From here you can access Windows diagnostic and repair tools like Reset This PC, System Restore, Command Prompt, Startup Repair, and much more.
It’s also where you access Startup Settings, the menu that includes Safe Mode, among other startup methods that could help you access Windows if it’s having problems starting. In other words, Advanced Startup Options functions as the Windows 11/10/8 boot menu.
This menu should appear automatically after two consecutive startup errors. However, if you need to open it manually, there are six different ways to do so.
The best way to decide which method to use is to base your decision on what level of access you have to Windows right now:
If Windows starts normally: Use any method, but 1, 2, or 3 will be easiest. If Windows does not start: Use method 4, 5, or 6. Method 1 will also work if you can at least get to the Windows logon screen.
Time Required: Accessing ASO is easy and can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on which method you use.
Method 1: SHIFT + Restart
This is by far the easiest way to get this done. Just hold down either SHIFT key while selecting Restart, available from any power icon.
All you do now is wait while the Advanced Startup Options menu opens!
Method 2: Settings Menu
In Windows 11, right-click the Start button and choose Settings. In Windows 10, select the Start button, and then choose the settings button followed by Update & Security. In Windows 8, swipe from the right to open the charms bar. Select Change PC settings. Choose Update and recovery from the list on the left (or General prior to Windows 8. 1). Choose Recovery from the list of options. Locate Advanced startup, at the bottom of the list of options on your right. Select Restart now. Wait through the Please wait message until Advanced Startup Options opens.
Method 3: Shutdown Command
Open Command Prompt. Another option is to open Run (use the WIN+R keyboard shortcut) if you can’t get Command Prompt started for some reason, probably related to the issue you’re having that has you here in the first place! Save any open files before continuing or you’ll lose any changes you’ve made since your last save. Execute the shutdown command in the following way: shutdown /r /o To cancel the shutdown command once executed (like if you forgot to save your work!) execute shutdown /a in the same Command Prompt window. Select Close to the signoff warning message that appears a few seconds later. After several seconds, during which nothing seems to be happening, Windows will then close and you’ll see a Please wait message. Wait just a few seconds more until the Advanced Startup Options menu opens.
Method 4: Boot From Your Windows Installation Media
Insert into your computer a Windows 11, Windows 10, or Windows 8 DVD or a flash drive with the Windows installation files on it. You can borrow someone else’s disc (or other media) if you need to. You’re not installing or reinstalling Windows, you’re just accessing Advanced Startup Options—no product key or license breaking required. Boot from the disc or boot from the USB device, whatever your situation calls for. Select Next from the Windows Setup screen. Choose Repair your computer at the bottom of the window. Advanced Startup Options will start, almost immediately.
Method 5: Boot From a Windows 11/10/8 Recovery Drive
Insert your Windows 11, Windows 10, or Windows 8 Recovery Drive into a free USB port. Don’t worry if you weren’t proactive and never got around to creating a Recovery Drive. If you or a friend has a computer with the same version of Windows, see How to Create a Windows Recovery Drive for instructions. Boot your computer from the flash drive. On the Choose your keyboard layout screen, select U. S. or whatever keyboard layout you’d like to use. Advanced Startup Options will begin instantly.
Method 6: Boot Directly to Advanced Startup Options
Start or restart your computer or device. Choose the boot option for System Recovery, Advanced Startup, Recovery, etc. On some Windows 11/10/8 computers, for example, pressing F11 starts System Recovery. What this option is called is configurable by your hardware maker, so the options mentioned here are just some that we’ve seen or heard. Whatever the name, it should be clear that what you’re about to do is a boot to the advanced recovery features included in Windows. The ability to boot directly to Advanced Startup Options isn’t one that’s available with a traditional BIOS. Your computer will need to support UEFI and then also be configured properly to boot directly to the ASO menu. Fortunately, this is very common these days. Wait for Advanced Startup Options to begin.
What About F8 and SHIFT+F8?
Neither F8 nor SHIFT+F8 is a reliable option for booting to the Advanced Startup Options menu. See our guide on how to start Windows in Safe Mode for more on this.
In Windows 10, select the Start button, and then choose the settings button followed by Update & Security.
In Windows 8, swipe from the right to open the charms bar. Select Change PC settings. Choose Update and recovery from the list on the left (or General prior to Windows 8.1).
Another option is to open Run (use the WIN+R keyboard shortcut) if you can’t get Command Prompt started for some reason, probably related to the issue you’re having that has you here in the first place!
On some Windows 11/10/8 computers, for example, pressing F11 starts System Recovery.
What this option is called is configurable by your hardware maker, so the options mentioned here are just some that we’ve seen or heard. Whatever the name, it should be clear that what you’re about to do is a boot to the advanced recovery features included in Windows.
If you need to access Advanced Startup Options, you can do so with any of the several methods listed above.
How to Exit Advanced Startup Options
Whenever you’re finished using the ASO menu, you can choose Continue to restart your computer. Assuming it’s working properly now, this will boot you back into Windows.
Your other option is Turn off your PC, which will do just that.
