How to Fix Windows 11 Keeps Booting Into Recovery Mode?

Windows 11 keeps booting into Recovery Mode can be fixed via a boot repair. If you don’t know how, follow this tutorial to easily fix boot loop Recovery Mode issue.

Irene

By Irene / Updated on April 2, 2025

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User case: Windows 11 keeps booting into Recovery Mode!

 

Windows 11 suddenly boots into recovery mode. I've tried every option in recovery mode, from reinstalling to safe mode, but nothing works. They all return an error message saying something like 'Error, try again later,' without any other prompt, code, or indication of what caused this. If anyone can help me, I would really appreciate it. Thank you! If you have any questions that could help determine a solution, please feel free to ask, and I will answer as quickly as I can. Thank you!

- Question from answers.microsoft.com

Sometimes, when you turn on your computer, Windows 11 enters Recovery Mode instead of starting normally. You may see error messages saying that Windows hasn’t loaded correctly, your PC needs to be repaired, or your device couldn’t start properly. This can be frustrating, but there are ways to fix it.

This issue can happen for several reasons. A virus or malware infection might have damaged system files. If your computer was shut down suddenly or improperly, it could cause startup problems. Outdated drivers, hardware failures, or errors in your hard drive can also lead to this issue. In some cases, the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) may be damaged, preventing Windows from loading properly. If your PC keeps booting into Recovery Mode, don’t worry. There are solutions to help you fix the problem and get your computer running normally again.

How to fix Windows keeps booting into Recovery Mode?

If your computer keeps booting into Recovery Mode instead of starting normally, it may be due to many reasons. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to resolve this problem. From performing a boot repair to using Windows' built-in recovery tools. Follow the steps below to restore your system and get your PC running smoothly again.

Fix 1. Perform a boot repair

The Boot Configuration Data (BCD) is essential for Windows startup, storing system and boot settings. If it becomes corrupted due to sudden shutdowns, failed updates, disk errors, or malware, Windows may fail to load and repeatedly enter Recovery Mode. Fixing this typically requires repairing or rebuilding the BCD using command-line tools in the Windows Recovery Environment.

A practical solution to fix any boot issues including Windows 11 keeps booting into Recovery Mode is to create a bootable USB drive using a working computer and reliable partition management software like AOMEI Partition Assistant. Its Boot Repair feature allows users to enter the AOMEI WinPE environment and efficiently resolve startup errors. By using this tool, you can restore normal system operation and ensure a smooth boot process. It also allows you to rebuild damaged MBR, which may cause Windows stuck in a boot loop or keeping Recovery Mode.

AOMEI Partition Assistant

The Best Windows Disk Partition Manager and PC Optimizer

🤗 User-Friendly Interface: The program is designed with ease of use in mind, making it accessible to beginners and professionals alike.

💪🏼 Comprehensive Repair: AOMEI Partition Assistant can not only repair the BCD but also fix partition errors, manage disk partitions, and clone disks.

⚡ Faster Than Manual Methods: Unlike manually using command-line tools, AOMEI offers a straightforward, faster, and more reliable way to fix boot issues.

Step 1. Download and install AOMEI Partition Assistant on a functional PC, then connect a bootable USB drive to it.

Step 2. Select Recover > Boot Repair from the main interface.

Boot Repair

Step 3. Choose the create a bootable disk option to generate the WinPE bootable media.

Create Bootable Disk

Step 4. Connect the drive to the malfunctioning computer, and then change the boot order by pressing F12 (or other keys) to enter the boot menu. Once you log in successfully, it will automatically load the Boot Repair tool and initiate the boot entries scanning process.

Boot Entries in WinPE

Step 5. Once the process completes, select the entries that you want to repair and click the Repair button.

Repair in WinPE

Step 6. After the repair is successful, remove the bootable USB drive and reboot the PC from the original system drive.

Repair Successfully in WinPE

Fix 2. Use Automatic Repair

Windows 11 includes a built-in Startup Repair feature that can automatically identify and fix boot issues, including the BCD error code 0xc0000098

Step 1. Boot from a Windows 11 installation media: Insert a Windows 11 installation USB or DVD and restart your computer. As soon as your PC starts, press any key to boot from the media.

Step 2. Select your language preferences and click Next. Choose Repair your computer at the bottom left.

Repair your computer

Step 3. Select Troubleshoot, then Advanced options, and finally, Startup Repair.

Startup repair

The tool will automatically attempt to detect and repair any boot-related issues, including the BCD file error.

Fix 3. Check and repair the disk in Safe Mode

A common cause of Windows keeps booting into Recovery mode or getting stuck at Scanning and Repairing Drive at 0% is the presence of bad sectors on the hard drive. To resolve this, checking and repairing the disk is recommended. Since Windows cannot boot normally under these circumstances, the following steps should be performed in Safe Mode:

Step 1. Press and hold the Power button to force the computer to turn off and on three times.If this does not work, use a bootable installation media to start your PC.

Step 2. In WinRE, navigate to Troubleshoot Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. On the next screen, press F4 to enter Safe Mode or F5 to enter Safe Mode with Networking.

reboot-windows-11-in-safe-mode

Step 3. Open the Start Menu, type Command Prompt, right-click it, and select Run as administrator. In the command window, enter the following command:

chkdsk C: /f /r

ckdsk-c-f-r

Step 4. When prompted, type Y and press Enter to schedule the disk check for the next startup.

Step 5. Once the scanning and repairing process is complete, restart the computer and check if the issue has been resolved.

Conclusion

If your Windows 11 computer keeps booting into Recovery Mode, it can be a frustrating experience. For users looking for a fast and efficient fix, third-party tools like AOMEI Partition Assistant provide an easy-to-use Boot Repair feature that simplifies the process without requiring advanced technical knowledge. Alternatively, Windows' built-in recovery tools offer a reliable way to diagnose and fix common startup issues.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can successfully repair boot-related errors and get your computer running smoothly again. If the problem persists, consider seeking professional assistance to prevent further system damage.

AOMEI Partition Assistant

The Best Windows Disk Partition Manager and PC Optimizer

Irene
Irene · Staff Editor
Irene is an Editor of AOMEI Technology. She devotes herself in giving insightful thoughts on common computer problems with simple and clear guidance. Irene loves to help people solve problems and explore more solutions on relevant issues. She loves reading, singing and travelling.