Safe mode on Windows 11 is a diagnostic startup mode that allows gain limited access to Windows when the operating won’t start normally. This diagnostic start mode is very useful to troubleshoot Windows PC problems that started after a driver update or incompatible software install or more. Also, it’s very effective to repair system files using the SFC command on safe boot. Here in this article, we learn more about Windows 11 safe mode, safe mode options and how to start Windows 11 in Safe Mode to fix different problems on your computer.
Contents
What is safe mode on Windows 11?
Safe mode feature available on all Windows versions include Windows 11, to troubleshoot different problems with your PC. When you start your computer in safe mode, the device loads Windows 11 with a basic user interface. It only uses the essential drivers and services and excludes most of the things that can cause crashes or problems that make it easier to troubleshoot Windows 11.
On safe mode boot, Windows launches only apps, drivers, and files that are necessary to run the system.
Safe Mode helps users load up their computers when there is a problem, One of the most common faults that Safe Mode is used for is driver faults. Also, the dreaded blue screen error display after installing new hardware or software, or due to some other reason, and safe mode is to fix this type of issue. Also, safe mode is very helpful to detect and get rid of malware, viruses, and potentially unwanted programs.
There are three different types of Safe Mode boot options that are available in the Advanced Boot Options.
1. Safe Mode – Starts Windows with the minimum of drivers and services possible.
2. Safe Mode with Networking – Same as Safe Mode, but additionally load the network drivers and services and allow access to the Internet and other computers on your network. Useful if you require Internet connection to download Windows updates or driver updates to troubleshoot problems on your computer.
NOTE: Wireless (Wi-Fi) Internet connection is not supported in safe mode with networking.
3. Safe Mode with Command Prompt – For advanced users who want to access the Command Prompt in safe mode and don’t need the Windows graphical interface.
How to start Windows 11 in Safe Mode?
There are ways to start Windows 11 in safe mode, If you are able to access your normal desktop screen then you can start Windows 11 in safe mode from the settings option. But if due to any problem, your computer won’t start normally you can start Windows 10 safe mode from advanced options.
Whether your computer suddenly became slow for no reason or you accidentally downloaded malware, the safe mode might be the solution, Here is how to boot in safe mode
The easy and quick method to start Windows 11 in safe mode is,
- Press Windows key + R, type msconfig and click ok,
- The system configuration window opens, move to the boot tab and checkmark on the safe boot option.
- Select between minimal to start safe mode normally, the Network option for safe mode with networking to enable internet access, and the Alternate shell for the command prompt.
- Click apply and ok it will prompt restart to start Windows 11 in safe mode.
Note – Enable this option, every time force Windows 11 to start in safe mode until you uncheck the safe mode option
Also, you can run this command bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy to Enable F8 Key Safe Mode Option in Windows 11/10.
Start your PC in safe mode from Windows 11 settings
- Press the Windows key + X and select the settings option,
- Navigate to the system tab then click on Recovery, Under Advanced Startup click Restart now and confirm your selection.
If you can’t open Settings to get into safe mode, hold down the Shift key, click the Power icon, and then Restart. your PC restarts to the Choose an option screen,
- When the PC restarts to Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot
- Next, click on Advanced options
- Now click on Startup Settings then Restart.
- When the startup settings screen opens Press 4 to start your computer in safe mode or 5 to use safe mode with the internet.
Start Windows 11 in safe mode while booting
If you experience a serious problem, your computer won’t boot normally and you can’t enter safe mode then you can use installation media to access advanced options and enter safe mode on Windows 11.
If you don’t prefer installation media then forcefully reboot windows 3/4 times. It starts the automatic repair that either fix your existing problem or gives the option to access the advanced option and boot into safe mode.
If you have installation media attach it to your computer and follow steps below to access advanced options.
- Boot from installation media, and skip the first screen,
- Next, click on repair your computer option then select Troubleshoot
- Next, click on Advanced options then Startup Settings and finally click on Restart.
- Press F4 to start your computer in safe mode or F5Â to use safe mode with the internet.
How to exit safe mode in Windows 11
Restarting your device should be sufficient to exit you from Safe Mode back into normal mode. But if you’re having problems disabling safe mode, here is how to exit safe mode in Windows 11.
- Press Windows key + R, type msconfig and click ok
- Select the Boot tab and Uncheck Safe boot under Boot options,
- Click OK, and restart your computer.
FAQ on safe mode boot:
- Is clean Boot or Safe Mode are same?
Clean boot is not the same as safe mode. Safe mode disables everything except for the core services and processes that are essential to run Windows. Clean boot only disables all the startup programs and third-party software and let you troubleshoot different errors
- How to start Windows 11 in Safe Mode?
1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Restart now.
2. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
3. Press the F4 key to enter Safe Mode.
If you are using Windows 7, you can enter Safe Mode by pressing the F8 key before loading Windows.
How to Enable F8 Safe Mode boot menu in Windows 11
Open the command prompt as administrator and run this command to Enable F8 Key Safe Mode Option in Windows 11/10.
bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy
- How to troubleshoot Windows 11 in safe mode
If your computer is slow and occasionally crashes but seems to work fine in safe mode, there might be issues with your software. Remove or reinstall recently installed apps or drivers.
- How to exit safe moe in Windows 11
Restarting your device should be sufficient to exit you from Safe Mode back into normal mode
That’s all about Windows 11 safe mode and its usage. Did safe mode boot help fix problems on your computer? Let us know in the comments below.
Also read:
- 11 basic settings you must enable to Secure windows 10 Laptop/PC
- How to remove Activate the Windows 10 watermark without the product key
- Windows 11 Laptop acting slow After Update? 10 ways to speed it up
- Printer Driver is Unavailable error on Windows 11/10 (6 solutions to fix it)
- Windows 11 Outlook Search function Not Working, let’s restore it
- Windows 11 Laptop stuck on Restarting screen (8 solutions to apply)
