How to Start Windows 11 in Safe Mode
Having trouble with your Windows 11 computer? Starting your PC in Safe Mode can help you diagnose and fix the problems. Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode of the Windows operating system that starts your computer with a minimal set of drivers and services. This helps to isolate any issues that might be caused by device drivers or other software running on your system. In this guide, we'll show you how to start your Windows 11 computer in Safe Mode, so you can troubleshoot and resolve any issues you might be experiencing.
In this article you will find out:
- how to boot into safe mode
- how to protect your data
Are you ready? Let's read!
About Windows 10, 11 Safe Mode
Starting Windows 11 in Safe Mode is necessary when you need to troubleshoot and resolve issues that might be affecting your computer's performance or stability. In Safe Mode, Windows only loads the essential drivers and services, making it easier to identify and fix problems caused by software conflicts, device drivers, or malicious programs. This is especially helpful when dealing with issues like system crashes, malware infections, or conflicting drivers that might not be apparent or are hard to resolve in the normal mode of operation.
Why it might be necessary to start Windows 11 in Safe Mode:
- Identify and Resolve Driver Conflicts: Conflicting drivers can cause system instability or malfunctions. Safe Mode only loads essential drivers, making it easier to identify and resolve conflicts.
- Remove Malware or Viruses: Malicious software can sometimes be difficult to remove in normal mode because they may be actively running in the background. Safe Mode restricts the number of programs that start up, making it easier to remove malware.
- Fix System Errors: If your system is experiencing frequent crashes or errors, Safe Mode provides a controlled environment to diagnose and fix these issues.
- Resolve Software Conflicts: Multiple software running at the same time can sometimes cause conflicts and make the system unstable. Safe Mode helps in identifying the problematic software by loading only the essential services.
- Perform System Restore: If your computer is not starting or functioning properly, Safe Mode allows you to access system restore points and revert your system to a previous, stable state.
- Troubleshoot Startup Issues: If your computer is having trouble starting up, Safe Mode can help identify and resolve the issue by bypassing non-essential applications and services.
- Modify System Settings: Some system settings and configurations can only be modified in Safe Mode.
- Repair Disk Errors: Safe Mode allows you to run disk check and other utilities to identify and repair disk errors that might not be possible in normal mode.
How to start Windows 11 into Safe Mode?
Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode of the Windows operating system that can be a lifesaver for troubleshooting various problems with your computer. It loads the system with only the most essential drivers and services, allowing you to identify and fix issues that might be causing instability or preventing your computer from starting normally. In this section, we will guide you through the process of starting your Windows 11 computer in Safe Mode, a crucial step for diagnosing and resolving many common computer issues.
1. Use the Start menu to boot Windows into Safe Mode
1. Access the Start Menu:
- Click on the Start button located at the bottom left corner of your screen.
2. Restart Your Computer:
- Click on the Power button at the bottom of the Start menu, then while holding down the
Shiftkey on your keyboard, click onRestart. This will open the Advanced Startup Options menu after your computer restarts.
- Click on the Power button at the bottom of the Start menu, then while holding down the
3. Access Advanced Startup Options:
- After your PC restarts, you will be directed to the “Choose an option” screen. Select “Troubleshoot”.
- Then, select “Advanced options”.
4. Start Safe Mode:
- In the “Advanced options” screen, select “Startup Settings”.
- In the “Startup Settings” screen, click on “Restart”.
- After your PC restarts, you will see a list of options. Press the number on your keyboard that corresponds to “Enable Safe Mode” (usually the '4' key), “Enable Safe Mode with Networking” (usually the '5' key), or “Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt” (usually the '6' key), depending on your needs.
Your PC will now restart into Windows 11 Safe Mode.
Note: It’s recommended to choose “Enable Safe Mode with Networking” if you need internet access while in Safe Mode, and “Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt” if you prefer using command-line tools for troubleshooting.
To exit Safe Mode, simply restart your computer and it will start Windows 11 in normal mode.
2. Enter Safe Mode using Advanced Startup on Windows 11
Using Advanced Startup is another method to boot your Windows 11 computer into Safe Mode. Follow these steps:
1. Access Advanced Startup:
- Open the Settings app by pressing
WIN + Ion your keyboard or by clicking on the Start button and selecting "Settings". - In the Settings window, select “System” from the left-hand side, and then scroll down and click on “Advanced system settings”.
- In the next screen, under the “Recovery” section, click on “Restart now” under “Advanced startup”.
