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To enable the F8 Advanced Boot Options menu in Windows 10, open Command Prompt as an administrator and run bcdedit /set {current} bootmenupolicy legacy. Restart the PC, then press F8 during startup. Windows 10 uses the Standard boot-menu policy by default, which ignores F8.
Enable the F8 menu
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator. BCDEdit needs administrative privileges to change Boot Configuration Data (BCD).
- Run this command:
bcdedit /set {current} bootmenupolicy legacy - Restart the PC and press F8 during startup. The precise moment to press the key varies by device and startup process, so it may take more than one attempt.
Microsoft’s BCDEdit documentation states: “When Legacy is selected, the Advanced options menu (F8) is available.” The Legacy setting makes that menu available on subsequent startups.
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Choose between persistent F8 access and a one-time menu
| Route | How it works | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Legacy boot-menu policy | Run bcdedit /set {current} bootmenupolicy legacy to make the F8 menu available on subsequent startups. |
Use this if you want to press F8 during startup on future boot attempts. |
| One-time legacy menu | Run bcdedit /set {current} onetimeadvancedoptions on to boot to the legacy menu on the next boot. |
Use this if you only need the legacy menu once. |
| Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) Startup Settings | Use the Windows recovery menus to choose a startup option without changing the boot-menu policy. | Use this for on-demand troubleshooting, such as starting in Safe Mode, if you can reach WinRE. |
Use Windows Recovery Environment instead
You do not need to enable F8 to access startup troubleshooting options. If Windows can reach the recovery menus, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart, then choose an option from the list after the device restarts. Microsoft’s Windows Startup Settings instructions describe this route, including options such as Safe Mode.
If the device is encrypted, you may need its BitLocker recovery key to continue. When Windows will not start, Microsoft also describes using recovery or installation media as separate recovery paths. Some recovery actions can cause data loss; back up important files where possible and understand the selected option before proceeding. See Microsoft’s Windows recovery options.
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Restore the default boot-menu policy
To return to Windows 10’s default Standard policy, open Command Prompt as an administrator and run:
bcdedit /set {current} bootmenupolicy standard
Under Standard, F8 is ignored during startup.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.BCDEdit safety and Windows 10 support status
BCDEdit changes Windows boot configuration. Microsoft warns that changing some boot-entry options can make a computer inoperable; follow the command exactly and avoid changing unrelated entries. BitLocker or Secure Boot may need to be suspended for some BCDEdit changes, but do not disable Secure Boot for this boot-menu setting unless a specific error or your device manufacturer’s instructions require it. See Microsoft’s BCDEdit /set documentation.
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Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Microsoft says PCs continue to work, but standard free software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes are no longer provided after that date. Details are in Microsoft’s Windows 10 support notice.
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