How to Boot into Safe Mode Windows 11 from BIOS: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 27, 2025

When your Windows 11 laptop or PC refuses to start normally, crashes frequently, or is infected with malware, the Safe Mode option becomes your best friend. Safe Mode allows you to start Windows with only the essential drivers and services, making it easier to troubleshoot problems.

But what if you can’t access Safe Mode directly from Windows? That’s where the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) comes into play. Booting into Safe Mode from BIOS ensures you can troubleshoot your system even when Windows refuses to load.

In this guide, we’ll walk through step-by-step methods to boot Windows 11 into Safe Mode from BIOS and recovery settings, plus troubleshooting tips for beginners.

Key Takeaways (Quick Summary)

  • ✅ Safe Mode in Windows 11 is a minimal boot environment for troubleshooting system issues.

  • ✅ You can’t directly enable Safe Mode from BIOS but can access Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) through BIOS/UEFI to enter Safe Mode.

  • ✅ The most reliable way is using Advanced Startup Options or Shift + Restart.

  • ✅ Safe Mode comes in three types: Minimal, Networking, and Command Prompt.

  • ✅ Ideal for fixing crashes, malware removal, and driver conflicts.

What is Safe Mode in Windows 11?

Safe Mode is a diagnostic startup mode that loads only essential drivers and services. This stripped-down version of Windows is perfect for:

  • Removing malware that prevents normal startup.

  • Uninstalling faulty drivers or apps.

  • Troubleshooting blue screen errors (BSOD).

  • Restoring system stability.

Think of it as putting your PC into “doctor mode”—where only the necessary organs are functioning so you can run tests.

Different Types of Safe Mode in Windows 11

When you boot into Safe Mode, you’ll get three options:

  1. Safe Mode (Minimal) – Loads the bare essentials.

  2. Safe Mode with Networking – Adds internet/network support.

  3. Safe Mode with Command Prompt – For advanced troubleshooting using commands.

👉 For most users, Safe Mode (Minimal) works best.

Why Boot into Safe Mode from BIOS?

Normally, you can restart Windows and press Shift + Restart to enter Safe Mode. But what if:

  • Windows won’t boot at all?

  • You’re stuck in a boot loop?

  • Malware has locked you out of your desktop?

In these cases, BIOS/UEFI settings allow you to trigger Advanced Startup Options, which then lead to Safe Mode.

How to Enter BIOS/UEFI on Windows 11

Before booting into Safe Mode, you’ll need to know how to access BIOS/UEFI:

Steps:

  1. Shut down your laptop/PC.

  2. Turn it back on and press the BIOS key repeatedly as soon as it starts.

    • Common keys: F2, F10, F12, Esc, or Del (varies by manufacturer).

  3. You’ll enter the BIOS/UEFI firmware settings.

👉 Check your laptop’s brand for the right key:

  • HP – Esc or F10

  • Dell – F2

  • Acer – F2 or Del

  • Lenovo – F1 or F2

  • ASUS – F2 or Del

How to Boot into Safe Mode Windows 11 from BIOS

Now let’s move to the actual process. Remember, BIOS itself does not have a “Safe Mode” button. Instead, you use BIOS to boot into Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), where Safe Mode is located.

Method 1: Boot into Safe Mode via BIOS and WinRE

  1. Enter BIOS/UEFI (using the steps above).

  2. In BIOS, change the boot order if needed to ensure your Windows drive is first.

  3. Restart your PC—Windows will attempt automatic repair if boot fails.

  4. After 2–3 failed boot attempts, Windows will launch Automatic Repair.

  5. Click Advanced Options.

  6. Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings.

  7. Click Restart.

  8. On the list of options, press:

    • 4 – Safe Mode

    • 5 – Safe Mode with Networking

    • 6 – Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Method 2: Force Windows into Recovery Mode via BIOS Boot Priority

If Windows won’t boot, you can force Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE):

  1. Enter BIOS and set your USB drive or recovery media as the first boot device.

  2. Insert a Windows 11 installation USB.

  3. Boot from the USB drive.

  4. Select Repair your computer instead of Install.

  5. Navigate to Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings.

  6. Restart and press 4, 5, or 6 to enter Safe Mode.

Method 3: Enable Safe Mode Using Command Prompt in WinRE

  1. Boot into Advanced Startup Options (via BIOS or installation media).

  2. Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Command Prompt.

  3. In Command Prompt, type:

    bcdedit /set {default} safeboot minimal

  4. Restart your computer—it will boot into Safe Mode automatically.

👉 To exit later, open Command Prompt again and run:

bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot

Alternative Ways to Boot into Safe Mode (Without BIOS)

If you can still access Windows, try these quicker methods:

Using System Configuration (msconfig)

  1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.

  2. Go to the Boot tab.

  3. Check Safe Boot and choose Minimal.

  4. Click OK → Restart.

Using Shift + Restart

  1. Hold Shift and click Restart from the Start menu.

  2. Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings.

  3. Restart and press 4 to enter Safe Mode.

Comparison of Safe Mode Entry Methods

Method Works When Windows Boots? Works When Windows Fails? Difficulty
msconfig ✅ ❌ Easy
Shift + Restart ✅ ❌ Easy
BIOS + WinRE ❌ ✅ Medium
Bootable USB ❌ ✅ Moderate
Command Prompt (WinRE) ❌ ✅ Advanced

Common Problems When Entering Safe Mode

  • Stuck in Safe Mode? → Disable via msconfig or bcdedit.

  • BIOS doesn’t show Windows drive? → Check boot order settings.

  • Keyboard not working in BIOS? → Use a wired keyboard or enable legacy USB support.

  • Safe Mode black screen? → Try Safe Mode with Networking or reinstall graphics drivers.

Tips for Beginners Using Safe Mode

  • 🔍 Use Safe Mode to scan for malware with Windows Security or Malwarebytes.

  • ⚙️ Roll back or uninstall faulty drivers.

  • 💾 Run System Restore to undo recent changes.

  • 🧹 Use Safe Mode to uninstall stubborn programs.

  • 🚀 Exit Safe Mode properly using msconfig or restart without safeboot.

Conclusion

Booting into Safe Mode on Windows 11 from BIOS may sound intimidating, but it’s straightforward once you understand the process. While BIOS doesn’t directly enable Safe Mode, it helps you reach the Windows Recovery Environment, from where you can choose different Safe Mode options.

Whether you’re dealing with malware, driver issues, or a stubborn blue screen, Safe Mode gives you the clean environment you need to troubleshoot effectively.

FAQs

1. Can I directly boot into Safe Mode from BIOS?
No. BIOS itself doesn’t have a Safe Mode option, but it helps launch Windows Recovery, where Safe Mode is available.

2. What’s the shortcut key for Safe Mode in Windows 11?
Unlike older versions, F8 doesn’t work by default. You need Advanced Startup Options to enable Safe Mode.

3. How do I exit Safe Mode?
Restart your PC normally. If stuck, use msconfig or the bcdedit /deletevalue command.

4. Is Safe Mode the same as BIOS?
No. BIOS is firmware for hardware settings, while Safe Mode is a Windows feature for troubleshooting.

5. Can I use Safe Mode to fix blue screen errors?
Yes. Safe Mode is often the best way to identify and fix BSOD issues by disabling faulty drivers or updates.

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