To open Advanced options (the advanced startup menu) in Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery and click Restart now under Advanced startup. After the restart, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options. The quicker shortcut: hold Shift while you click Restart in the Start menu or on the sign-in screen.
Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) now run until October 12, 2027.
Quick Answer
Hold Shift + click Restart > Troubleshoot > Advanced options.
Method 1: Settings
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
- Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
- Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options.
Other Ways In
| Method | When to use it |
|---|---|
| Shift + Restart | From the Start menu or the sign-in screen |
| shutdown /r /o /t 0 in Command Prompt | Scripted or remote restart into recovery |
| Automatic Repair | Windows opens recovery by itself after repeated failed startups |
| Boot from a Windows USB | Choose Repair your computer when Windows won’t start at all |
What’s in Advanced Options
- Startup Repair: Fixes problems that stop Windows from loading.
- Startup Settings: Restart into Safe Mode and other modes.
- Command Prompt: Troubleshooting commands.
- Uninstall Updates: Remove the last quality or feature update.
- UEFI Firmware Settings: Opens BIOS/UEFI setup on supported PCs.
- System Restore and System Image Recovery.
If Windows won’t start at all, see fixing a “Diagnosing your PC” loop.
Troubleshooting
- BitLocker asks for a recovery key: See finding your BitLocker recovery key.
- UEFI Firmware Settings is missing: Your PC uses legacy BIOS; use the startup key (often F2 or Del) instead.
- Stuck in Safe Mode afterward? See getting out of Safe Mode.
- More recovery tools: See getting to recovery mode in Windows 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will opening Advanced options change anything?
No. Nothing changes until you choose a tool. Click Continue to go back to Windows.
Is it the same on Windows 11?
Yes. In Windows 11 it’s under Settings > System > Recovery.
Summary
- Shift + Restart is fastest.
- Or Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Restart now.
- Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options.
- Pick the repair tool you need.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.