If your PC is misbehaving—crashing, freezing, acting weird after a driver update—Safe Mode is your best friend. It starts Windows 11 with only the essentials, making it easier to diagnose and fix problems without extra apps and drivers getting in the way. In this friendly, step-by-step guide, you’ll learn every reliable way to open Windows 11 in Safe Mode, what each option does, how to get out of Safe Mode, and the smart fixes to try once you’re in.
What Is Safe Mode (and Why Use It)?
Safe Mode boots Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services. Think of it like starting your PC in “clean sneakers”—no add-ons, no heavy gear—so you can walk without tripping.
When Safe Mode Helps
- After a bad driver or Windows update
- When malware blocks normal startup
- If apps or services cause blue screens or freezes
- To uninstall stubborn programs or roll back drivers
Before You Start: Important Notes
- BitLocker/device encryption: If your drive is encrypted, Windows may ask for a recovery key when entering recovery mode. Keep it handy.
- Admin rights: Some methods (like
msconfigorbcdedit) need an administrator account. - Peripherals: Disconnect non-essential USB devices to reduce conflicts.
- Backups: If you’re troubleshooting something serious, back up important files first (even to a USB stick).
Choose Your Method (Quick Overview)
| Situation | Best Method | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Windows boots normally | Settings → Recovery → Advanced startup | Easy |
| Stuck at login screen | Shift + Restart from the power icon | Easy |
| Black screen / can’t log in | Force Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) | Medium |
| Need Safe Mode every boot | System Configuration (msconfig) | Easy |
| Power user / scripting | Command Prompt (bcdedit) | Medium |
Method 1: Open Safe Mode from Settings (Windows Starts Normally)
Steps
- Press Win + I to open Settings.
- Go to System → Recovery.
- Under Advanced startup, click Restart now → Restart now to confirm.
- In the blue Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), select:
Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart. - When you see Startup Settings, press:
- 4 or F4 for Safe Mode
- 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking
- 6 or F6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt
What You’ll See
Windows restarts with a black desktop, large icons, and the words “Safe Mode” in the corners.
Method 2: From the Sign-In Screen (Shift + Restart)
If you can reach the lock screen or login screen but not the desktop:
- On the sign-in screen, click the Power icon (bottom-right).
- Hold Shift and click Restart. Keep holding Shift until WinRE appears.
- Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
- Press 4/5/6 (or F4/F5/F6) for your preferred Safe Mode option.
Tip: This also works from the Start menu → Power → Restart while holding Shift, if you can reach the desktop.
Method 3: If Windows Won’t Boot (Force Windows Recovery Environment)
For black screens, endless spinning dots, or boot loops:
- Interrupt startup 3 times to trigger WinRE:
- Turn on the PC → when Windows starts loading, hold the power button to force shutdown.
- Repeat three times.
- On the 4th start, Windows enters Automatic Repair. Choose Advanced options.
- Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
- Press 4/5/6 for your Safe Mode flavor.
Alternate keys: On some devices, F11 during manufacturer logo can open WinRE.
Method 4: Use System Configuration (msconfig) to Always Boot in Safe Mode
Convenient when you’re planning extended troubleshooting and want Safe Mode every reboot until you’re done.
Steps
- Press Win + R, type
msconfig, press Enter. - Open the Boot tab → check Safe boot.
- Choose one:
- Minimal = standard Safe Mode
- Network = Safe Mode with networking
- Alternate shell = Safe Mode with Command Prompt
- Click OK → Restart.
Important: When finished, return to msconfig and uncheck Safe boot, then restart, or you’ll keep booting into Safe Mode.
Method 5: Command Prompt (bcdedit) for Precise Control
Great for scripted setups or when GUI options aren’t available.
Enable Safe Mode (Minimal)
Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:
bcdedit /set {default} safeboot minimal
shutdown /r /t 0
Enable Safe Mode with Networking
bcdedit /set {default} safeboot network
shutdown /r /t 0
Disable Safe Mode (Return to Normal Boot)
After you finish:
bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot
shutdown /r /t 0
Note: If you have multiple boot entries, the identifier might not be {default}. Use bcdedit alone to list entries and copy the correct GUID.
Understanding the Safe Mode Options
Safe Mode (Minimal)
Loads only essential drivers and services. Best for uninstalling problem apps or drivers and basic diagnostics.
Safe Mode with Networking
Adds network drivers and services so you can update drivers, download tools, or access shared folders. (Wi-Fi may be disabled on some adapters—use Ethernet if possible.)
Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Starts directly in a command window. Handy for advanced repairs (SFC, DISM, chkdsk) when the Explorer shell is unstable.
How to Exit Safe Mode (3 Easy Ways)
1) via Settings → Recovery
If you used Startup Settings to get into Safe Mode, just restart normally:
- Start → Power → Restart.
2) via msconfig
- Open System Configuration → Boot tab → uncheck Safe boot → OK → Restart.
