How to Boot Into Safe Mode in Windows 11

By Ishita Paul Add a Comment 9 Min Read
How to Boot Into Safe Mode in Windows 11

Consider Windows 11 Safe Mode to be a more stable version of the regular Windows that you use. It’s similar to a special location where your computer goes when it’s having problems. If you can boot into safe mode without any problems, it’s usually a sign that any problems you’ve been experiencing are the result of recently installed programs or drivers that aren’t working properly. If you’re still having problems even in Safe Mode, something is likely wrong with your computer’s physical components.

In short, Windows 11 Safe Mode is a stable version of Windows. If you can get into it quickly, it means the software might be causing the issues. If the problems stick around even in Safe Mode, it’s probably something wrong with the actual hardware or Windows system files. There are a few different ways to start Safe Mode, and you can choose the one that fits your situation best. So, let’s get started.

What is Safe Mode in Windows?

Safe Mode is a special Windows boot-up mode that can be used to restart the computer after a critical problem has occurred, interfering with normal Windows functions and operations. Safe Mode enables users to troubleshoot and determine the root cause of a malfunction. When your computer encounters a critical problem or an error, boot into Safe Mode.

When Windows boots in Safe Mode, several things happen that differ from a normal boot. Safe Mode in Windows is a troubleshooting mode used after critical issues. It omits certain processes, uses basic graphics, and loads minimal drivers.

Ways to Boot Into Safe Mode in Windows 11

There are different use cases for Safe Mode and various ways to access it. If you need to troubleshoot your Windows PC, here’s how to boot into Safe Mode in Windows 11.

1. Using Windows Settings

The most straightforward method to enter Safe Mode is through the Settings page. By using the Recovery option to access Advanced Start-up settings, you can then boot into Safe Mode. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Press the Windows key + I to launch the Settings app.

2. Select System from the available options and select Recovery option from the right pane.

Select Recovery from the left sidebar

3. Click the Restart Now button under the Advanced Startup section to restart your computer.

Click on Restart now from the Advanced startup

4. Following the restart, you will be presented with the Choose an option screen. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Start-up Settings > Restart button.

Choose an option Screen

5. To enable Safe Mode, press the F4 key on the Startup Settings screen. You can also enable Safe Mode with Networking or Command Prompt by pressing F5 or F6.

Windows Startup Settings

After that, you will be booted into Safe Mode. To exit Safe Mode, restart your PC, and Windows will boot normally.

2. From Lock Screen

The lock screen is specially equipped with a few on-screen tools to assist you in booting into Safe Mode. Follow the steps below to do it:

1. On the lock screen, click the power icon in the lower right corner.

2. Hold down the Shift key and select the Restart option. This will cause your computer to restart.

Restart From Lock Screen

3. This will bring up the Windows Recovery Environment with the same Choose an option screen. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Start-up Settings > Restart button.

4. A list of options should appear after the computer restarts. To start the computer in Safe Mode, press 4 or F4. If you must connect to the Internet, press 5 or F5 to enter Safe Mode with Networking.

Note

You can also boot into the Recovery mode from the desktop. For that, click on Start > Power, and then click on Restart while holding the Shift key.

3. Using Command Prompt

If you prefer performing tasks in the Windows operating system using the command-line interface, you can also boot into Safe Mode using the Command Prompt.

Here is how to do it:

1. Click on the Start button, type cmd, and click OK to open the Command Prompt.

Open CMD

2: To reboot into the Windows Recovery Environment, type the following command in the Command Prompt window and press Enter:

shutdown.exe /r /o

3. When a pop-up dialogue box appears, click the Close button. The Windows 11 will restart. So, wait until the computer restarts and enters the Windows Recovery Environment.

Reboot System using Command Prompt

4. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Start-up settings > Restart.

5. After restarting, press the appropriate key to enter safe mode.

4. System Configuration

You can also use the System Configuration tool to boot into Safe Mode on your Windows operating system. Here is how to do it:

1. Click on the Start button, type msconfig, and choose the System Configuration app to open it.

System Configuration on Windows 11

2. From the System Configuration window, select the Boot tab, select the Safe Boot option under the Boot options section with the minimal option selected.

3. Then, click on the Apply and OK button to save the changes.

Safe Boot Option

4. Now, Restart your system to boot into Safe mode.

Restart Your System

5. For Windows Not Booting

All the methods to boot into Safe Mode above require a working computer, and you should be able to access the login screen at least.

However, if you are not able to boot the Windows system, we also have a solution for it. You can force shut down your computer several times to trick Windows into thinking the system failed to start properly. It will then boot into Windows Recovery Environment and allow you to change the startup options.

Here’s how to do it.

1. Try to turn on your computer by pressing the Power button. When it begins to load, press and hold the Power button to force the computer to shut down. Repeat the steps to force shut down the computer again.

2. On the third try, press the power button to allow Windows to load and boot into the Windows Recovery Environment.

3. Click Troubleshoot under the Choose an option screen.

4. Then select Advanced > Start-up settings > Restart.

5. After restarting, press 4,5, or 6 to enter safe mode with various options.

Windows Startup Settings

How to Exit Safe Mode in Windows 11

Restarting your computer is the easiest way to exit Safe Mode on Windows 11. If you’ve restarted your computer but it is still in Safe Mode, you can also achieve this by using the System Configuration.

Follow these steps to exit Safe Mode in Windows 11:

1. Open the System Configuration.

2. Click Boot at the top of the System Configuration menu.

3. Make sure that Safe Boot is unchecked under Boot options.

4. Then, click on the Apply and OK button

Exit Safe Mode

5. After that, restart your computer.

Conclusion

Windows 11 Safe Mode is a stable version of Windows designed to help users troubleshoot and determine the root cause of issues. It is a special boot-up mode used to restart a computer after a critical problem has occurred, interfering with normal Windows functions and operations. Safe Mode does not load most device drivers or execute autoexec.bat or config.sys files, and it uses VGA graphics.

However, spending more time in Safe Mode than necessary is not recommended, as it limits the computer’s functions and disables security features. You can use the above-mentioned methods to boot into Safe Mode in Windows 11.

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As an engineer, the technology niche has always been her favorite. She has a knack for transforming complex concepts into accessible content. Her expertise lies in software development, cloud computing, Windows, and cybersecurity.
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