How to Start Windows 11 in Safe Mode While Booting: A Guide

Ever had your Windows 11 PC freeze, crash, or act weird after installing a new driver or update? That’s when Safe Mode comes to the rescue. Safe Mode is like a “minimal version” of Windows—it loads only essential drivers and services, making it easier to diagnose and fix problems.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explore different ways to boot Windows 11 into Safe Mode while starting up your computer, why it’s important, and troubleshooting tips if things go wrong.

What Is Safe Mode in Windows 11?

Safe Mode is a diagnostic startup mode in Windows. It loads a stripped-down version of the operating system with only the basics:

• Default drivers (keyboard, mouse, display)
• Core system services
• No third-party apps at startup

This makes it easier to find and fix issues like:

• Corrupt drivers
• Malware infections
• Startup crashes
• Update errors

Types of Safe Mode in Windows 11

Windows 11 gives you a few different Safe Mode options:

1. Safe Mode (Minimal) → Loads the bare essentials.
2. Safe Mode with Networking → Adds network drivers, so you can access the internet.
3. Safe Mode with Command Prompt → Boots directly into a command-line interface instead of the desktop.

When Should You Use Safe Mode?

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

• Windows won’t boot normally.
• You installed a bad driver causing crashes.
• Your PC is infected with malware.
• Updates messed up startup.
• You need to uninstall stubborn software.

Think of it like calling a mechanic—sometimes you just need the basics running to figure out what’s wrong.

Method 1: Enter Safe Mode While Booting (Shift + Restart)

If your PC can start up, you can force it into Safe Mode during boot.

Steps:

1. On the sign-in screen, hold down Shift.
2. While holding Shift, click Power > Restart.
3. Your PC will restart into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
4. Go to:
   • Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart
5. When your PC restarts, you’ll see a menu with numbers.
6. Press:
   • 4 → Safe Mode
   • 5 → Safe Mode with Networking
   • 6 → Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Method 2: Enter Safe Mode from Boot Failure

If Windows 11 fails to start three times in a row, it automatically launches WinRE.

Steps:

1. Power on your PC.
2. As soon as it starts loading, press and hold the power button to force shutdown.
3. Repeat this 3 times.
4. On the next boot, Windows will enter Automatic Repair mode.
5. Choose Advanced Options > Troubleshoot > Startup Settings > Restart.
6. Select your Safe Mode option (4, 5, or 6).

Method 3: Enter Safe Mode with F8 (Using Boot Configuration)

By default, F8 doesn’t work in Windows 11 like older versions—but you can re-enable it.

Steps:

1. Boot into Windows normally.
2. Press Windows + S, type cmd, and run as administrator.
3. Enter this command: bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy
4. Restart your PC.
5. Now, press F8 repeatedly during boot.
6. Choose Safe Mode from the Advanced Boot Options menu.

👉 To disable this later, type:

bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy standard

Method 4: Use System Configuration (MSConfig)

If you want your PC to always start in Safe Mode until you change it:

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
2. Go to the Boot tab.
3. Check Safe boot.
   • Minimal = Standard Safe Mode
   • Network = Safe Mode with Networking
   • Alternate shell = Command Prompt
4. Click OK and restart.

⚠️ Don’t forget to uncheck Safe Boot later, or your PC will always boot in Safe Mode!

Method 5: Boot into Safe Mode from Recovery Drive

If your system won’t boot at all, use a USB recovery drive.

Steps:

1. Insert your Windows 11 recovery USB.
2. Boot your PC and press the boot key (F12, Esc, F2 depending on brand).
3. Select your USB device.
4. Choose Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
5. Pick your Safe Mode option.

Method 6: Use Installation Media to Enter Safe Mode

Don’t have a recovery drive? Use the Windows 11 installation USB/DVD.

Steps:

1. Insert installation media.
2. Boot from it.
3. On the setup screen, click Repair your computer.
4. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
5. Choose Safe Mode.

Method 7: Force Safe Mode with Boot Interruptions

If nothing else works, you can force Safe Mode by interrupting boot repeatedly.

1. Start your PC and as soon as Windows begins loading, force shutdown.
2. Repeat 2-3 times.
3. Windows will launch Automatic Repair.
4. Follow the path: Advanced Options > Troubleshoot > Startup Settings > Restart.
5. Select Safe Mode.

Method 8: Safe Mode via Registry Edit (Advanced)

⚠️ Only try this if you’re comfortable editing the registry.

1. Open Registry Editor (regedit).
2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot
3. Add entries for Minimal or Network depending on your preference.
4. Restart your PC.

How to Exit Safe Mode in Windows 11

Once you’re done troubleshooting:

• If you used MSConfig → Open it again and uncheck Safe Boot.
• If you used Shift + Restart or WinRE → Just reboot normally.
• If you enabled F8 → Restart without pressing F8.

Troubleshooting Issues with Safe Mode

1. Can’t Enter Safe Mode

• Try another method (like installation media).
• Check BIOS boot settings.

2. Stuck in Safe Mode

• Open MSConfig and disable Safe Boot.

3. Keyboard Not Working in Safe Mode

• Use Safe Mode with Networking to download drivers.

When Safe Mode Won’t Help

Safe Mode is powerful, but it won’t fix everything. It’s not useful if:

• Your hard drive is failing.
• Windows installation is corrupted beyond repair.
• Hardware (RAM, CPU, GPU) has physical damage.

In these cases, you may need to reset or reinstall Windows.

Alternatives to Safe Mode in Windows 11

If Safe Mode doesn’t solve your issue, try:

• System Restore → Roll back to an earlier working state.
• Startup Repair → Automatic fix for boot issues.
• Reset this PC → Reinstall Windows while keeping or removing files.

Final Thoughts

Safe Mode in Windows 11 is your first line of defense when something goes wrong. Whether your PC crashes, freezes, or refuses to boot, starting in Safe Mode helps you troubleshoot by running only the essentials.

• For quick access: Use Shift + Restart.
• For stubborn boot issues: Force Automatic Repair.
• For advanced users: Enable F8 legacy boot.

With these methods, you’ll always have a way to access Safe Mode and fix issues before they turn into bigger problems.

FAQs

1. What is the shortcut to enter Safe Mode in Windows 11?
If enabled, F8 during boot works. Otherwise, use Shift + Restart.

2. Can I get into Safe Mode if Windows won’t boot at all?
Yes—use recovery media or force boot interruptions to access Safe Mode.

3. What’s the difference between Safe Mode and Safe Mode with Networking?
Networking mode adds internet drivers so you can update or download fixes.

4. Why does my PC keep booting into Safe Mode?
You likely enabled Safe Boot in MSConfig. Uncheck it to return to normal.

5. Can Safe Mode remove viruses?
It won’t remove them automatically, but it makes it easier to run antivirus tools.