Introduction
Advanced startup options are a classic feature in the Windows family. The advanced startup options are designed to troubleshoot problems related to your system and the feature also gives you various troubleshooting options such as debugging mode and safe mode.
With the help of an advanced startup screen, the user can install or reinstall a new fresh window in the system.
This tutorial will show you various ways on how to access and use the advanced startup options in Windows 10.
How To Access Advanced Startup Options
By following any of the given below methods, the user can access the Advanced Startup Options.
Method 1. Using Command Prompt
Step 1
Open the Command Prompt.
Step 2
Type the following command in the command prompt and press the enter key.
Shutdown /r /o /f /t 120,
where, /r - Full shutdown and restart the computer,
/o - Go to the advanced boot options menu and restart the computer. (Must be used with /r option),
/t xx - Set the time-out period before shutdown to xx seconds. (The valid range is 0-315360000 (10 years), with a default of 30). If the timeout period is greater than 0, the /f parameter is implied.
After typing this command, the system will prompt you about the auto-shutdown time, as shown in the following screenshot.
Method 2. Using System Settings
Step 1
From the Start Menu, open the "System Settings". Alternatively, you can also open the "System Settings" by pressing the "Windows + I" key.
Step 2
Click on the "Update & security" option.
Step 3
Click on the "Recovery" and then under the "Advanced startup" section, click on the "Restart Now" button.
Method 3. Using a Shortcut
Step 1
From the Start Menu, click on the "Power" Icon button.
Step 2
Press and hold the "Shift" key and click on the "Restart" button.
Method 4. Using Task Manager
Step 1
Press the "Ctrl + Alt + Delete" key.
Step 2
Click on the "Power" button.
Step 3
Press and hold the "Shift" key and click on the "Restart" button.
Method 5. From Windows Installation Media
Step 1
Insert your Windows installation media (CD or USB).
Step 2
Click on the "Next" button.
Step 3
In the bottom-left corner, click on the "Repair your computer" option.
How To Use Advanced Startup Options
Using any of the above methods to access the Startup Settings, "Choose an option" screen will appear with various options viz. Continue, Turn off your PC, Use a device, and Troubleshoot. Now choose the "Troubleshoot" option to access more features.
Troubleshoot screen will appear with a "Reset this PC" and "Advanced options" feature. Now, the user can choose the "Reset this PC" feature to reinstall Windows without removing personal files or to install a new fresh window (operating system).
In the "Advanced options" screen, a various number of troubleshooting options will be shown here. Let's discuss them one-by-one.
Startup Repair
The startup repair option is used to fix the problems that keep Windows from loading. If you have any serious missing file problem or BSOD problem, then you can choose the "Startup Repair" option and an automatic startup procedure will start.
Uninstall Updates
The uninstall updates option is used to remove recently installed features updates from Windows. If you have any problem with the features updates then you have to reinstall the operating system completely. (Since the latest update can cause bad experience or bring new issues with you). In this situation, you can use the Advanced startup options to uninstall the latest feature update to fix the problem.
Startup Settings
The Startup Settings option is used to change Windows startup behavior. Startup Settings option will give you the extra troubleshooting features including debugging mode and Safe Mode. We will discuss this feature in detail in the next step.
UEFI Firmware Settings
The UEFI Firmware Settings option is used to change the settings in your PC's UEFI firmware. UEFI is the most important piece of software for booting any operating system. Alternatively, the BIOS is used for UEFI which is less preferred in comparison to it.
Command Prompt
Command Prompt option is used for advanced troubleshooting. Most commands that are generally used in the Command Prompt in Windows are also available in the Command Prompt included as part of Advanced Startup Options.
System Restore
The System Restore option is used to restore your windows PC from the restore point recorded on your PC. If you doubt some driver or registry issue is preventing Windows from starting properly, in this unsuitable situation you can use System Restore, which will restore your system to the previous configuration. This option is very useful to the user.
How To Use Advanced Startup Settings
Advanced Startup Option will give extra troubleshooting options to the user. Let's discuss them one-by-one.
Enable low-resolution video mode
Use your current video driver to start Windows, and use the low resolution and refresh rate settings. This mode allows you to reset your display settings. See Changing your screen resolution for more details. The low-resolution video option normally starts with Windows 10 but sets the screen resolution to 800-pixel-by-600-pixel. In some instances, the refresh rate is also reduced, as in CRT style on older computer monitors.
Enable debugging mode
The "Enable Debugging mode" option switches kernel debugging on Windows. This is an advanced troubleshooting method in which Windows startup information can be transmitted to another computer or device running a debugger. IT professionals and system administrators use debugging mode for their work.
Enable boot logging
Windows normally boots when Boot Logging is enabled until the device or driver that causes the problem either crashes the system or completes start-up. Windows creates a log file while booting which lists each processed step that is attempted and completed. It creates a file, ntbtlog.txt, which lists all the drivers installed during startup, and may be useful for boot logging.
Enable Safe Mode
Windows is started with a minimal range of drivers and facilities. If the user starts the Windows in Safe Mode, you will be able to run additional diagnostics and tests to find out which disabled device or driver prevents Windows from starting normally.
Disable driver signature enforcement
Allows the installation of drivers that have improper signatures. The "Disable driver signature enforcement" option allows for the installation of non-signed drivers in Windows.
Disable early-launch anti-malware protection
"Disable early-launch anti-malware protection" option is used to disable the early launch anti-malware driver, which is the first driver to be loaded during the booting process in Windows. This option is very useful if you suspect that the Windows 10 startup problem may be due to recent anti-malware software installation or some changes in settings.
Disable automatic restart on system failure
This "Disable automatic restart on system failure" option is used to disable automatic restart if an error such as BSOD occurs. In Windows 10, an automatic restart is enabled by default. But in the case, when BSOD forces an automatic restart, you can disable the automatic restart option.
How To Exit Advanced Startup Options
Have you completed your work, and want to go back to the system? You have two options to do so. Advanced Startup options give you the "Continue" and "Turn off your PC" options. You can choose any option you need.
Conclusion
By following any of the above methods, you can access and use the advanced startup options in Windows 10.
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