Windows 11 Advanced Startup is one of the recovery options for the latest Microsoft operating system. An interesting tool to try in case of operating problems or failures and before having to use more radical options such as restoration or formatting and installation from scratch. We review what it offers, how to access it and how to use it.
What Windows 11 Advanced Startup offers
Also called the “advanced options menu”, Microsoft has included quite a few tools, features, and configuration options. Most of them are accessible in other parts of the system, but it is very interesting to have them all together and, also, there are times that they only work properly from these special recovery modes that boot before normal system load.
Some of them are simple and automated and others are more advanced or require more user interaction, although without a doubt the most interesting are those for repair and troubleshooting.
The main functions, in addition to turning off the computer or continuing with the standard loading of Windows 11 are:
startup repair. It will try to automatically fix problems that prevent Windows 11 from loading correctly.
startup settings. Allows you to modify the standard boot of Windows 11 in case of problems. From there you can enable safe mode; debugging mode; boot with low-resolution video mode or disable anti-malware protection and enforce signed drivers.
uninstall updates. Updates are a frequent source of problems. With them, Microsoft fixes problems, but causes random ones. This feature allows you to uninstall the latest updates, both quality and feature updates.
Symbol of the system. If you know how to work with the Windows console, it’s a good choice for running diagnostic or repair commands.
UEFI Firmware Settings. This option restarts the computer and directly accesses its BIOS/UEFI. Ideal if you don’t remember the access keys, although you should know it.
system restore. Allows you to use a previously created restore point to revert Windows to a time when it was working properly.
System Image Recovery. Similar to system restore, but in this case it uses a full system image instead of a restore point. Images are much larger and more complete than restore points and include all files, installed apps, and user settings.
use a device. Access a USB flash drive, optical media, or network connection for Windows recovery.
reset system. It is the same option included in the Windows Configuration tool and you will have to use it when none of the above works for you. There are some users who use it as a regular maintenance task, even if the equipment is running smoothly. It is a way to “clean” and leave the operating system as in its beginnings. You have two options, keep files or a deeper one that deletes everything and returns to a “factory” state.
How it is accessed and managed
The easiest and fastest way to access Advanced Startup in Windows 11 is to restart your computer by holding down the Shift key. Click the Start button or press the Windows key, click the power icon while holding down the Shift key, and click “Restart.”
If you prefer to access from the system itself, go to the Settings tool > System > Recovery and click on “Restart now” in the Advanced startup section.
This advanced startup is very useful with some functions to try in case of problems that may be able to recover the correct functioning of your equipment without having to carry out more forceful actions.
