Windows 11 safe mode is a special mode designed for maintenance and troubleshooting. When you start your computer in safe mode, only the basic files and drivers needed to run Windows are loaded, and any applications or programs that are not required to start Windows are disabled. This can help you diagnose and fix problems that might prevent Windows from starting normally, such as issues with drivers, system files, or malware.
To enter the safe mode you must restart Windows 11 in safe mode. There are several ways to do so, even if you can not log into Windows or see the screen. Read below to learn how to start Windows 11 in safe mode.
How to start Windows 11 in safe mode
- Click on Start and then select the Power icon.
- Press and hold the Shift key and click on Restart.
- After restarting, the Windows Recovery Environment screen will appear. Click on Troubleshoot.
- Click on Advanced Options and select Startup Settings.
- Click on Restart. After restarting again, the Startup Settings screen will appear.
- You can only press the physical keys at this stage. Choose to press:
- 5 for Safe Mode with Networking
- 4 for Safe Mode without networking
- 6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt
- Your computer will restart in Safe Mode.
- To exit Safe Mode, simply restart your computer.
Note: This process can also be initiated from the sign-in screen, so you can enter safe mode if you have forgotten your password.
How to start Windows 11 Safe Mode from Settings
- Click on Start ⊞ and select Settings ⚙.
- Click on System.
- Locate System Settings and click on Recovery.
- Locate Advanced startup and click on Restart now.
- After restarting, the Windows Recovery Environment screen will appear. Click on Troubleshoot.
- Click on Advanced Options and select Startup Settings.
- Click on Restart. After restarting again, the Startup Settings screen will appear.
- You can only press the physical keys at this stage. Choose to press:
- 5 for Safe Mode with Networking
- 4 for Safe Mode without networking
- 6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt
- Your computer will restart in Safe Mode.
- To exit Safe Mode, simply restart your computer.
How to start Windows 11 Safe Mode if your Windows computer shows a black screen
- Press and hold the Power button down for 5 seconds to turn your computer completely off. You should be able to hear the power to the computer go off if you listen closely.
- Power on the computer, and before it boots to Windows, hold the Power key down until the computer shuts completely off.
- Repeat step 2 for a total of three times to simulate Windows failing. Failing to boot up three times in a row triggers Windows Automatic Repair.
