An operating system recovery method is provided. The method includes starting a level 2 kernel, and transferring an image file of a to-be-recovered operating system to a specified location of a memory by using the started level 2 kernel so that a location of a recovery program in the level 2 kernel in the memory is the same as a location of a recovery program in an original kernel in the memory, where the level 2 kernel is obtained by tailoring an image file of the original kernel and then compiling a tailored image file of the original kernel; and recovering, by using the level 2 kernel, the operating system to a state, before the operating system enters a hibernation mode, of the operating system. A recovery speed of the operating system can be accelerated. In addition, a corresponding apparatus and terminal device are further provided.