In this article, we will tell you how to start Windows 11 in safe mode. There are new features, aesthetic updates, animations, and a lot more about Microsoft’s newest desktop operating system. Windows 11 is amazing. Despite this, many people are deterred from updating to Windows 11 due to the myriad of problems, including the most current issue, the Start menu not functioning in Windows 11.
But you don’t have to worry if you have already made the switch, we’re here to help with thorough instructions on Safe mode. When your computer is in safe mode, you can troubleshoot all problems in a private setting without using any additional software or drivers. Use the tutorial given below to learn how to start Windows 11 in safe mode.
Here, we’ve included two quick methods for you to start Windows 11 in Safe mode. Along with that, we have also included instructions for leaving Windows 11’s Safe mode.
Methods To Start Windows 11 In Safe Mode
Before knowing this, let’s know what Windows 11’s safe mode does.
What does Windows 11’s safe mode do?
Safe mode is a feature of Windows 11 and all other Windows versions. There are only system files and drivers loaded in this confined environment. Even Bluetooth, display drivers, network drivers, and other radio devices are disabled. In essence, Safe mode in Windows 11 is a default setting with no room for intervention from outside sources.
When a problem doesn’t show up in safe mode, Windows 11’s system files and drivers are working properly. Then, in order to fix the problem, you should consider different third-party applications or drivers. Since it is totally isolated, you can start Windows 11 in Safe mode to fix your computer, remove adware, and more because no software will block you from taking any action.
Difference between the three safe modes
There are three Safe modes accessible in Windows: Minimal, Safe mode with networking, and Safe mode with Command Prompt.
As the name suggests, minimal safe mode is the most basic variation of this safe mode. In this mode, you are not able to use the Internet (either by Ethernet or Wi-Fi), Command Prompt, other shells like PowerShell, or other features. Also, no outbound or inbound connections are allowed by a firewall to the PC. Therefore it can be concluded as a minimal safe mode where just the minimal system files, services, and drivers are operated to operate the GUI interface of the OS.
The next option is Safe mode with networking, which applies all the minimal safe mode conditions but also gives you access to an Ethernet connection. Remember that in this mode, even Wi-Fi won’t function. A wired Ethernet connection is required.
The final one is Safe mode with Command Prompt, which loads Windows 11 in its most basic configuration without the GUI interface. You can analyze and diagnose your PC from the Command Prompt window that will open up.
Method 1: Boot into Safe Mode from Windows 11 Settings
The easiest way through which you can boot into safe mode is by opening the Windows settings. By following the instructions given below you can start Windows 11 in safe mode immediately with the help of the GUI interface.
- Windows 11 keyboard shortcut Windows + I is to be used in order to open settings. After that, you need to move to System > Recovery. Here, click on Restart now.
- Now you will be moved to the startup screen after your PC restarts. There you need to go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options.
- Next, you need to click the restart button on the startup settings page. Next on the keyboard press 4 or F4 to be taken to the minimal safe mode right away. If you wish to use the Ethernet option (no wi-fi) to boot to safe mode press 5 or F5 and in order to go to safe mode with the command prompt, you need to press 6 or F6.
You will now boot to Windows 11 safe mode within a few seconds. In order to boot back to normal mode and come back to your usual Windows 11 desktop, you need to restart your PC.
Method 2: Boot Into Safe Mode From Recovery on Windows 11
This can be helpful when you are stuck on the restarting screen, going to repair disk errors, getting to see a black screen after Windows 11 update or you wish to repair your PC after an installation went wrong. Follow the steps below to do so.
- Click on the Windows key once to go to the start menu. Tap on the Power button here in order to open the menu. Next, press and hold the Shift key and tap on Restart. After tapping on the restart, release the shift key. The same thing can be done by the users who are stuck on the lock screen from the power menu present in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Now Windows 11 will boot to an advanced options screen after restarting. Tap on Troubleshoot here and go to Advanced options > Startup Settings.
- In order to boot into the safe mode on Windows 11 tap on restart. Now you need to press 4 or F4 on the next page on your keyboard for minimal safe mode right away. If you wish to boot to safe mode with the Ethernet option you need to press 5 or F5. Again, for the safe mode with the command prompt, you need to press 6 or F6.
Method 3: Start Windows 11 in Safe Mode with MSConfig
There’s also a GUI tool in Windows 11 that can help you to start Windows 11 in safe mode easily. Follow the instructions to proceed.
- To open the run prompt use Windows + R. Type msconfig here and then click on the Enter button.
- Go to the boot tab and activate safe mode along with the Minimal option in the system configuration window. Now tap on Apply > OK.
- Now, click on Restart instead of Exit without restart which will be prompted. You will immediately boot up into the safe mode of Windows 11.
In the safe mode of Windows 11, you can remove all the problematic apps, incompatible drivers, malware, and others.
How to exit safe mode on Windows 11?
If you wish to exit Windows 11 from safe mode, you need to simply follow similar steps as mentioned above.
Open the run dialogue box by pressing Windows + R, type msconfig, and then tap on Enter. Go to the boot tab and unselect safe boot there. This also disables Minimal. Next, click on Apply > OK. Now, you will exit from safe mode on Windows 11 by restarting your PC.
Final Words
Here are all the methods you can apply to start Windows 11 in safe mode. Sometimes when you get stuck after installing a program that turns out to be malware, you can use the safe mode to disinfect your PC. The safe mode allows you to remove programs, deactivate all third-party services and offer a confined environment for cleansing your computer. You can use a malware removal tool for your PC if you don’t wish to boot into the safe mode directly.