How to Leave Safe Mode in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 13, 2025

Safe Mode in Windows 11 is a fantastic troubleshooting tool that helps you fix problems by running only essential drivers and services. But once you’re done with troubleshooting, you’ll probably want to get back to your normal desktop environment.

If your PC is stuck in Safe Mode, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. This guide will walk you through multiple ways to exit Safe Mode in Windows 11, whether you entered it intentionally or accidentally.

What Is Safe Mode in Windows 11?

Safe Mode is a special startup mode that loads Windows with minimal drivers and services. It’s mainly used for:

  • Fixing software or driver issues.

  • Removing malware that prevents normal boot.

  • Troubleshooting system crashes and blue screens.

But staying in Safe Mode can limit your PC’s performance and features, which is why you need to switch back to normal mode when you’re done.

Why You Might Be Stuck in Safe Mode

Sometimes users get stuck in Safe Mode because:

  • They selected “Safe boot” in System Configuration (msconfig) and forgot to uncheck it.

  • Windows crashed and automatically booted into Safe Mode.

  • They repeatedly used the Shift + Restart advanced startup option.

No matter the cause, getting out of Safe Mode is simple with the right steps.

Method 1: Restart Your PC Normally

This is the easiest way to leave Safe Mode.

Steps:

  1. Click the Start button.

  2. Select Power > Restart.

  3. Your PC should boot back into normal mode.

💡 Tip: If your PC still boots into Safe Mode, you may have Safe Boot enabled in System Configuration. Use Method 2 to fix this.

Method 2: Disable Safe Boot Using System Configuration (msconfig)

This method works if Safe Boot was enabled manually.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.

  2. Type msconfig and press Enter.

  3. In the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab.

  4. Uncheck Safe boot under Boot options.

  5. Click Apply, then OK.

  6. Restart your PC.

Your computer will now start in normal mode.

Method 3: Exit Safe Mode Using Command Prompt

If you prefer using commands, this is another reliable method.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as Administrator.

  2. Type the following command and press Enter:

bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safeboot

  1. Restart your PC.

This command removes the Safe Boot option from the current boot configuration.

Method 4: Use Advanced Startup Options

If you’re stuck and can’t access normal settings, use Advanced Startup.

Steps:

  1. Press Shift and click Restart from the Start menu or login screen.

  2. Your PC will reboot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

  3. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.

  4. Click Restart.

  5. When your PC restarts, press Enter to select Exit Safe Mode (Normal Boot).

Method 5: Use Windows PowerShell

PowerShell offers another way to disable Safe Boot.

Steps:

  1. Open Windows PowerShell as Administrator.

  2. Enter this command:

bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot

  1. Restart your PC.

Method 6: Disable Safe Mode from Registry (Advanced Users)

This is a more technical approach and should be done carefully.

Steps:

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

  2. Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot\Option

  1. Look for the OptionValue key and set its value to 0.

  2. Close Registry Editor and restart your PC.

⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry incorrectly can cause system problems. Use this method only if you are comfortable with registry edits.

Method 7: Use Startup Repair if Stuck in Loop

If your PC keeps rebooting into Safe Mode, use Startup Repair.

Steps:

  1. Boot into Advanced Startup Options (Shift + Restart).

  2. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.

  3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

This will attempt to fix boot configuration issues automatically.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you still can’t leave Safe Mode:

  • Check Boot Options Again: Revisit msconfig to ensure Safe Boot is off.

  • Run System File Checker: Use sfc /scannow in Command Prompt to fix corrupted system files.

  • Update Drivers: Outdated or buggy drivers can cause Safe Mode loops.

  • Perform System Restore: Roll back your PC to a working restore point.

When to Use Safe Mode Again

Safe Mode is not just for emergencies. You can use it to:

  • Uninstall problematic drivers.

  • Scan for malware using Windows Defender.

  • Run disk checks (chkdsk) safely.

Think of Safe Mode as a “safe house” for your PC—it’s there when things go wrong.

Conclusion

Leaving Safe Mode in Windows 11 is usually as simple as restarting your computer. But if Safe Boot was enabled or your PC keeps looping into Safe Mode, you can use System Configuration, Command Prompt, or Advanced Startup Options to fix the issue.

By following the steps above, you’ll be back in normal mode and ready to use your PC without restrictions.

FAQs

Q1: Why does my PC keep booting into Safe Mode?
A: You likely have Safe boot checked in msconfig. Uncheck it and restart to return to normal mode.

Q2: Can I exit Safe Mode without restarting?
A: No, a restart is required to load normal drivers and services.

Q3: Is it safe to use Command Prompt to exit Safe Mode?
A: Yes, as long as you type the command correctly, it is completely safe.

Q4: Can I disable the Safe Mode option completely?
A: You can remove Safe Boot settings using bcdedit, but Safe Mode will always be available for emergencies.

Q5: Does leaving Safe Mode affect my files or data?
A: No, switching back to normal mode does not delete or modify your files.

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