If your PC is acting up—crashing, freezing, or refusing to boot—Safe Mode is your lifeboat. It starts Windows 11 with only the essentials so you can diagnose problems without all the extra drivers, services, and apps getting in the way. In this clear, friendly guide, you’ll learn every reliable way to start Safe Mode (from a working desktop, the sign-in screen, or even when Windows won’t load), what each Safe Mode type does, and how to get back to normal once you’re done.
What Is Safe Mode (and Why It’s So Useful)?
Think of Safe Mode like putting your PC in “airplane mode for drivers.” Windows loads a minimal set of drivers and services so you can troubleshoot: uninstall a bad driver, remove a buggy app, run scans, or roll back updates—without background stuff interfering.
Safe Mode Flavors: Which One Should You Choose?
- Safe Mode (Minimal): The bare minimum. No networking. Best for uninstalling drivers/apps or running basic tools.
- Safe Mode with Networking: Adds network drivers and services so you can get online, download drivers, or update security tools.
- Safe Mode with Command Prompt: Boots to a command-line interface instead of the desktop. Ideal for advanced repairs.
Quick pick: If you need internet access (e.g., to grab a driver), choose Safe Mode with Networking. Otherwise, stick with Minimal.
The One-Minute Cheat Sheet
When you reach the Startup Settings screen:
- Press 4 or F4 → Safe Mode
- Press 5 or F5 → Safe Mode with Networking
- Press 6 or F6 → Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Memorize 4-5-6 and you’re golden.
Method 1: From the Settings App (PC Boots Normally)
Perfect when Windows is running but misbehaving.
Step-by-Step
- Open Settings: Press Windows + I.
- Go to System → Recovery.
- Under Recovery options, next to Advanced startup, click Restart now → Restart now again.
- After reboot → Choose an option screen: Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
- On the Startup Settings screen, press 4/5/6 for your preferred Safe Mode.
Tip: If you’re planning to uninstall a driver or update, keep any necessary installers handy first.
Method 2: Use Shift + Restart (From Desktop or Sign-In Screen)
Great shortcut if you can’t get to Settings.
From a Working Desktop
- Open the Start menu → click the Power icon.
- Hold Shift and click Restart. Keep holding Shift until you see recovery screens.
- Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart, then press 4/5/6.
From the Sign-In Screen
- On the sign-in screen, click the Power icon in the bottom-right.
- Hold Shift and click Restart.
- Navigate the same recovery path and pick 4/5/6.