The Windows 10 boot menu is reached by pressing a manufacturer-specific key during startup or by using the Windows Recovery Environment in Settings.
Most Windows 10 users press F8 when they need the boot menu — and it almost never works. Microsoft disabled that shortcut years ago. Knowing how to enter boot menu Windows 10 starts with understanding you have more than one route: a hardware key during startup, or a software path through the recovery environment. Each method gets you to the same set of startup tools, but the right choice depends on whether Windows can still load.
Press a Boot Key During Startup
The fastest route to the boot menu is a single key tapped at the right moment. The catch: there is no universal key. Each manufacturer assigns its own, and pressing the wrong one does nothing.
Common boot menu keys include F12, F11, Esc, and Del. Lenovo systems often use F12, Dell uses F12, HP uses Esc or F9, and ASUS uses F8 or Esc. Watch the screen when your PC first powers on — many models briefly display a prompt like “Press F12 for Boot Menu.”
The timing is critical. You must press the key before the Windows logo appears. If you see the logo, you waited too long — restart and try again, pressing the key repeatedly as soon as the computer powers on.
What to do if the key doesn’t work: Some USB keyboards aren’t recognized early enough during startup. Try a different USB port (one directly on the motherboard, not a front-panel port) or use a PS/2 keyboard if available. If that fails, use one of the software methods below.
Enter the Boot Menu on Windows 10 Using Windows Recovery Environment
If Windows loads normally, the most reliable software path is through the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE). This method works on every Windows 10 system regardless of manufacturer.
Follow these steps:
- Open Settings (press Windows + I).
- Go to Update & Security.
- Select Recovery from the left sidebar.
- Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
Your PC will reboot into the blue recovery screen. From there, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart. After the final restart, the Startup Settings menu appears with numbered options.
Note: If your device is BitLocker-encrypted, Microsoft warns that you will need your BitLocker recovery key to complete this process.
Microsoft’s official documentation confirms this path as the recommended way to access startup options from within Windows. The Windows Startup Settings guide details every available option and their use cases.
What Happens After You Restart?
Once you reach the Startup Settings screen, you’ll see a list of numbered options. Press the number key or the corresponding F-key (F1–F9) to select one. Here’s what each option does:
| Key | Option Name | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Enable debugging | Starts Windows in kernel debug mode for advanced troubleshooting |
| 2 | Enable boot logging | Logs driver loads to a file for diagnosing boot failures |
| 3 | Enable low-resolution video | Boots with minimum display settings to bypass graphics issues |
| 4 | Enable Safe Mode | Loads Windows with minimal drivers and services |
| 5 | Enable Safe Mode with Networking | Same as 4 but adds network drivers |
| 6 | Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt | Safe Mode with a command-line interface instead of Explorer |
| 7 | Disable driver signature enforcement | Allows unsigned drivers to load |
| 8 | Disable early launch anti-malware | Prevents early-launch anti-malware from running |
| 9 | Disable automatic restart on system failure | Stops Windows from restarting after a crash, letting you see error details |
Press Enter to boot normally if you don’t want to select any option.
Hold Shift and Click Restart
This shortcut is the quickest software method for reaching the recovery menu. It works from the sign-in screen or the Start menu.
- From the sign-in screen: hold the Shift key, click the Power icon, then select Restart.
- From within Windows: open the Start menu, hold Shift, click the Power icon, then select Restart.
Your PC will reboot into the same blue recovery screen described above. From there, follow the same path: Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
Run a Command to Reboot into Advanced Startup
For users comfortable with the command line, the fastest method is a single command. Open an elevated Command Prompt or PowerShell (right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin)), then type:
shutdown /r /o
Press Enter. Your system will show a warning that it will sign you out, then reboot directly into the advanced startup menu. This command works on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
What If Windows Won’t Start?
When Windows cannot boot at all, the software methods above are out of reach. Your options narrow to two:
- Use the manufacturer boot key — Press the key for your PC model during power-on to open the boot device menu, then select a recovery drive or installation media.
- Use a USB recovery drive — Insert a Windows 10 recovery or installation USB, boot from it using the boot menu, and select Repair your computer to enter the recovery environment.
If the boot key isn’t working, you may need to enter BIOS/UEFI (usually F2 or Del) and change the boot order to prioritize USB or optical media.
Manufacturer Boot Key Reference
The table below lists the most common boot menu and BIOS keys for major PC manufacturers. Use the boot menu key for a one-time boot override; use the BIOS key to permanently change the boot order.
| Manufacturer | Boot Menu Key | BIOS/UEFI Key |
|---|---|---|
| Lenovo | F12 | F2 or F1 |
| Dell | F12 | F2 |
| HP | Esc or F9 | F10 |
| ASUS | F8 or Esc | F2 or Del |
| Acer | F12 | F2 or Del |
| Toshiba | F12 | F2 |
| Sony | F11 or F12 | F2 or Assist |
| Samsung | F12 or Esc | F2 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Pressing the key too late. The boot key must be pressed before the Windows logo appears. If you see the logo, restart and start pressing the key immediately when the screen lights up.
- Assuming F8 is universal. F8 for Safe Mode was disabled after Windows 7. It may work on some systems with legacy boot settings, but it’s not reliable on Windows 10.
- Confusing the boot menu with BIOS/UEFI. The boot menu is a temporary one-time boot override. BIOS/UEFI controls permanent hardware and boot-order settings. They are accessed with different keys.
- Forgetting BitLocker recovery. If your device uses BitLocker, have the recovery key ready before using the Windows RE path — you’ll need it to proceed.
- Using the wrong recovery path for a non-booting PC. If Windows won’t start at all, the Settings and Shift+Restart methods won’t work. Use the boot key or a recovery USB instead.
Which method should you use? If Windows loads normally, the fastest route is Shift + Restart or the Settings path through Windows RE. If Windows won’t start, the manufacturer boot key (F12, F11, Esc, or Del) is your only way in. If the boot key fails, enter BIOS/UEFI to change the boot order to USB or optical media. Having all three routes ready means no boot problem keeps you out of Safe Mode or recovery tools.
References & Sources
- Microsoft. “Windows Startup Settings (including safe mode).” Official documentation for all startup options and the Windows RE path.