Asus, Acer, MSI: system recovery from the partition, step by step
These three brands have their own keys for restoring the system from a hidden partition. We show which ones to press and what to do when they don't work.
- Most common cause
- a damaged system or a failed update
- Time
- 30–90 minutes
- Repair shop, if nothing helps
- 200–540 zł
Warning: restoring the system to factory settings deletes data from the drive. Back up your documents and photos. Keep the charger plugged in for the whole process. Recovery from the partition only works if the partition hasn't been deleted.
Step by step
Do a hard restart
Hold the power button for about 10 seconds, unplug the charger and USB devices, wait a minute and turn the laptop on.
Asus: F9
Turn the laptop off, turn it on and immediately press F9 repeatedly (Windows Recovery). On some models F2 also works, which opens the BIOS.
Acer: Alt + F10
Turn on the laptop and, when the Acer logo appears, press Alt + F10 several times. Acer eRecovery Management or the recovery environment will open.
MSI: F3
Turn on the laptop and immediately press F3 repeatedly. MSI system recovery will open, as long as the recovery partition hasn't been deleted.
Choose a repair option
Start with startup repair or system restore. These options usually keep your files.
Warning: factory restore
Warning: restoring factory settings deletes data from the drive. Back up before you confirm this option.
- The recovery keys do nothing because the partition has been deleted.
- The laptop doesn't start into any menu at all.
- The problem comes back after restoring the system.
- The laptop gets very hot, is noisy or shuts down by itself.
How much does a repair shop charge?
| Installing the system with a data backup | 200–540 zł |
| Replacing the drive with an SSD, including installation | 340–820 zł |
| Cleaning the fan and replacing thermal paste | 160–410 zł |
| RAM upgrade | 200–540 zł |
Typical prices at independent repair shops in Poland, October 2026. Authorised service centres and big cities can be more expensive.
Repair or buy new?
Recovery from the partition costs 0 zł and often solves the problem. If it doesn't work, installing the system at a repair shop is cheap. For a very old laptop with an expensive fault, use the calculator to see whether a new one makes more sense.
Check if repairing your laptop is worth it
Pick your model and fault. In 2 minutes we show the repair cost, what the device is worth and an honest verdict.
Open the calculator →FAQ
Which key restores the system on an Asus?
On many models, F9 right after turning it on (Windows Recovery).
Which key restores the system on an Acer?
Alt + F10 once the Acer logo appears.
Which key restores the system on an MSI?
F3, pressed right after turning it on, as long as the recovery partition exists.