How to Boot Into Safe Mode on Windows 11

The quickest way to boot Windows 11 into Safe Mode is to hold Shift while you click Start > Power > Restart. When the blue Choose an option screen appears, click Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart. After your PC restarts, press 4 or F4 for Safe Mode, or 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.

Safe Mode starts Windows with only basic drivers and services, which makes it easier to remove problem apps, drivers, or malware. Below are five ways to get there, including when Windows won’t start, plus how to get back out.

Which method should you use?

Situation	Best method
Windows works normally	Method 1 (Shift + Restart) or Method 2 (Settings)
You’re stuck at the sign-in screen	Method 3
You want Safe Mode on every restart until you turn it off	Method 4 (System Configuration)
Windows won’t start or keeps crashing	Method 5 (Automatic Repair)

Method 1: Shift + Restart

1. Click Start, then the Power icon.
2. Hold Shift and click Restart.
3. On the Choose an option screen, click Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
4. When the Startup Settings list appears, press a number:
   • 4: Safe Mode
   • 5: Safe Mode with Networking (internet access)
   • 6: Safe Mode with Command Prompt

If you’re asked for a BitLocker recovery key, you’ll need it to continue. See how to find your BitLocker recovery key.

Method 2: From Settings

1. Open Settings > System > Recovery.
2. Next to Advanced startup, click Restart now, then Restart now again.
3. Follow step 3 and step 4 from Method 1.

Method 3: From the sign-in screen

1. On the sign-in screen, click the Power icon in the bottom-right corner.
2. Hold Shift and click Restart.
3. Follow steps 3 and 4 from Method 1.

Method 4: System Configuration (msconfig)

1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. Click the Boot tab.
3. Under Boot options, check Safe boot. Choose Minimal for regular Safe Mode, or Network for internet access.
4. Click OK and Restart.

Important: Your PC keeps starting in Safe Mode until you go back to msconfig and uncheck Safe boot.

Method 5: When Windows won’t start

1. Turn on your PC. As soon as the Windows logo or spinning dots appear, hold the power button to turn it off.
2. Repeat two more times. On the third start, Windows should show Preparing Automatic Repair.
3. Click Advanced options, then follow steps 3 and 4 from Method 1.

You can also boot from a Windows 11 installation USB, click Next > Repair your computer, and go to Troubleshoot. Pressing F8 during startup usually doesn’t work in Windows 11 because it boots too fast.

What you can do in Safe Mode

• Uninstall an app or driver that’s causing crashes, in Settings > Apps or Device Manager.
• Roll back a graphics driver in Device Manager > Display adapters > Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver.
• Scan for malware with Microsoft Defender. Use Safe Mode with Networking to update definitions first.
• Use System Restore to go back to a restore point.
• Uninstall a recent Windows update in Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates.

For blue screen troubleshooting, see how to fix a Windows blue screen.

How to exit Safe Mode

• Restart your PC normally. If you used Methods 1, 2, 3, or 5, it starts normally.
• If you used msconfig, open it again, uncheck Safe boot on the Boot tab, click OK, and restart.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know I’m in Safe Mode?

You’ll see “Safe Mode” in all four corners of the screen, a black background, and a lower screen resolution.

Why can’t I sign in with my PIN in Safe Mode?

Windows Hello PIN may not work in Safe Mode. Use your Microsoft account or local account password instead.

Why doesn’t Wi-Fi work in Safe Mode?

Regular Safe Mode doesn’t load network drivers. Choose Safe Mode with Networking (option 5). Some Wi-Fi adapters still won’t work, so use Ethernet if you can.

Is Safe Mode the same on Windows 10?

Yes. The steps are nearly identical. In Windows 10, Advanced startup is in Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.