To get out of Safe Mode in Windows 11, restart your PC normally. Safe Mode usually ends on the next restart. If Windows keeps booting back into Safe Mode, the Safe boot option is probably turned on: press Windows + R, type msconfig, open the Boot tab, uncheck Safe boot, click OK, and restart.
Quick Answer
Restart. If it returns to Safe Mode: msconfig > Boot > uncheck Safe boot > OK > Restart.
Method 1: Restart
- Click Start > Power > Restart.
- Windows should start normally. If it does, you’re done.
Method 2: Turn Off Safe Boot in System Configuration
- Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
- Click the Boot tab.
- Uncheck Safe boot.
- Click Apply, then OK, and choose Restart.
Method 3: Command Prompt
If msconfig won’t open, run Command Prompt as administrator and enter bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safeboot, then restart. If it says the value wasn’t found, Safe boot wasn’t set there.
Method 4: From the Recovery Screen
If the PC can’t reach the desktop, hold Shift and click Restart on the sign-in screen, then choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt and use the bcdedit command above, or Continue to start Windows.
Why Windows Keeps Starting in Safe Mode
| Cause | Fix |
|---|---|
| Safe boot checked in msconfig | Uncheck it (Method 2) |
| Safe boot set with bcdedit | Remove it (Method 3) |
| Driver or update keeps crashing normal startup | Uninstall the recent driver or update in Safe Mode first |
| Startup repair loop | Use Startup Repair from Advanced options |
For the full recovery menu, see Advanced startup options.
If Windows keeps failing to start, see our guide to Automatic Repair loops.
Troubleshooting
- Normal boot crashes, so you need Safe Mode: In Safe Mode, uninstall the last driver or update. See undoing a Windows update.
- BitLocker recovery screen appears: You’ll need your recovery key; see finding your BitLocker recovery key.
- Nothing works: Consider Reset this PC with Keep my files.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know I’m in Safe Mode?
The words “Safe Mode” appear in the corners of the screen, with a black background.
Will leaving Safe Mode delete anything?
No. It only changes how Windows starts.
Summary
- Restart normally.
- If it returns, uncheck Safe boot in msconfig.
- Use bcdedit if msconfig isn’t available.
- Fix the driver or update that forced Safe Mode.
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.