Introduction: Why Advanced Startup Matters
When your Windows PC fails to boot properly, enters a blue screen, or encounters software conflicts, you may need to access Advanced Startup Options to troubleshoot. This mode allows you to enter Safe Mode, use system restore, or perform other recovery actions.
Normally, getting there involves a lengthy route through:
Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced startup,
which may be inaccessible if the system is unresponsive.
What if you could just right-click on your desktop and reboot straight into Advanced Startup? That’s what we’re about to achieve.
Step 1: Launch Registry Editor
To add a new item to the context menu, we need to edit the Windows Registry.
Here’s how:
1. Press `Win + S` and search for `regedit`.
2. Open Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to the following location: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell
4. Right-click on the Shell key, select New > Key, and name it: AdvancedStartup
Step 2: Customize the Menu Appearance
Now we will add string values to define how the menu will look and behave.
1. In the right pane of `AdvancedStartup`, right-click and select New > String Value.
2. Create the following strings:
– Name: `icon`, Value: `bootux.dll,-1019`, (This assigns a system icon.)
– Name: `MUIVerb`, Value: `Start Advanced Startup Options`, (This is the text shown in the menu.)
– Name: `Position`, Value: `Bottom`, (This ensures the item appears at the bottom of the menu.)
Step 3: Assign the Shutdown Command
Let’s now tell Windows what to do when this menu item is clicked.
1. Right-click on the newly created `AdvancedStartup` key, select New > Key, and name it: command.
2. Select the `command` key, and in the right pane, double-click the (Default) string.
3. Enter the following command as its value: shutdown.exe /r /o /f /t 00
– `/r`: restart the computer
– `/o`: go to Advanced Startup Options
– `/f`: force close apps
– `/t 00`: zero-second delay (immediate execution)
Step 4: Test the Result
Close the Registry Editor and right-click on the desktop. You should now see an item named “Start Advanced Startup Options”.
Clicking this item will cause your computer to instantly reboot into the recovery environment, bypassing the normal UI path.
Conclusion: A Lifesaver for Troubleshooting
Adding this custom right-click menu item is a game-changer, especially for IT professionals, system admins, or advanced users. It reduces the time and frustration involved in troubleshooting startup issues and brings powerful recovery tools just one click away. Keep this trick in your toolkit—you never know when it might save the day.
Demo Video
You can watch the following demo video by select the subtitle to your preferred subtitle language.