3) via Command Prompt
- Run:
bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot shutdown /r /t 0
Troubleshooting: If You Can’t Reach Safe Mode
You’re Prompted for a BitLocker/Recovery Key
This is normal on encrypted systems when entering WinRE. Retrieve the key from your Microsoft account or the printout/USB you saved when encryption was enabled.
Function Keys Don’t Work
Use the number keys (4/5/6) instead of F-keys on the Startup Settings screen, or turn off Fn Lock on laptops.
No “Startup Settings” Option
Go Troubleshoot → Advanced options → See more recovery options, or run Startup Repair, then try again.
Keyboard/Mouse Not Working in WinRE
Try a wired USB keyboard/mouse and a different port (preferably USB-A 2.0). Remove USB hubs.
Boot Loop Continues
From WinRE: Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Uninstall Updates (start with Latest quality update). If that fails, use System Restore (if available).
What To Do Once You’re in Safe Mode (High-Impact Fixes)
1) Uninstall a Problem Driver
- Device Manager → right-click the device → Uninstall device.
- Check Attempt to remove the driver for this device if available.
- Reboot and install the correct driver.
2) Roll Back a Driver
- Device Manager → device Properties → Driver tab → Roll Back Driver.
3) Remove Recently Installed Software
- Settings → Apps → Installed apps → Uninstall suspicious or recently added programs.
4) Clean Boot (Isolate Conflicts)
- Press Win + R, type
msconfig. - Services tab → check Hide all Microsoft services → Disable all.
- Startup tab → Open Task Manager → disable startup items.
- Restart (in normal mode) and test.
5) Run System File Checker
Open Command Prompt (Admin):
sfc /scannow
6) Use DISM to Repair the Component Store
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
7) Check Disk for Errors
chkdsk C: /f /r
(You’ll be prompted to schedule on reboot.)
8) Scan for Malware
Use Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Quick scan (or a reputable offline scanner).
9) Restore to a Healthy State
- Control Panel → Recovery → Open System Restore → pick a restore point before the issue began.
10) Uninstall a Problematic Update
From WinRE: Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Uninstall Updates.
Advanced: Optional Legacy F8 Boot Menu
Windows 11 hides the classic F8 Safe Mode menu. You can bring back a slower legacy boot menu:
Enable legacy menu (optional):
bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy
Revert to standard fast boot:
bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy standard
Only do this if you know why you need it; it slightly slows boot.
Safe Mode vs. Other Repair Options
- Startup Repair: Automates common boot fixes—great first try if Windows won’t start.
- System Restore: Rolls back system files/registry to a previous point—non-destructive to personal files.
- Reset this PC: Reinstalls Windows with options to keep or remove files—use when all else fails.
Best Practices While in Safe Mode
- Make one change at a time, then reboot and test.
- Document what you change (a quick notepad list helps).
- Prefer official drivers from the device vendor.
- If you fix it, create a restore point:
- Search Create a restore point → Create → name it (e.g., “After GPU rollback”).
Common Safe Mode Myths (Debunked)
- “Safe Mode fixes problems by itself.”
Not really—Safe Mode makes your system stable enough so you can fix it. - “Safe Mode with Networking always gives internet.”
Not guaranteed—some Wi-Fi drivers/services don’t load. Use Ethernet if possible. - “If SFC says it fixed files, I’m done.”
Often you should still run DISM and reboot to ensure deeper repairs stick.
Conclusion
Learning how to open Windows 11 in Safe Mode gives you the power to troubleshoot almost any startup, driver, or software problem. Whether you enter via Settings, Shift + Restart, a forced WinRE, msconfig, or bcdedit, the process is straightforward once you’ve done it once. Remember to choose the right Safe Mode option (Minimal, Networking, or Command Prompt), make changes deliberately, and turn Safe Mode off when you’re finished. With this toolbox, you can get your PC stable again—quickly and confidently.
FAQs
1) Which Safe Mode option should I pick?
Use Minimal for most fixes, Networking if you need internet to download drivers/tools, and Command Prompt for advanced command-line repairs.
2) I’m stuck in Safe Mode after using msconfig. How do I get out?
Open msconfig → Boot tab → uncheck Safe boot → OK → Restart. Or run bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot in an elevated Command Prompt.
3) My PC asks for a recovery key when entering WinRE. Is that normal?
Yes—if your drive is encrypted (BitLocker/device encryption). Retrieve the key from your Microsoft account or your saved printout/USB, then continue.
4) Safe Mode with Networking doesn’t connect to Wi-Fi. What now?
That’s common. Plug in Ethernet, or install the correct network adapter driver while in Safe Mode (if possible), then retry.
5) Will Safe Mode delete my files?
No. Safe Mode simply changes the way Windows starts. Your files remain intact unless you remove them yourself or run a reset/clean installation.