How to Boot in Safe Mode on Windows 11

There are multiple methods available for booting your device into safe mode. For the most part, each version of windows has a different interface you can use to enter safe mode, but they all pretty much follow the same steps to get there.

If you're experiencing problems with your computer, it's probably a good idea to try and solve them in safe mode. Safe mode allows you to isolate the problem and try different solutions, before going any further.

In this article, we'll show you how to boot in safe mode on Windows 11. Safe mode can be a valuable tool when troubleshooting problems with your computer, so be sure to give it a try.

Read on to find out more!

In any version of Windows from XP and onward, here's how you get around the recovery menu

Why use Safe Mode on your Windows Computer?

Safe mode is a tool that can be used to troubleshoot and fix common issues on your computer. When you start up your pc, it will automatically enter safe mode if one or more of the following conditions are met:

Your PC crashed unexpectedly
You suspect something has been causing problems with startup files
You think there may be unauthorized access to your computer

In each of these cases, Safe Mode should help you resolve the issue more quickly and safely. By using Safe Mode, you can isolate the problem so that it can be corrected without affecting other parts of your system.

Additionally, it's important to note that safe mode does not void your warranty. In fact, most manufacturers actually recommend using safe mode as part of standard testing procedures.

How to Use Start Menu to Boot in Safe Mode on Windows 11

The most straightforward way to boot Windows 11 in safe mode is by using the Start Menu. To do this you can follow these steps:

Click on the Windows Start Menu
Tap on the Power button at the bottom of the Start Menu
Simultaneously, hold the Shift key on your keyboard and click on the Restart option
Wait for your computer to reboot.

Your PC will now reboot and automatically launch Safe Mode.

How to Use Advanced Start Up to Boot in Safe Mode on Windows 11

The second method to follow is by using the Advanced Startup method on your PC. Again, it’s a relatively easy method and won’t take more than a couple of minutes.

Start by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard or click on Start Menu
Open the Settings page or Control Panel and then click on System from the sidebar
Scroll down on the main page and click on Recovery
Proceed to tap on Advanced Setup.
You will receive a notification stating “Your system will reboot, save your work”
Click on agree and then tap on Restart Now.

Your PC will restart and will boot in Safe Mode. You can then proceed to diagnose whatever is causing the problem on your PC.

How to Use System Configuration Menu on Windows 11 to Boot in Safe Mode

This method allows you to configure your boot settings while Windows 11 is running. In order to boot in safe mode with System Configuration, follow these steps.

Click on the Windows key in the task bar
Tap on Settings
In the search bar enter System Configuration and hit enter
Select the boot tab from the pop-up window
Enable Safe boot by tapping on the check box and then click on OK
You will receive a pop-up asking you to confirm Restart. Click yes and once your computer boots up you will be directly taken to the safe mode.

Which Function Key Boots Windows 11 in Safe Mode

The fourth method is slightly different and would require you to first restart your PC. You’ll be booting in Safe Mode using the function keys on your keyboard and not via start Menu.

This step is most commonly used in the case where Windows 11 does not boot up at all or you’re stuck in a boot loop.

To do so, follow these steps.

Start by turning off your computer
Press and hold the Power button for a minimum of 10 seconds so that the PC does not Quick Start
Release the power button
Simultaneously press the power button and the Function 11 key on your keyboard
Your PC will now boot in safe mode

Some computer manufacturers let you boot in Safe mode by pressing the Function 8 button instead. Check the instruction manual to confirm if your PC requires F8 or F11 to be pressed to boot in Safe Mode.

How to Boot in Safe Mode using Startup Repair Tool on Windows 11

The fifth and final method to boot in Safe mode is by tricking your computer that there’s a problem with the boot up page and this will trigger the system startup repair. Here’s how you go about booting Safe mode using this method.

Turn on your computer and immediately hold the Power button until the boot up is interrupted and the system shuts down again.
Perform the first step a total of 3 times
Once you’ve rebooted your computer the third time, the boot up will be interrupted by a popup message on the screen called Startup Repair.

Click on Troubleshoot from the options available
Now tap on Advanced Options and then Startup settings
On the page that follows, click on Restart.

You will not have a list of different Safe Mode options to choose from. Select the one that lets you figure out what the problem is in a closed environment.

What Safe Mode Options are Available to Windows 11 Users

There are 3 primary safe mode options that are available to all Windows 11 users. Each mode has its own advantages and disadvantages. Check it out!

Safe Mode with All Networking Options Disabled - This is the most used Safe mode for developers and those trying to troubleshoot their systems. Here your internet will be disabled allowing you to diagnose the issue in a closed off environment.
Safe Mode with Internet Connectivity - I would recommend using this mode only if you do require the internet and have to download flies online. If that’s not the case then try sticking to booting in safe mode without any network connectivity.
Safe Mode with Command Prompt - The final mode available is also a complicated one. This mode allows users to diagnose and troubleshoot their computers using Command prompt rather than the traditional mouse. Everything you do in this mode will require commands.

How to Boot in Safe Mode on Windows 11 using Windows Terminal?

Though this method is not followed by all Windows 11 users, if you’re technically advanced, you can follow these steps.

Open Windows Terminal on your computer by pressing the Windows Key and R on your keyboard at the same time.
A terminal window will appear on your desktop
Enter “Shutdown.exe/r/o” and click on Enter
You will now receive a message on the screen saying you will be signed out in under 60 seconds and the computer will restart.

You can follow the same steps laid out under ‘Boot Safe Mode using Startup Repair’.

Troubleshoot > Startup Settings > Restart > Select the Safe Mode.

How Do You Leave Safe Mode on Windows 11?

Leaving safe mode on Windows 11 is very easy. Simply restart your laptop or PC to boot the regular version of Windows 11. However, if you need to go back to safe mode again, follow the steps mentioned above.

Easily Boot in Safe Mode on Windows 11

So we've just shown you how to start Windows in Safe Mode. Whenever I run into a problem with my computer and don't know what's wrong, I usually boot it into safe mode.

The Safe Mode allows me to run the computer in a minimal state not running any third-party services at startup, and gives me a clean slate environment to troubleshoot where the problem could be coming from.

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