Have you ever needed to boot your computer into a special mode — maybe to troubleshoot, reinstall Windows, or boot from a USB drive? That’s where the Boot Menu comes in. On Windows 11, the boot menu gives you quick access to startup options like Safe Mode, UEFI/BIOS settings, recovery tools, and boot device selection.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get to the boot menu in Windows 11 step by step using different methods. Whether you’re a beginner or a power user, by the end you’ll know exactly how to access it safely and efficiently.
Key Takeaways
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The Boot Menu in Windows 11 helps you troubleshoot, change boot devices, and access recovery tools.
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You can access it via keyboard shortcuts (F12, Esc, Del, F2, etc.) during startup or through Windows settings.
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Windows 11 offers multiple ways to open the Boot Menu: Shift + Restart, Settings, Command Prompt, or hardware keys.
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Use caution when changing boot settings — wrong configurations can affect system startup.
What Is the Boot Menu in Windows 11?
The Boot Menu is a startup screen that allows you to:
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Choose which device to boot from (e.g., SSD, USB, DVD).
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Access Advanced Startup Options (Safe Mode, Startup Repair, System Restore).
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Enter the BIOS/UEFI firmware settings.
Think of it as the “control room” for your computer’s startup — where you decide what happens before Windows even loads.
Why Would You Need the Boot Menu?
You might need to use the Boot Menu in situations like:
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Installing Windows from a USB flash drive.
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Booting into Safe Mode to fix errors.
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Accessing System Restore after a crash.
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Changing the boot priority order (e.g., HDD vs. SSD).
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Running diagnostic tools.
Methods to Access the Boot Menu in Windows 11
Let’s explore the different ways you can get into the boot menu — from within Windows or before the OS loads.
Method 1: Using Shift + Restart
This is the easiest way to access the boot menu from within Windows 11.
Steps:
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Click the Start Menu.
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Select Power > Restart.
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While clicking Restart, hold down the Shift key.
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Your PC will reboot into the Advanced Startup Options menu.
From here, you can access Safe Mode, UEFI settings, and boot from USB or external drives.
Method 2: Using Windows 11 Settings
If your PC is still functional, you can access the Boot Menu through the Settings app.
Steps:
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Press
Windows + Ito open Settings. -
Navigate to System > Recovery.
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Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
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Confirm and your system will reboot into the Boot Menu.
Method 3: Using Command Prompt
For those who prefer command-line methods, you can use shutdown.exe.
Steps:
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Search for Command Prompt or PowerShell and open it as Administrator.
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Type this command and press Enter:
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/r= Restart -
/o= Advanced options (boot menu) -
/f= Force close apps -
/t 0= Restart immediately
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Your PC will reboot into the Boot Menu.
Method 4: Using Hardware Keys (BIOS/UEFI Shortcut)
If Windows won’t start, you can still access the Boot Menu directly at startup. The exact key depends on your manufacturer.
Common Boot Menu Keys by Brand
| Manufacturer | Boot Menu Key | BIOS/UEFI Key |
|---|---|---|
| Dell | F12 | F2 |
| HP | Esc or F9 | F10 |
| Lenovo | F12 | F1 or F2 |
| ASUS | Esc or F8 | Del or F2 |
| Acer | F12 | Del or F2 |
| MSI | F11 | Del |
| Samsung | Esc or F12 | F2 |
| Toshiba | F12 | F2 |
👉 Tip: Press the key immediately after powering on your PC, before the Windows logo appears.
Method 5: Automatic Repair After Startup Failure
If Windows 11 fails to boot several times in a row, the system automatically launches the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), which includes the Boot Menu.
Steps:
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Restart your PC and interrupt the boot process (turn it off during boot) 3 times in a row.
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On the 4th attempt, Windows will enter Automatic Repair.
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From here, select Advanced Options > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options, which opens the Boot Menu.
Exploring Boot Menu Options
Once you’re inside the Boot Menu, you’ll see several options:
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Continue – Exit to Windows 11.
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Use a device – Boot from USB/DVD/Network.
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Troubleshoot – Access recovery tools (Reset PC, System Restore, Command Prompt).
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Advanced options – Safe Mode, Startup Repair, UEFI/BIOS settings.
Safety Tips for Using the Boot Menu
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Backup first before making major changes.
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Avoid changing BIOS settings unless you know what they do.
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Check the boot order carefully when installing a new OS.
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Don’t panic if something goes wrong — you can always reset BIOS to default.
Troubleshooting: Can’t Access Boot Menu?
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Wrong key timing: Try pressing the key repeatedly as soon as you power on.
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Fast Boot enabled: Disable it in BIOS to give yourself more time to press the key.
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Use Shift + Restart: If hardware shortcuts don’t work, boot from within Windows.
Conclusion
Accessing the Boot Menu in Windows 11 is easier than you might think. Whether you use Shift + Restart, Settings, Command Prompt, or hardware keys like F12, you have multiple ways to get there.
The Boot Menu is your gateway to troubleshooting, reinstalling Windows, or changing boot devices — so it’s worth knowing these methods. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll never be stuck wondering how to reach it again.
FAQs About Windows 11 Boot Menu
1. What key opens the Boot Menu in Windows 11?
It depends on your PC brand — common keys are F12, Esc, F9, or F2.
2. How do I boot Windows 11 from a USB drive?
Enter the Boot Menu (Shift + Restart or BIOS key) and select your USB device.
3. What’s the difference between BIOS and Boot Menu?
The Boot Menu lets you choose devices temporarily, while BIOS/UEFI controls deeper system settings.
4. Can I access Boot Menu without Windows starting?
Yes — use your PC’s hardware key (e.g., F12, Esc) immediately after powering on.
5. Is it safe to change boot options?
Yes, if you only change boot devices. Avoid altering advanced BIOS settings unless necessary.