How to Start Windows 11 in Safe Mode
Three different options to choose from
Booting into Safe Modecan help you pinpoint the source of a problem on your Windows computer. If a problematic PC component works smoothly in Safe Mode, that implies that bad device drivers, bug-ridden third-party apps, incorrect system configurations, malware, or network-related issues are the root cause of the problem.
Windows has three different Safe Mode options. This tutorial will show you how to start your Windows 11 PC in Safe Mode and how its options differ.
1. Enter Safe Mode from the Windows Recovery Environment
Windows Recovery is the best route to start Windows 11 in Safe Mode if your PC isn’t booting up or doesn’t boot past a black/blank screen.
If you can’t enter the Windows Recovery Environment and your computer continues to boot into a blank screen, consider starting Windows 11 from a bootable USB drive. You can create a bootable USB drive on another Windows 11 PC using Microsoft’s media creation tool or by downloading Windows 11 disk image (ISO). Read our tutorial oncreating a Windows bootable USB recovery driveto learn more.
2. Enter Safe Mode From Windows Settings
Like older Windows versions, you can also enter Safe Mode in Windows 11 from the Settings app.
That’ll boot your PC into the recovery environment. Go toTroubleshoot>Advanced options>Startup Settings>Restartand press either4,5, or6on your keyboard to enable your preferred Safe Mode option.
3. Start Windows 11 in Safe Mode From the Start Menu
Using the Start Menu is probably the easiest way to boot Windows 11 into Safe Mode. By holding the Shift key while restarting your PC, Windows will boot into the advanced startup menu, where you can enter Safe Mode.
That’ll load the advanced startup page. Then, as described in the method above, go toTroubleshoot>Advanced options>Startup Settings>Restartand select your preferred Safe Mode type.
4. Start Windows 11 in Safe Mode Using MSCONFIG
MSCONFIGstands for Microsoft System Configuration. It is a built-in Windows tool that lets you access system settings you may not find in the Settings app or Control Panel.
Note:Your PC will always boot into Safe Mode each time you restart your PC.
The following steps will disable Safe Mode and boot your PC normally:
Return to the “System Configuration” window (ClickStart, typemsconfig), uncheckSafe boot, selectOK, and reboot your PC to disable.
5. Enable Safe Mode From Command Prompt
Another way to boot Windows 11 into Safe Mode is viaCommand Prompt.
6. Enter Safe Mode from the Sign-in Screen
It’s also possible to enter Safe Mode without having to sign in to Windows. Select thepower iconin the bottom-left corner of the sign-in screen, press and hold theShiftkey, and selectRestart.
Your PC will load the Windows Recovery Environment. As mentioned in the sections above, go toTroubleshoot>Advanced options>Startup Settings>Restartand select the Safe Mode option.
There’s More to Safe Mode
In addition to diagnosing performance and boot-related issues, entering Safe Mode can helpdiagnose malware infectionsand other system errors.
Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 4 years to help people solve problems with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, accessories, etc.) and binge-watching comedy series in his spare time.Read Sodiq’s Full Bio
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