O&O BlueCon 25: New Interface and New Tools for Windows System Recovery

O&O Software is releasing O&O BlueCon 25. This system recovery solution for administrators and service technicians features a new desktop and numerous new or revised tools. These include programs for repairing Windows, removing faulty updates, and managing user accounts, drivers, and services.

If Windows fails to boot following an update or a driver change, administrators still need a way to access the system. O&O BlueCon allows them to boot the computer into a dedicated recovery environment—via a USB stick, DVD, or over the network. From there, they can examine and repair the installed version of Windows, back up data, or recover deleted files.

Familiar Operation, even in an Emergency
The new desktop in O&O BlueCon 25 is designed to feel like the familiar Windows interface. It includes a taskbar, a Start menu, and an overview of all available programs. Standard keyboard shortcuts also work: the Windows key opens the Start menu, while Windows+E launches the file manager.

Upon startup, a setup wizard guides the user through the configuration process. It loads the drivers present on the boot medium, detects installed Windows versions, and assigns drive letters to match the original system. It also configures network and display settings. BitLocker-encrypted drives can be unlocked directly within the wizard using a recovery key. If multiple versions of Windows are installed, the user can select the specific system they wish to work on.

Repairing Windows and Removing Problematic Updates
With O&O CheckAndRepair, users can check and fix the Windows component store, system files, and the file system – all without needing the installed version of Windows to boot. The new O&O UpdateManager replaces O&O UpdateRemover. It displays updates installed on the selected Windows system and allows for the removal of problematic updates. For manual modifications to the registry, O&O RegEditor is available. O&O EventViewer presents system event logs through a redesigned interface.

“When developing BlueCon 25, we focused on what administrators need during system recovery and how we could lighten their workload,” says Olaf Kehrer, Managing Director of O&O Software GmbH. “This starts with a familiar interface and automatic setup upon launch. With O&O CheckAndRepair and the new O&O UpdateManager, users can repair corrupted system files and remove problematic updates – even when Windows fails to boot.”

Managing user accounts, drivers, and services offline
O&O UserManager has been completely redeveloped. In addition to resetting passwords for local accounts, it now supports the management of users and groups. For instance, if no functional administrator account remains, a new local account can be created and added to the administrator group.

O&O DriverManager and O&O ServiceManager have also been redeveloped. They allow administrators to modify the startup type of drivers and services – for example, to disable a driver that is preventing Windows from booting. Both tools also highlight entries for which the corresponding file is missing; such entries often remain behind following incomplete uninstalls. Before any changes are applied, the existing registry file is backed up, ensuring that modifications can be reversed if necessary.

Managing files, recovering data, and wiping storage media
Serving as a file manager, O&O DiskCommander replaces the previous FileExplorer. It provides access to drives and network shares, enabling tasks such as backing up files prior to system repairs. O&O DeskInfo replaces O&O SystemInfo and displays information regarding a computer’s hardware, components, and security features. This data can be exported, including in the format used by Windows System Information.

The suite also includes O&O DiskRecovery for recovering deleted files, O&O PartitionManager for managing partitions, and O&O SafeErase 22 for the irrecoverable erasure of drives and partitions. Starting with the Corporate Edition, O&O DiskImage is also included, allowing for the backup and restoration of entire drives and partitions.

Prepared for emergencies
The media creator tool allows for the creation of a bootable USB stick, enabling administrators to access a computer even when Windows fails to start. The necessary Windows recovery environment is generated automatically; no additional development tools are required. The USB stick is compatible with both older and modern PCs. Alternatively, O&O BlueCon can be launched via DVD, within a virtual machine, or over a network.

The environment can also be integrated into the computer’s boot menu, allowing it to be accessed whenever needed.

In the new expert mode, you can specify which programs and drivers are included on the boot medium. This allows administrators, for example, to add extra storage drivers for specific computers or exclude unnecessary programs.

Standard Windows drivers are already included on the boot medium. If a storage device or network adapter is not detected, the appropriate storage or network drivers can be loaded and activated via the startup wizard. Support for Wi-Fi connections now also extends to hidden networks.

Overview of the tools

  • O&O CheckAndRepair – new: Checks and repairs the Windows component store, system files, and the file system.
  • O&O UpdateManager 2.0 – new: Displays installed Windows updates and allows for the removal of problematic ones.
  • O&O DriverManager and O&O ServiceManager – newly developed: Modify the startup type for drivers and services, identify missing program files, and back up the registry before any changes are made.
  • O&O UserManager – newly developed: Resets local account passwords and manages users and groups.
  • O&O RegEditor – new BlueCon edition: Enables offline editing of the Windows registry.
  • O&O EventViewer – revised: Displays “Application” and “System” event logs, as well as other log files.
  • O&O DiskCommander – new: A file manager for drives and network shares.
  • O&O DeskInfo – new: Displays and exports information regarding hardware, components, and security features.
  • O&O SafeErase 22 – new version: Irreversibly deletes data from drives and partitions.
  • O&O DiskRecovery: Recovers deleted files. O&O DiskImage – included from the Corporate Edition onwards: Backs up and restores drives and partitions.
  • O&O DiskImage – from the Corporate Edition upwards: Backs up and restores drives and partitions.
  • O&O PartitionManager: Creates, resizes (expands/shrinks), moves, and deletes partitions.

Additional tools include Mozilla Firefox, Notepad++, Microsoft PowerShell, the Command Prompt, and O&O Calc. The startup wizard allows for subsequent adjustments to the target system, as well as settings for drives, the network, and the display.

System Requirements and Languages
O&O BlueCon 25 supports the repair of Windows 10 and Windows 11 – including version 26H2 (64-bit) – as well as all editions of Windows Server 2016 through 2025. The tools can also be used within virtual machines. Creating the recovery media requires a 64-bit system running Windows 10, Windows 11, or Windows Server 2016 (or later). The media will be generated in either German or English, depending on the language of the system used to create them.

Pricing and Availability
O&O BlueCon 25 is available for purchase in five editions:

  • Personal Edition: 290 USD (1 PC, for private use only)
  • Corporate Edition: 490 USD (1 PC, for business use)
  • Technician Edition: 790 USD (per technician, also for use at external client sites)
  • Site Edition: 2,990 USD (for one business location)
  • Enterprise Edition: 4,990 USD (for all locations worldwide)

The business editions support all Windows versions and can be used in Active Directory environments. O&O DiskImage is included starting with the Corporate Edition. The deployment features are available starting with the Technician Edition.

For further information, please visit https://www.oo-software.com/en/oo-bluecon-disaster-recovery-for-companies