How to start Windows 11 in Safe Mode?

To start Windows 11 in Safe Mode, you can use several methods depending on whether you can access your desktop or not. Safe Mode is a diagnostic startup mode that only starts essential services and drivers, making it easier to troubleshoot system issues.

Method 1: Using Shift + Restart from the Sign-in Screen or Desktop

This is a common method that allows you to access the Advanced Startup options.

1. Access the Power Menu:
   • If you are on the sign-in screen, locate the Power icon in the bottom-right corner.
   • If you are on the desktop, click the Start button, then select Power.
2. Restart with Shift Key: Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard while selecting Restart from the Power menu.
3. Choose an Option: Your PC will restart and present the "Choose an option" screen. Select Troubleshoot.
4. Advanced Options: On the Troubleshoot screen, select Advanced options.
5. Startup Settings: From the Advanced options, choose Startup Settings. You might see a brief message explaining that this will allow you to change Windows startup behavior.
6. Restart Again: Click the Restart button.
7. Select Safe Mode: After your PC restarts again, you will see a list of startup options.
   • To start in Safe Mode, press 4 or F4 on your keyboard.
   • To start in Safe Mode with Networking (which includes network drivers), press 5 or F5.
   • To start in Safe Mode with Command Prompt, press 6 or F6.

Your PC will now boot into the selected Safe Mode. You will typically see "Safe Mode" written in the corners of your screen.

Method 2: From Within Windows (Settings App)

If you can sign into Windows normally, you can use the Settings app to access the Advanced Startup options.

1. Open Settings: Press Windows key + I to open the Settings app, or right-click the Start button and select Settings.
2. Navigate to Recovery: In the Settings window, go to System on the left pane, then select Recovery on the right.
3. Advanced Startup: Under the "Recovery options" section, find "Advanced startup" and click Restart now.
4. Confirm Restart: Windows will warn you that it will restart your device. Click Restart now to confirm.
5. Follow On-screen Prompts: Your PC will restart to the "Choose an option" screen. From here, follow steps 3-7 from Method 1 (Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart > Select 4 or F4).

Method 3: Using System Configuration (MSConfig) for Persistent Safe Mode

This method allows you to configure Windows to always boot into Safe Mode until you disable it. This is useful for extended troubleshooting.

1. Open Run Dialog: Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type msconfig: Type msconfig into the Run dialog and press Enter, or click OK. This will open the System Configuration utility.
3. Go to Boot Tab: In the System Configuration window, click on the Boot tab.
4. Enable Safe Boot: Under "Boot options," check the box next to Safe boot.
5. Select Type: Choose the type of Safe Mode you need:
   • Minimal: Standard Safe Mode (similar to option 4/F4).
   • Alternate shell: Safe Mode with Command Prompt (similar to option 6/F6).
   • Network: Safe Mode with Networking (similar to option 5/F5).
6. Apply and Restart: Click Apply, then OK. You will be prompted to restart your computer. Click Restart.

Important: After you have finished troubleshooting, remember to go back into msconfig, uncheck Safe boot on the Boot tab, and restart your computer to boot into Windows normally.

Method 4: When Windows Won't Start Normally (Automatic Repair)

If Windows fails to boot multiple times, it will automatically enter the Automatic Repair environment, which provides access to Safe Mode.

1. Force Shutdown (Repeatedly): Turn on your PC, and as soon as you see the Windows logo, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to force a shutdown. Repeat this process two or three times.
2. Enter Recovery Environment: On the third or fourth restart attempt, Windows should automatically enter the "Automatic Repair" screen.
3. Access Advanced Options: From the Automatic Repair screen, select Advanced options.
4. Follow On-screen Prompts: Your PC will proceed to the "Choose an option" screen. From here, follow steps 3-7 from Method 1 (Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart > Select 4 or F4).

What is Safe Mode and Why Use It?

Safe Mode is a specialized diagnostic mode for Windows. When you start your computer in Safe Mode, Windows loads with a minimal set of drivers, services, and applications. This limits potential conflicts and allows you to troubleshoot issues that prevent Windows from starting normally.

You might need to use Safe Mode to:

• Remove problematic software: Uninstall drivers, applications, or updates that are causing crashes or instability.
• Resolve malware infections: Run antivirus scans in an environment where malware is less likely to interfere.
• Fix driver issues: Update, roll back, or uninstall faulty device drivers.
• Troubleshoot system errors: Identify if a third-party application or service is causing issues.
• Restore system settings: Revert system changes that might be causing problems.

For more information on Windows 11 recovery options, you can refer to official Microsoft support resources, such as Recovery options in Windows.