How to Access Boot Options Menu in Windows 10?
Last Updated :
23 Jul, 2025
Knowing how to access the boot options menu in Windows 10 can be incredibly helpful, whether you're troubleshooting your system or looking to modify startup settings. The Windows 10 boot options allow you to enter safe mode, change boot order, or access recovery tools. In this article, we’ll show you how to easily open the boot menu in Windows 10 using different methods, including the advanced startup option and the boot menu key.
What is Safe Mode in Windows 10?
The safe mode feature in Windows 10 helps us to identify issues. In safe mode, the PC boots up using only the drivers and data that are essential for boot up. Any application that is installed manually will not show up in safe mode. Hence, if an issue is not occurring in this mode that was occurring in normal boots up, then the issue is in the manually installed applications.
Also check: How to Boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode?
One thing to note here is that there is no way to go into safe mode when Windows 10 is booted up normally. To enter safe mode, you need to first access the advanced options menu. So, let's discuss how to access boot menu options in Windows 10.
Step 1: Click on Start, located at the bottom left corner of your screen.
Step 2: Click on Power.
Step 3: Hold down the Shift key.
Step 4: Click on Restart.
Windows will automatically shut down and restart to the Advanced options menu.
Step 1: Open Settings.
Step 2: Click on Update & Security.
Step 3: Navigate to the Recovery Tab.
Step 4: You will see a section named Advanced Startup and a button named Restart now under it. Click on it to restart Windows to the boot menu.
Method 3: Access Boot Menu Options Using Command Prompt
Step 1: Type cmd in the search bar. The Command Prompt utility will pop up. Click on Run as administrator to launch this tool with administrative privileges.

Step 2: In the window that appears, type shutdown.exe /r /o. Then, hit Enter to restart Windows to the boot menu.
shutdown.exe /r /o

Conclusion
Accessing the boot options menu in Windows 10 is essential for performing tasks like entering safe mode, accessing recovery options, or making changes in the BIOS. By using the Windows 10 advanced startup feature or pressing the correct boot menu key, you can easily manage your system’s boot settings and resolve potential issues. Having a good understanding of the Windows 10 startup options can help you maintain control over your PC’s performance and troubleshooting process.
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