Command Prompt as an administrator by right-clicking and choosing Run as administrator.

Enter the following command:

This should boot your computer into Windows RE.

There is another entry point to Windows RE from Command Prompt. The following command will also take you to the Windows RE:

Leverage the Power of Windows RE

There are ample ways to boot into WinRE even if you can’t boot into Windows. Knowing these methods can save you plenty of time when your computer decides to have boot errors a night before an important presentation.

Windows RE isn’t helpful for just boot errors, it can also help fix other issues like Blue Screen of Death with tools like System Restore. However, sometimes blue screens require other fixes.