How to Start HP Laptop in Safe Mode Windows 11: Guide for Beginners

Have you ever had your HP laptop freeze, crash, or act strangely, and no matter what you try, it just won’t behave? Don’t panic—this is where Safe Mode comes to the rescue.

Safe Mode is a troubleshooting feature in Windows 11 that lets you start your HP laptop with only the most essential drivers and programs. This stripped-down environment makes it easier to find and fix problems like crashes, malware, or driver issues.

In this beginner-friendly guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to start your HP laptop in Safe Mode on Windows 11, using multiple methods.

What Is Safe Mode in Windows 11?

Safe Mode is like Windows’ “emergency mode.” When you start your HP laptop in Safe Mode:

Only essential system files and drivers load.
Third-party apps and startup programs are disabled.
Troubleshooting becomes easier since fewer things can interfere.

Think of it like starting your car in “maintenance mode”—you won’t be driving anywhere fast, but you can check under the hood safely.

When Should You Use Safe Mode?

You don’t always need Safe Mode, but it’s helpful when:

Your HP laptop crashes or restarts repeatedly.
You suspect a virus or malware infection.
A new driver or update causes problems.
Apps keep freezing or refusing to open.
You want to uninstall stubborn software.

Types of Safe Mode in Windows 11

Windows 11 actually offers three variations:

Safe Mode – Loads basic drivers and minimal services.
Safe Mode with Networking – Same as above, but adds internet/network support.
Safe Mode with Command Prompt – Advanced troubleshooting using text commands.

For most beginners, Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking will do the job.

Method 1: Start HP Laptop in Safe Mode Using Settings

This is the easiest method if your laptop is still working and you can log in normally.

Step 1: Open Settings

Press Windows + I to launch Settings.

Step 2: Go to Recovery Options

Navigate to System → Recovery.
Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.

Step 3: Enter Advanced Startup Menu

Your laptop will restart and show a blue screen with options.
Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings.

Step 4: Enable Safe Mode

Click Restart.
After restart, press the corresponding number:
- Press 4 for Safe Mode.
- Press 5 for Safe Mode with Networking.
- Press 6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

Method 2: Boot into Safe Mode from the Sign-In Screen

If your laptop won’t let you log in, you can still access Safe Mode from the login screen.

On the login screen, click the Power icon (bottom-right).
Hold down Shift and click Restart.
Your laptop will reboot into Advanced Startup options.
Follow the same steps: Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
Choose the Safe Mode option you need.

Method 3: Use System Configuration (msconfig)

This method lets you force your HP laptop to always boot into Safe Mode until you turn it off.

Press Windows + R to open the Run box.
Type msconfig and hit Enter.
Go to the Boot tab.
Under Boot options, check Safe boot.
Choose Minimal (or Network if you need the internet).
Click OK and restart.

👉 To exit Safe Mode later, repeat the steps and uncheck Safe boot.

Method 4: Start in Safe Mode Using Command Prompt

For advanced users or when other options fail, Command Prompt is powerful.

Press Windows + S, type cmd, and right-click → Run as administrator.
Enter this command:

bcdedit /set {default} safeboot minimal

(For Safe Mode with Networking, replace minimal with network.)
Restart your laptop, and it will boot into Safe Mode.

👉 To exit Safe Mode later, run:

Method 5: Force Safe Mode with Interrupt Boot (If Windows Won’t Start)

If your HP laptop crashes before reaching login, you can trigger Safe Mode by forcing advanced startup.

Power on your laptop.
As soon as Windows starts loading, hold the power button until it shuts down.
Repeat this 3 times.
On the 4th startup, Windows will open Automatic Repair.
Choose Advanced options → Troubleshoot → Startup Settings → Safe Mode.

How to Know You’re in Safe Mode

When your HP laptop starts in Safe Mode:

The screen resolution looks lower.
The words Safe Mode appear in the corners of the screen.
Only basic apps and drivers are loaded.

What to Do After Entering Safe Mode

Now that you’re in Safe Mode, you can:

Run antivirus scans to remove malware.
Uninstall faulty programs or drivers.
Use System Restore to roll back Windows.
Update drivers safely.
Check hardware performance without interference.

How to Exit Safe Mode in Windows 11

Exiting Safe Mode is simple:

Restart your laptop normally.
If you used msconfig or Command Prompt, undo the Safe Boot option as explained earlier.

Troubleshooting Tips for HP Laptops in Safe Mode

No Internet in Safe Mode? Use Safe Mode with Networking.
Laptop Stuck in Safe Mode? Open msconfig and uncheck Safe Boot.
Touchpad Not Working? Use an external USB mouse.

Pros and Cons of Using Safe Mode

✅ Pros:

Helps identify and fix problems.
Works even if Windows crashes normally.
Great for removing viruses and faulty drivers.

❌ Cons:

Limited functionality (many apps won’t run).
No fancy graphics or customization.
Requires manual exit.

Best Practices for Beginners

Use Safe Mode only when needed—it’s not for daily use.
Always backup files before making big changes.
Note down the steps so you don’t forget how to exit.

Final Thoughts

Starting your HP laptop in Safe Mode on Windows 11 isn’t as complicated as it sounds. Whether your computer is crashing, running slow, or infected with malware, Safe Mode is your best friend for troubleshooting.

By following the methods above—through Settings, login screen, msconfig, Command Prompt, or forced restart—you’ll always have a way to access Safe Mode when things go wrong.

FAQs

1. How do I start my HP laptop in Safe Mode quickly?
The fastest way is through Settings → Recovery → Advanced startup.

2. Can I use the internet in Safe Mode?
Yes, if you choose Safe Mode with Networking.

3. Will Safe Mode delete my files?
No. Safe Mode only changes startup behavior—it doesn’t delete files.

4. Why does my screen look weird in Safe Mode?
Because Windows loads only basic display drivers, so resolution is lower.

5. How do I exit Safe Mode on HP laptops?
Just restart your laptop, or disable Safe boot in msconfig if you enabled it manually.