How to Boot Windows Server into Recovery Mode

In this article, I will demonstrate different ways to boot Windows Server into recovery mode. By booting the Windows Server in recovery mode, administrators can fix failures or problems with the operating system.

The Windows Recovery Mode, also known as the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), is a dedicated environment meant to address problems that result in operating systems failing to boot. All versions of Windows Server include recovery mode.

There is a difference between the safe mode and recovery mode on a Windows Server. A recovery mode provides various tools for troubleshooting issues for your Windows Server, whereas a safe mode is a diagnostic option within the recovery environment for device software or applications. The safe mode starts Windows with only core drivers and services.

When do you need recovery mode?

Recovery mode is available on all versions of Windows Server (2022/201/2016), but it can only be used in certain situations. Some of the situations when a server needs to boot into recovery mode include:

• Windows Startup or Boot Errors: Windows Server is constantly rebooting into safe mode or has disk errors.
• Problematic Windows Updates: In the past, we have seen several times that a faulty update has caused the Windows server to crash, and only recovery mode saved us.
• Using Restore Point for Server: The easiest and probably the simplest way to get your problematic Windows Server back and running is to restore it to a previous working date.
• Safe Mode options: Safe Mode starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services to troubleshoot problems on your Windows Server. Learn how to boot a Windows VM into Safe Mode.

Recovery options for Windows Server

On the most recent version of Windows Server, booting into recovery mode offers the following options:

• Startup Settings: Features options such as safe mode, debugging mode, boot logging, disable driver signature enforcement, etc.
• Command Prompt: Launches the command prompt for running advanced troubleshooting.
• System Image Recovery: Recover Windows using a specific system image file.
• UEFI Firmware Settings: Allows changing the settings in your PC’s UEFI firmware.

Method 1: Boot to Server Recovery Mode from Installation Media

Using a Windows Server bootable media, such as a USB drive or DVD, you can boot into recovery mode. The Windows Server can run on a physical server or as a virtual machine. Make sure that the bootable media that you use matches the version of the operating system that is installed.

First, plug the recovery USB or installation DVD into your system that is running Windows Server. Restart the server and configure it to boot from the installation DVD or USB drive.

On the Microsoft Server operating system setup screen, click Next.

Do not click Install now; instead, click the ‘Repair your computer‘ option in the bottom-left corner to boot the Windows Server into WinRE.

The Windows Server now enters WinRE mode. On the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) screen, to access additional options, click on Troubleshoot. From here on, you can fix your server issues with the tools provided in WinRE mode.

Method 2: Boot Windows Server into Recovery Mode via Restart

In this method, I will show you how to boot into Windows Server recovery mode without using installation media or a USB drive. This method works only when you can log in to the server.

Restart the Windows Server by holding the Shift key while you select the Power button > Restart.

The Windows server enters directly into recovery mode, offering options to troubleshoot issues. From here, you can select the Troubleshoot option to reset your PC or view advanced options.