How to Boot Into Safe Mode in Windows 11

Lee Stanton May 10, 2022

Safe Mode in the Windows 11 operating system allows you to troubleshoot issues and narrow down the potential causes. Accessing it isn’t as easy as one may think, however, but it’s possible to do it in several ways.

If you’re interested in learning how to boot into Safe Mode in Windows 11, you’ve come to the right place. This article will provide detailed step-by-step instructions so that you can make the first step towards resolving potential issues.

How to Boot Into Safe Mode

Safe Mode “removes” most of the things that can cause issues and crashes and helps you troubleshoot. There are numerous ways to boot into Safe Mode. Which one you’ll choose depends on your preferences, but also on what’s available to you. For example, if you’re stuck at the sign-in screen, you can’t really access settings to enter Safe Mode.

Here are potential ways to boot into Safe Mode on your Windows 11.

How to Boot Into Safe Mode from Settings

One of the ways to boot into Safe Mode is through your settings. Follow the instructions below:

Launch the Start menu and click on the gear icon to open settings. You can also use the “Windows + I” shortcut.
Choose “System” and go to “Recovery.”
Under “Recovery options,” press “Restart now.”
When you see the “Choose an option” screen, select “Troubleshoot.”
Press “Advanced options” and select “Startup Settings.”
Choose “Restart.”
After the computer restarts, press “F4” or “4” to boot into the standard “Safe Mode.” If you want to boot into safe mode with network drivers and services, you’ll need to press “F5” or “5.” To go to “Safe Mode with Command Prompt,” select “F6” or “6.”

How to Boot Into Safe Mode via the Sign-In Screen

If you can’t access your settings, but you can reach the sign-in screen, don’t worry; you can go to Safe Mode from there. Here’s what you need to do:

Press and hold the Shift button.
Select the Power button and choose “Restart” while holding the Shift key.
On the “Choose an option” screen, press “Troubleshoot.”
Go to “Advanced options.”
Choose “Startup Settings.”
Select “Restart.”
Press “F4” or “4” to enable the standard “Safe Mode.” You can press “F5” or “5” if you want to access “Safe Mode with Networking.” By selecting “F6” or “6,” you’ll enable “Safe Mode with Command Prompt.”

How to Boot Into Safe Mode from a Black Screen

If your screen is black or blank, there’s no way you can boot into Safe Mode using settings. Fortunately, there’s an option you can take advantage of. Before you get to Safe Mode, you’ll need to enter the Windows Recovery Environment (winRE).

To do so, you’ll have to turn your computer off and on repeatedly. Follow these steps:

Press and hold the power button for around 10 seconds to shut down your device.
Press the power button again to turn the device on. As soon as you notice the computer has started, hold the power button again to turn it off.
Turn on your device, and turn it off again when it starts.
Hold the power button to turn on your computer. It should restart into Automatic Repair.
Choose “Advanced options” to go to winRE.

Once you’re in winRE, follow these instructions to boot into Safe Mode:

Press “Troubleshoot.”
Click on “Advanced options.”
Press “Startup Settings.”
Choose “Restart” in the bottom-right corner.
Press “F4” or “4” to enter the standard “Safe Mode.” If you want to access “Safe Mode with Networking,” select “F5” or “5.” Alternatively, press “F6” or “6” to go to “Safe Mode with Command Prompt.”

How to Boot Into Safe Mode from the Start Menu

Another way to enter Safe Mode in Windows 11 is through the Start menu. Follow the steps below to do so:

Press and hold the Shift key, launch the Start menu, and press the power button.
Choose “Restart.”
Let go of the Shift key and select “Troubleshoot.”
Go to the “Advanced options” and choose “Startup Settings.”
Select “Restart.”
If you want to enter the standard “Safe Mode,” press “F4” or “4.” To go to “Safe Mode with Networking,” choose “F5” or “5.” By pressing “F6” or “6,” you’ll go to “Safe Mode with Command Prompt.”

How to Boot Into Safe Mode with Command Prompt

You can start your Windows 11 in Safe Mode with Command Prompt. Here’s how to do it:

Launch the Start Menu and enter “cmd” in the search bar.
Type this command “shutdown.exe -r -o”.
Windows will now reboot and go to its recovery mode. The “Choose an option” menu will appear on your screen. Select “Troubleshoot.”
Press “Advanced options.”
Select “Startup Settings.”
Click on “Restart.”
Press “4” or “F4” to start your Windows 11 in the standard “Safe Mode.” Alternatively, you can press “5” or “F5” to boot into “Safe Mode with Networking,” or “6” or “F6” to go to “Safe Mode with Command Prompt.”

Windows 11 How to Boot Into Safe Mode Using a Function Key

Another way to boot your Windows 11 into Safe Mode is using a function key. Here’s what you need to do:

Start with your computer shut down. Press and hold the power key for at least 10 seconds. That way, you’ll prevent “Fast Startup” (a feature that reduces the booting time).
Press and hold the relevant key. While holding it, push the power button again.

Note: The relevant key isn’t the same for all computer models and depends on the manufacturer. You can find the key on the manufacturer’s website or in the instruction manual. Keep in mind that this method may not work for all computers. In such cases, use one of the methods we’ve discussed above.

FAQs

How to exit safe mode?

You can return to normal mode by restarting your computer. If this doesn’t work, here’s what you need to do:

1. Press “Windows + R.”

2. Type “msconfig” in the box and click on “OK” or press Enter.

3. Select “Boot.”

4. Unmark the checkbox next to “Safe boot.”

Load the Safe Mode

If you’re experiencing issues with your Windows 11, Safe Mode can help you establish and resolve the cause. This diagnostic startup mode gives you only limited access and features. If everything’s working normally in Safe Mode, the problem isn’t in your default settings and basic device drivers.

We hope this article helped you learn how to boot into Safe Mode in Windows 11 and that you’ve managed to identify the issue.

Has booting into Safe Mode been helpful to you with previous Windows versions? How often have you had to use it? Tell us in the comments section below.