If you need Command Prompt for troubleshooting, open it from Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). From there, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt. The normal Windows sign-in screen does not provide an unrestricted Command Prompt; if you have forgotten your password or PIN, use Microsoft’s sign-in recovery options instead.
Open Command Prompt through Windows Recovery Environment
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Reach Windows Recovery Environment using one of the methods below.
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In WinRE, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
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If prompted, choose an account and enter its credentials. Depending on the recovery route and Windows configuration, you may also need the BitLocker recovery key.
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Microsoft describes WinRE as a built-in troubleshooting environment and lists Command Prompt as a tool for advanced troubleshooting. See Microsoft’s Windows recovery environment guide.
Choose a way to reach WinRE
From the sign-in screen
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Select the Power button on the sign-in screen.
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Hold Shift while selecting Restart.
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When the recovery menu appears, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
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This route is described in Microsoft’s Windows Recovery Environment technical reference. Availability can depend on the device and its configuration.
From Windows Settings
If you can sign in, open Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now. In Windows 10, the route is Settings > Update & Security > Recovery; select Restart now under Advanced startup. Then choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
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After Windows startup problems
If Windows will not start correctly, Microsoft’s current support instructions describe interrupting startup twice so that the third start opens Automatic Repair. From Automatic Repair, select Advanced options, then navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt. Use this approach only when Windows is failing to start; interrupting startup is not the usual route when the sign-in screen is available. See Microsoft’s WinRE instructions.
With Windows installation media
If the PC cannot reach its built-in recovery environment, start it from Windows installation media. At the Windows Setup screen, choose your language preferences, select Next, then choose Repair your PC rather than installing Windows. In WinRE, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt. Microsoft’s recovery environment guide explains this entry route.
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What to expect when Command Prompt asks for access
Recovery does not guarantee that Command Prompt will open without authentication. The prompt and requirements can vary by Windows version, recovery route, and device configuration. Some recovery tools on encrypted devices require the BitLocker recovery key; without it, encrypted files are not accessible in recovery. Keep the key available if the device uses BitLocker. Microsoft’s WinRE technical reference describes changes in Windows 11 that allow most tools to run without selecting an administrator account and entering its password in some recovery contexts, but that does not mean every Command Prompt route bypasses authentication.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If you forgot your Windows password or PIN
WinRE Command Prompt is a troubleshooting tool, not Microsoft’s recommended way to reset sign-in credentials. At the sign-in screen, select I forgot my password or I forgot my PIN, as applicable, and follow the account recovery steps. Local-account users should follow Microsoft’s local account password reset guidance. Microsoft’s account access and password reset page covers Microsoft account recovery.
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Why not launch a shell from an accessibility control?
Replacing an Ease of Access executable or changing a sign-in screen control to launch Command Prompt is not the supported recovery procedure described by Microsoft’s WinRE guidance. Microsoft’s accessibility documentation addresses registered assistive applications and their behavior on the secure desktop; it does not endorse using them to obtain a shell at sign-in. Use WinRE for troubleshooting, and the account recovery flow for a forgotten password or PIN.
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