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

Safe Mode is a special diagnostic mode in Windows 11 that loads only the essential system files and drivers. It’s incredibly useful when your PC is experiencing crashes, blue screens, malware infections, or software conflicts. Booting into Safe Mode allows you to troubleshoot issues without interference from unnecessary programs or drivers.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to boot into Safe Mode in Windows 11 using multiple methods, along with tips on troubleshooting, exiting Safe Mode, and restoring your system to normal operation.

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📝 Quick Summary (Key Takeaways)

• Safe Mode loads only essential Windows files and drivers for troubleshooting.

• You can access Safe Mode via Settings, Recovery Environment, System Configuration (msconfig), or a startup interruption.

• Safe Mode has three types:

  • Standard Safe Mode – minimal drivers.

  • Safe Mode with Networking – includes internet access.

  • Safe Mode with Command Prompt – advanced troubleshooting.

• Exiting Safe Mode is easy and restores your normal desktop environment.

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Why Boot into Safe Mode in Windows 11?

Safe Mode is crucial for diagnosing and fixing problems such as:

• 🖥️ System crashes or freezes

• 🔵 Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors

• 🦠 Malware or virus removal

• ⚡ Driver conflicts or faulty updates

• 💻 Uninstalling stubborn apps or updates

Think of Safe Mode as Windows running in minimal mode — it strips away distractions and gives you a clean environment to fix issues.

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Method 1: Boot into Safe Mode Using Settings

This is the simplest method if you can access your Windows 11 desktop.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

2. Go to System → Recovery.

3. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.

4. Your PC will restart and show the Choose an option screen.

5. Click Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.

6. After restart, press the corresponding key:

   • 4 or F4 – Safe Mode

   • 5 or F5 – Safe Mode with Networking

   • 6 or F6 – Safe Mode with Command Prompt

✅ Windows 11 will boot into the selected Safe Mode option.

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Method 2: Boot into Safe Mode Using the Recovery Environment (WinRE)

If Windows won’t start normally, use the Windows Recovery Environment:

Steps:

1. Turn off your PC completely.

2. Turn it back on and interrupt the boot process by holding the power button for 5–10 seconds. Repeat this 3 times.

3. Windows will automatically enter Recovery Environment (WinRE).

4. Select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.

5. Press the appropriate key for Safe Mode (F4, F5, or F6).

💡 This method is perfect when your PC is stuck or crashing during startup.

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Method 3: Boot into Safe Mode Using System Configuration (msconfig)

The System Configuration tool allows you to permanently set Safe Mode until you revert.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.

2. Go to the Boot tab.

3. Under Boot options, check Safe boot and select the type:

   • Minimal → Standard Safe Mode

   • Network → Safe Mode with Networking

   • Alternate shell → Safe Mode with Command Prompt

4. Click OK → Restart your PC.

✅ Windows will boot into Safe Mode every time until you uncheck Safe boot.

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Method 4: Boot into Safe Mode Using Shift + Restart

This is a quick way to enter Safe Mode directly from the login screen:

Steps:

1. Click Start → Power → Restart while holding the Shift key.

2. Your PC will boot into WinRE automatically.

3. Follow the same steps: Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart → Choose Safe Mode key.

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Method 5: Boot into Safe Mode Using Command Prompt

For advanced users, you can use Command Prompt to boot into Safe Mode:

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   bcdedit /set {current} safeboot minimal


   (Replace minimal with network for Safe Mode with Networking or alternateshell for Command Prompt.)

3. Restart your PC — it will boot into Safe Mode.

4. To exit Safe Mode, open Command Prompt again and type:

   bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safeboot


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How to Identify the Type of Safe Mode You Need

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Tips While Using Safe Mode

• Only essential drivers and services are loaded — some apps may not work.

• Internet may be disabled in Standard Safe Mode — use Networking if needed.

• Take note of error messages or crash behavior for troubleshooting.

• Avoid installing new programs in Safe Mode — focus on repairs.

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Exiting Safe Mode in Windows 11

Exiting Safe Mode is simple:

1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.

2. Go to the Boot tab.

3. Uncheck Safe boot → Click OK → Restart.

Or, simply restart your PC if you entered Safe Mode via Shift + Restart or WinRE.

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Common Safe Mode Issues and Fixes

• PC stuck in Safe Mode after reboot:
  → Open msconfig and uncheck Safe boot.

• Network not working in Safe Mode:
  → Use Safe Mode with Networking or check network drivers.

• Cannot access WinRE:
  → Create a Windows 11 bootable USB and boot into Recovery Environment.

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Conclusion

Booting into Safe Mode in Windows 11 is essential for troubleshooting crashes, removing malware, fixing driver conflicts, or uninstalling problematic updates.

• Use Settings → Recovery for easy access.

• Use WinRE or Shift + Restart if Windows won’t boot.

• Use msconfig or Command Prompt for advanced control.

Safe Mode gives you a minimal and safe environment to fix issues without interference from extra programs. Once repairs are complete, exiting Safe Mode restores your normal desktop environment.

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FAQs: How to Boot into Safe Mode in Windows 11

1. What is Safe Mode in Windows 11?
Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode that loads only essential drivers and services to troubleshoot system issues.

2. How do I know if I’m in Safe Mode?
The words “Safe Mode” appear in the corners of your screen.

3. Can I access the internet in Safe Mode?
Yes, but only if you choose Safe Mode with Networking.

4. How do I exit Safe Mode?
Restart your PC or uncheck Safe boot in msconfig.

5. Can I install apps in Safe Mode?
It’s possible, but most apps won’t function properly — Safe Mode is for troubleshooting.