- Open the Settings app by pressing
2. Access Advanced Startup Options:
- Your PC will restart into the “Choose an option” screen. Select “Troubleshoot”.
- Then, select “Advanced options”.
3. Start Safe Mode:
- In the “Advanced options” screen, select “Startup Settings”.
- In the “Startup Settings” screen, click on “Restart”.
- After your PC restarts, you will see a list of options. Press the number on your keyboard that corresponds to “Enable Safe Mode” (usually the '4' key), “Enable Safe Mode with Networking” (usually the '5' key), or “Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt” (usually the '6' key), depending on your needs.
3. Interrupt normal booting of Windows 11 to enter Safe Mode
Interrupting the normal booting process is another method to enter Safe Mode in Windows 11, especially when you cannot access the desktop. This method involves forcing your computer to interrupt the boot process three times in a row, which then triggers the Windows recovery environment. Here's how you can do it:
1. Interrupt the Boot Process:
- Start your computer and as soon as the Windows logo appears, press and hold the power button until your computer turns off. Repeat this process two more times. On the fourth start, Windows will enter the recovery environment.
2. Access Advanced Startup Options:
- You will be directed to the “Choose an option” screen. Select “Troubleshoot”.
- Then, select “Advanced options”.
3. Start Safe Mode:
- In the “Advanced options” screen, select “Startup Settings”.
- In the “Startup Settings” screen, click on “Restart”.
- After your PC restarts, you will see a list of options. Press the number on your keyboard that corresponds to “Enable Safe Mode” (usually the '4' key), “Enable Safe Mode with Networking” (usually the '5' key), or “Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt” (usually the '6' key), depending on your needs.
4. Use Command Prompt to boot into Safe Mode
Using the Command Prompt is another method to boot into Safe Mode on Windows 11. Follow these steps:
1. Open Command Prompt:
- Right-click on the Start button and select “Windows Terminal (Admin)” to open the command prompt with administrative privileges. If you can't find Windows Terminal, you can also search for "cmd" in the Windows search bar, right-click on “Command Prompt”, and select “Run as administrator”.
2. Enter Command:
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:This command will configure Windows to boot into Safe Mode.sql
bcdedit /set {current} safeboot minimal
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
3. Restart Your Computer:
- Close the Command Prompt and restart your computer. It will boot directly into Safe Mode.
Note: To boot into Safe Mode with Networking, you can use the command bcdedit /set {current} safeboot network instead of the above command.
- 4. Returning to Normal Mode:
- Once you are done with Safe Mode and you want to start Windows 11 in normal mode, open the Command Prompt again with administrative privileges and type the following command and press Enter:bash
bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safeboot - Restart your computer and it will boot in normal mode.
- Once you are done with Safe Mode and you want to start Windows 11 in normal mode, open the Command Prompt again with administrative privileges and type the following command and press Enter:
Remember, while in Safe Mode, Windows will only load the essential drivers, and the graphical interface will look different. This is normal and will return to its regular appearance once you exit Safe Mode.
5. Boot Windows 11 to Safe Mode using a Recovery drive
Using a Recovery Drive is another method to boot into Safe Mode on Windows 11. A Recovery Drive is a USB drive that contains a copy of your Windows 11 system and can be used to troubleshoot and fix problems, even if your PC won't start. Here's how you can do it:
1. Create a Recovery Drive:
- If you haven't created a Recovery Drive, you'll need to create one. Plug in a USB drive with at least 16GB of free space.
- Type “Create a recovery drive” into the Windows search bar and select the utility from the list.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to create the recovery drive.
2. Boot from the Recovery Drive:
- Insert the Recovery Drive into a USB port on your PC and restart your computer.
- You may need to change the boot order in your PC’s BIOS settings to boot from the USB drive. The process to access the BIOS varies by manufacturer but usually involves pressing a key (such as F2, F12, DEL, or ESC) immediately after turning on your PC. Refer to your PC's manual or manufacturer's website for specific instructions.
3. Access Advanced Startup Options:
- Once booted from the Recovery Drive, select your keyboard layout and then the “Troubleshoot” option.
- Then, select “Advanced options”.
4. Start Safe Mode:
- In the “Advanced options” screen, select “Startup Settings”.
- In the “Startup Settings” screen, click on “Restart”.
- After your PC restarts, you will see a list of options. Press the number on your keyboard that corresponds to “Enable Safe Mode” (usually the '4' key), “Enable Safe Mode with Networking” (usually the '5' key), or “Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt” (usually the '6' key), depending on your needs.
How to exit Safe Mode?
