To boot Windows 11 in Safe Mode, go to Settings > System > Recovery and click Restart now next to Advanced startup. After your PC restarts, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart. When the Startup Settings list appears, press 4 for Safe Mode, 5 for Safe Mode with Networking, or 6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt. To get there faster, hold Shift while you click Restart in the Start menu or on the sign-in screen.
Safe Mode starts Windows with only basic drivers and services, which helps you remove problem apps, drivers, or malware. Here’s every way to get into it and back out.
Method 1: From Settings
- Press Windows key + I and go to System > Recovery.
- Next to Advanced startup, click Restart now, then Restart now again.
- Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.
- Click Restart.
- Press 4 (or F4) for Safe Mode, 5 for Safe Mode with Networking, or 6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
Method 2: Shift + Restart
- Click Start > Power, or click the power icon on the sign-in screen.
- Hold Shift and click Restart.
- Follow steps 3 to 5 from Method 1.
This works even if you can’t sign in to Windows.
Method 3: System Configuration (msconfig)
- Press Windows key + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
- Click the Boot tab and check Safe boot. Choose Minimal, or Network for internet access.
- Click OK and Restart.
Windows keeps starting in Safe Mode until you uncheck Safe boot in msconfig, so remember to turn it off.
Method 4: If Windows won’t start
Turn the PC on, and when the Windows logo appears, hold the power button to force it off. Do this three times. Windows opens Automatic Repair. Click Advanced options > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart, then press 4 or 5.
Which Safe Mode option should you pick?
| Option | Use it to |
|---|---|
| 4) Safe Mode | Uninstall apps or drivers that cause crashes |
| 5) Safe Mode with Networking | Download drivers or run online malware scans |
| 6) Safe Mode with Command Prompt | Run repair commands like sfc /scannow |
How to exit Safe Mode
Restart your PC normally. If it keeps booting into Safe Mode, open msconfig, uncheck Safe boot on the Boot tab, and restart.
Frequently asked questions
Does F8 work for Safe Mode in Windows 11?
Usually not. Windows 11 starts too quickly for F8. Use Shift + Restart instead.
Why does my screen look different in Safe Mode?
Safe Mode uses a basic display driver and a low resolution. Everything returns to normal after a regular restart.
Will BitLocker ask for a recovery key?
Sometimes. Keep your recovery key handy from account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey.
How do I start Safe Mode in Windows 10?
The steps are similar. See how to boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.