Quick machine recovery is designed to help Windows 11 devices recover from widespread boot issues by applying remediations from Microsoft through Windows Update when the device is in the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE). Building on the foundation of Startup Repair, this cloud-based feature ensures your device can swiftly return to a secure and functional state with minimal effort on your part. 

How does quick machine recovery work?

When your device encounters repeated startup failures due to a known, widespread issue: 

Quick machine recovery - first stage. The device reboots to Windows RE.

Quick machine recovery - second stage. The device reboots to Windows RE and connects to the network.

Quick machine recovery - third stage. The device connects to Microsoft cloud recovery services.

Quick machine recovery - fourth stage. The device downloads a remediation.

1. Detection: Windows detects startup issues after several failed attempts to boot.

2. Recovery Mode: Your PC enters the Windows RE and connects to the Internet via Ethernet or supported Wi-Fi (WPA/WPA2).

3. Connection: The device connects to Microsoft’s cloud recovery services, looking for a remediation.

Repair: If a solution is found, it's applied automatically and your PC restarts.

Note: If no fix is available, you'll still have access to traditional recovery options

Configuration options

To configure quick machine recovery:

  1. In the Settings app  on your Windows device, select System > Recovery or use the following shortcut:

    Recovery

  2. Select Quick machine recovery

  3. To enable quick machine recovery, turn the Quick machine recovery toggle to On​​​​​​​

    1. Configure the retry and restart intervals as needed

Screenshot of Settings > Recovery > quick machine recovery.

Note: IT professional looking for advanced configuration options and evaluation tools can find more details here: Quick machine recovery​​​​​​​.

Access quick machine recovery

While quick machine recovery is designed to initiate automatically if Windows fails to boot, you can also trigger it manually.

Follow these steps to access quick machine recovery:

  1. Access the Windows Recovery Environment

  2. Once in Windows RE, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Quick machine recovery

Screenshot of the Choose an option screen in Windows RE.

Screenshot of Windows RE - Troubleshoot screen.

Screenshot of Windows RE showing advanced options and the new QMR entry.

Once the device connects to the network, it will search for solutions using Windows Update. If a remediation is available for a widespread boot issue, it will be downloaded and applied. If no remediation is found, traditional recovery options are still available.

Send us feedback

Logo of the Feedback Hub app.

​​​​​​​Let us know what you like, share your ideas, and offer suggestions on how to make the experience better through Feedback Hub. In the Feedback Hub app  on your Windows device, select Recovery and Uninstall > Quick Machine Recovery.

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