easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1102 Practice Question: That after a recent Windows update, their laptop…
A user reports that after a recent Windows update, their laptop takes significantly longer to boot and they see a message about 'Preparing Automatic Repair' before the login screen appears. You need to access the advanced startup options to disable automatic restart on system failure. Which tool or feature should you use to boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) from a running system?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse the deprecated F8 method (Option B) with the modern Shift+Restart method, or assume that msconfig (Option D) can directly launch WinRE, when in fact it only configures Safe Mode boot options.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Hold the Shift key while clicking Restart from the Start menu power options.
Holding the Shift key while clicking Restart forces the system to boot directly into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) without needing installation media. This method leverages the built-in boot configuration data (BCD) to load the recovery tools, including the option to disable automatic restart on system failure under advanced startup settings.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Boot from a Windows installation USB and select 'Repair your computer'.
Why it's wrong here
While booting from a Windows installation USB and selecting 'Repair your computer' is a valid method to access the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), it requires external bootable media. This approach is typically reserved for scenarios where the operating system is unbootable or when no other WinRE access methods are available. From a running Windows system, it introduces an unnecessary step of finding and booting from external media, making it less efficient than built-in software-based options.
- ✗
Press F8 repeatedly during boot to access advanced boot options.
Why it's wrong here
The F8 key method for accessing advanced boot options, including Safe Mode or the Recovery Environment, is largely deprecated in modern Windows versions (Windows 8, 10, 11). Due to the implementation of Fast Startup and UEFI boot processes, the boot sequence is often too quick for F8 to register, and the functionality is frequently disabled by default. Relying on F8 is an outdated troubleshooting technique that is unlikely to yield results on contemporary hardware and OS configurations.
- ✓
Hold the Shift key while clicking Restart from the Start menu power options.
Why this is correct
Holding the Shift key while clicking 'Restart' from the Start menu's power options is the primary and most direct method to access the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) from a running Windows operating system. This action immediately initiates a reboot into WinRE, providing access to troubleshooting tools like System Restore, Startup Repair, and Safe Mode options without requiring any external bootable media. It is the most convenient and intended built-in pathway for users to self-diagnose and repair system issues.
- ✗
Open the System Configuration tool (msconfig) and set the boot to 'Safe Mode' under the Boot tab.
Why it's wrong here
The System Configuration utility (msconfig) allows users to configure various boot options, including setting the system to boot into Safe Mode on the next restart. However, this tool does not directly launch or provide immediate access to the full Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) with its comprehensive suite of repair tools. Instead, it modifies the BCD (Boot Configuration Data) to alter the subsequent boot behavior, which is a different function than directly entering the recovery environment for immediate troubleshooting.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Windows Editions and Features
Key term
Windows
Windows is a family of operating systems developed by Microsoft that manages computer hardware and software, providing a graphical user interface for users to interact with their devices.
Key term
Recovery
Recovery is the process of restoring systems, data, and operations after a security incident, failure, or disaster to return to normal functioning.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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