Exiting Safe Mode in Windows 11 is quite straightforward. Here's how you can do it:
1. Restart Your Computer:
- Simply go to the Start menu, click on the Power button, and select "Restart." Your computer will restart and boot up in normal mode.
2. Using System Configuration:
- If you have used the System Configuration (msconfig) tool to enter Safe Mode, you will need to turn off the Safe Boot option to exit Safe Mode.
- Press
WIN + Rto open the Run dialog box, typemsconfig, and press Enter. - In the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab.
- Uncheck the “Safe boot” option and click “OK”.
- Restart your computer.
3. Using Command Prompt:
- If you have used the Command Prompt to enter Safe Mode, you will need to use it again to turn off Safe Mode.
- Open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
- Type the following command and press Enter:bash
bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safeboot - Restart your computer.
After restarting, your computer will boot in normal mode and you can use Windows 11 as you usually do.
Make sure your data is safe!
The best way to recover any file format is to use dedicated software like DiskInternals Partition Recovery.
Loss can occur as a result of system errors, virus attacks, hardware problems, etc. and you will not be prepared for this outcome. This professional software tool will help you recover files quickly and automatically, even if you are new to the business. Try a free trial of DiskInternals Partition Recovery before purchasing a license for this software.
So, before you buy, you will see all the benefits of this application and make sure that this is exactly what you need to keep your data safe. You can use the preview function and preview the desired file before restoring; You will also notice the amazing quality of the recovery.
For clarity, use the instructions below to make the application simpler and more intuitive.
Step 1. Download and run DiskInternals Partition Recovery (you can use the free or paid version).
Step 2. In a new application window, you will see all storage devices that are present and connected to your computer. Select the drive containing your lost or deleted files and click Next. You can select the type of files (or skip this step) that you want to recover and click Next.
Step 3. Scan. Select the scan method: fast or full (recommended) and wait for the process to complete. You can also select Reading Mode to view inaccessible files.
Step 4. Preview and recover lost video files. Right-click the file and select "View in New Window" or press the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + P. After viewing the files, you can restore them automatically.
Step 5. Saving all or selected data - you just need to purchase a license and choose a location to save the recovered files. It is best to store the video somewhere safe to prevent data overwriting.
Conclusion
Safe Mode is an essential feature of Windows 11 that can be a lifesaver when you are facing issues with your computer. It allows you to start your system with a minimal set of drivers and services, which can help you troubleshoot and fix problems that might be preventing your computer from starting normally or causing it to behave erratically.
In this guide, we have covered various methods to start Windows 11 in Safe Mode, including using the Start menu, Advanced Startup, interrupting the normal booting process, using Command Prompt, and using a Recovery Drive. We also covered how to exit Safe Mode and return to normal operation.
Remember to choose the method that best suits your situation and skill level. If one method does not work for you, try another one. Also, always have a backup of your important data, and create a Recovery Drive if you haven’t already, as it can be a lifesaver if your system fails to start.
Finally, Safe Mode is a powerful tool for diagnosing and fixing issues with your computer, but use it wisely and carefully. If you are unsure about any step or encounter any problems, it is always advisable to seek help from a professional or a knowledgeable friend.
FAQ
What is Safe Mode and why is it important?
Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode of the Windows operating system that starts your computer with a minimal set of drivers and services. It is important because it allows you to troubleshoot and fix issues that might be preventing your computer from starting normally or causing it to behave erratically.
Can I access the internet in Safe Mode?
Yes, you can access the internet in Safe Mode, but you will need to select “Enable Safe Mode with Networking” when starting your computer. This option starts Windows in Safe Mode with the network drivers and services needed to access the internet or other computers on your network.
What is the difference between Safe Mode and Safe Mode with Command Prompt?
The standard Safe Mode starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and the graphical user interface. Safe Mode with Command Prompt starts Windows in Safe Mode with a Command Prompt window instead of the usual Windows interface. This option is for advanced users who prefer using command-line tools for troubleshooting.
I am unable to start my computer normally. How can I access Safe Mode?
If you are unable to start your computer normally, you can try interrupting the boot process three times in a row by holding down the power button until your computer turns off. On the fourth start, Windows will enter the recovery environment, and you can access Safe Mode from there. Alternatively, you can use a Recovery Drive if you have one created.
I started my computer in Safe Mode. How can I return to normal mode?
To exit Safe Mode and return to normal mode, simply restart your computer. If you have used the System Configuration tool or Command Prompt to enter Safe Mode, you will need to turn off the Safe Boot option or delete the safe boot value using the same tool before restarting.