How to Boot into Safe Mode on Windows 11

Safe Mode allows you to easily identify and solve problems you're having with your Windows 11 device without professional help. Here how to boot into safe mode

Safe Mode is an essential troubleshooting tool in Windows 11 that allows you to start your computer with a minimal set of features, system files, and drivers. The Safe mode function is designed to help you diagnose and resolve issues that prevent Windows from booting normally. When you boot into Safe Mode, it loads only the necessary services and basic drivers, which helps isolate problems related to software, drivers, or settings that may be causing conflicts or system crashes. This article explorer how does safe mode work, and different ways to start Windows 11 in safe mode.

What is Safe Mode in Windows 11?

Safe Mode is an essential tool for troubleshooting and resolving a wide range of issues in Windows 11. Whether you’re dealing with driver conflicts, malware, startup problems, or slow performance, Safe Mode provides a minimal environment where these issues can be diagnosed and resolved without interference.

How Does Safe Mode Work in Windows 11?

When you start your computer in Safe Mode, Windows 11 disables most of the drivers, applications, and services that would normally load during a regular boot. Safe mode start windows with only:

  • Basic Drivers and System Files: Safe Mode only loads essential system files and drivers, such as basic video and network drivers. This ensures that only the core functions of the operating system are active.
  • No Third-Party Applications: Any third-party programs or applications that usually start automatically are prevented from loading in Safe Mode. This reduces the risk of interference from external software that might be causing system instability.
  • Minimal Services: Windows runs only essential Microsoft services, which can help isolate problems caused by other background services running on the system.

Types of Safe Mode in Windows 11

On Windows 11, there are a few different types of Safe Mode you can choose from, so it’s important to know which you need.safe mode from System Configuration Utility

  • Safe Mode: This is the most basic version, which loads only the essential system files and drivers. No network or internet connection is enabled.
  • Safe Mode with Networking: This mode includes basic networking drivers, allowing you to access the internet or your local network. It’s useful when you need to download drivers or updates while troubleshooting.
  • Safe Mode with Command Prompt: In this mode, the Command Prompt is loaded instead of the usual graphical interface, allowing advanced users to run commands to troubleshoot or repair the system.

How to Start Windows 11 in Safe Mode

Windows 11 offers several ways to start your computer in Safe Mode, depending on the state of your system. Below are four common methods:

Using System Configuration Utility

If you are able to start Windows normally then you can access safe mode boot from System configuration options.

  • Press Windows + R, type msconfig and ok to Open System Configuration Utility
  • Here on the System Configuration window, click on the boot tab and select safe boot.

safe mode from System Configuration Utility

You can choose from additional options

  1. Minimal: Starts Safe Mode with the absolute minimal amount of drivers and services, but with the standard Windows GUI (Graphical User Interface).
  2. Alternate Shell: Starts Safe Mode with a Command Prompt, without the Windows GUI. Requires knowledge of advanced text commands, as well as navigating the operating system without a mouse.
  3. Active Directory Repair: Starts Safe Mode with access to machine-specific information, such as hardware models. If we unsuccessfully install new hardware, corrupting the Active Directory, Safe Mode can be used to restore system stability by repairing corrupted data or adding new data to the directory.
  4. Network: Starts Safe Mode with the necessary services and drivers for networking, with the standard Windows GUI.
  • by default select minimal and click Apply.
  • system configuration will Ask for Restart.
  • When you restart Windows this will boot into safe mode on the next boot.

How to leave safe mode Windows 11

After performing the Troubleshooting steps you can follow the steps below to leave safe mode Windows 11.

  1. To boot into normal windows again open system configuration using msconfig.
  2. move to the boot Tab and uncheck the safe boot option.
  3. click apply and ok to make save changes and restart Windows to boot into normal windows.

Using Advanced Startup Options

This is the Easiest way to boot Windows 11 into Safe Mode, which would be to press Shift and then click on Restart. This will reboot your Windows 11 computer into Advanced Startup Options. Choose Troubleshoot and then Advanced options.

Also, you can Access Advanced Startup options from the Start menu, click Settings near the bottom, then on Update and Security. Choose Recovery, then Advanced Startup. Click on Startup settings and then Restart now and when your computer reboots you will see some options.

advanced Options windows 10

If Having a Startup Problem

If you are having a Startup problem and are unable, Login into normal Windows you can boot into safe mode to perform troubleshooting steps then you need an installation media. With the help of this, you can access advanced boot options and access safe mode.

If you don’t have installation media create one with the help of the official Windows media creation tool. When you are ready with the installation DVD or bootable USB insert it and boot from the installation media. Skip the first screen and on the next screen Select Repair your computer As shown below image.

repair your computer

This will restart Windows select Troubleshoot -> advanced options -> select Startup Settings -> restart now. After Restart this will represent the startup settings windows with a number of choices. Here press 4 to Boot into safe mode. To reboot in Safe Mode with Networking, press the ‘5’ key. To reboot in Safe Mode with Command Prompt, press the ‘6’ key. it will restart Windows and load with safe mode

windows 10 safe mode types

When Should You Use Safe Mode in Windows 11?

Since Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode, it’s typically used when your computer is experiencing significant issues that cannot be resolved through normal troubleshooting. Below are some situations where Safe Mode is highly effective:

1. Blue Screen of Death (BSoD)

If your computer encounters a BSoD error, Safe Mode allows you to boot the system without loading problematic drivers or applications that might be causing the crash. Once in Safe Mode, you can uninstall or update drivers, run diagnostics, or check for updates that could resolve the issue.

2. Driver Conflicts

New or outdated drivers can sometimes cause the system to freeze, crash, or fail to boot. Safe Mode loads only the basic drivers, making it easier to troubleshoot and resolve these conflicts. You can update, roll back, or uninstall problematic drivers while in Safe Mode.

3. Malware Removal

Some malware can hide or prevent removal while running in normal mode. Safe Mode prevents most malware from loading, making it easier for your antivirus software to scan and remove harmful files. This is particularly helpful when dealing with persistent infections that can’t be addressed in a standard boot.

4. Startup Problems

If Windows 11 is not booting correctly, Safe Mode is useful for diagnosing and fixing startup issues. By running the system with minimal drivers, you can troubleshoot software or configuration problems that may be preventing the operating system from loading.

5. Slow Performance or Freezes

When your computer is slow or freezing due to background applications or services, Safe Mode can help isolate the problem. By disabling non-essential services and startup programs, you can determine whether these are contributing to the poor performance.

How to Troubleshoot in Safe Mode

Once you’re in Safe Mode, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve issues:

  • Check for Corrupted Drivers: Open Device Manager and look for any yellow exclamation marks next to devices, indicating driver issues. You can update or uninstall problematic drivers in this mode.
  • Run System Restore: If your computer was working properly in the past but has recently started to malfunction, you can use System Restore to revert your computer to a previous state where everything was functioning normally.
  • Uninstall Problematic Programs: If you’ve recently installed a program that is causing crashes or slow performance, you can use Safe Mode to uninstall it without interference from background processes.
  • Run a Virus Scan: Open your antivirus software and run a full system scan to detect and remove malware that could be affecting the system’s performance or functionality.
  • Perform System File Check: Use Command Prompt in Safe Mode to run sfc /scannow to check for corrupted system files and attempt repairs.
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