How To Start Windows 11 In Safe Mode While Booting

People are currently reading this guide.

Alright, let's dive right into getting your Windows 11 system booted up in Safe Mode! Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your computer is acting a little… wonky? Maybe a new application is causing crashes, or a driver update has gone sideways? That's where Safe Mode comes to the rescue. It starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, which can help you diagnose and fix those pesky problems.

Follow along with these steps, and we'll get you there:

Getting Ready to Enter the Recovery Environment

Step 1: The Forceful Restart (Don't worry, it's for a good cause!)

This might sound a little drastic, but trust me, it's often the most reliable way to access the necessary options when your system isn't booting correctly.

Power Down: If your computer is running, press and hold the power button until it completely shuts down. This might take several seconds, so be patient.
Power Up and Interrupt: Now, press the power button to turn your computer back on. As soon as you see the manufacturer's logo (like Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.), immediately press and hold the power button again until the system powers off.
Repeat: Do this forceful shutdown and restart one more time.
The Magic Happens: After the second interrupted startup, when you power on your computer the third time, Windows should automatically boot into the Automatic Repair environment. You might see a "Preparing Automatic Repair" message. Let it do its thing!

Navigating the Advanced Options

Step 2: Exploring the Recovery Environment

Once Windows enters the Automatic Repair environment, you'll be presented with a few options. We're looking for the advanced stuff.

"Automatic Repair" Screen: You might see a screen that says "Automatic Repair" and informs you that Windows is trying to diagnose your PC. If it can't repair things automatically, you'll likely see a button that says "Advanced options". Click on this button.
"Choose an option" Screen: If you didn't see the Automatic Repair screen or directly landed here, you're in the right place! You'll see a screen with several choices. Select "Troubleshoot".

Step 3: Digging Deeper into Startup Settings

Now we're getting closer to Safe Mode!

"Troubleshoot" Menu: On the "Troubleshoot" screen, you'll see options like "Reset this PC" and "Advanced options". Click on "Advanced options".
"Advanced options" Menu: Here, you'll find a list of more tools. Look for and click on "Startup Settings". If you don't see "Startup Settings" directly, you might need to click on "See more recovery options" first.

Step 4: The Final Countdown to Safe Mode

Almost there! Startup Settings will allow you to modify how Windows starts.

"Startup Settings" Screen: You'll see a list of startup options, including enabling Safe Mode. It will likely say something like "Restart to change Windows startup options. You'll be able to choose from a list including: Enable debugging mode, Enable boot logging, Enable low-resolution video, Enable Safe Mode, Enable Safe Mode with Networking, Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt, Disable¹ automatic restart after failure, etc."
1. support.dynabook.com
support.dynabook.com
The Restart Button: Click the "Restart" button at the bottom of this screen. Your computer will reboot one more time.

Step 5: Choosing Your Safe Mode Flavor

This is the moment of truth! After the restart, you'll be presented with the "Advanced Boot Options" menu. You can navigate this menu using your keyboard's arrow keys.

Safe Mode Options: You'll see several Safe Mode options listed:
- 4) Enable Safe Mode: This is the standard Safe Mode, starting Windows with the bare minimum drivers and services.
- 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking: This option starts Safe Mode and also includes the network drivers, allowing you to access the internet and your local network (useful for downloading drivers or seeking online help).
- 6) Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt: This starts Safe Mode with the Command Prompt instead of the usual Windows Explorer interface. This is typically used for more advanced troubleshooting.
Select Your Choice: Use the arrow keys to highlight the Safe Mode option you want and press Enter.

Windows 11 will now boot into Safe Mode. You'll likely notice that the screen resolution is lower than usual, and some visual elements might be missing – this is normal. Once you've performed your troubleshooting, simply restart your computer normally to exit Safe Mode.

Alternative Method (If Windows is Still Booting)

If you can still boot into Windows 11, even if it's unstable, you can try this alternative method:

Step 1: Accessing System Configuration

Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
Type msconfig and press Enter or click OK. This will open the System Configuration utility.

Step 2: Boot Options

In the System Configuration window, click on the "Boot" tab.

Step 3: Enabling Safe Boot

Under the "Boot options" section, check the box next to "Safe boot".
You'll see a few options below "Safe boot":
- Minimal: (Same as pressing 4 during startup) Starts Safe Mode with the standard set of minimal drivers and services.
- Alternate shell: (Same as pressing 6 during startup) Starts Safe Mode with the Command Prompt.
- Network: (Same as pressing 5 during startup) Starts Safe Mode with network drivers.
- Active Directory repair: Starts Safe Mode with access to your server. (Primarily for domain-joined computers).
Select the Safe Mode option you need (usually "Minimal" is a good starting point) and click "Apply" and then "OK".

Step 4: Restarting Your Computer

You'll be prompted to restart your computer. Click "Restart". Your system will now boot into Safe Mode.

To exit Safe Mode using this method, simply open msconfig again, uncheck the "Safe boot" box on the "Boot" tab, click "Apply," and then restart your computer.

How to... Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about starting Windows 11 in Safe Mode:

How to know if I'm in Safe Mode?

You'll typically see the words "Safe Mode" displayed in all four corners of your screen. The desktop background will usually be black.

How to get out of Safe Mode?

Simply restart your computer normally. Windows will automatically boot back into the regular operating system. If you used the msconfig method, make sure to uncheck the "Safe boot" option before restarting.

How to fix problems in Safe Mode?

Once in Safe Mode, you can try uninstalling recently installed applications or drivers that might be causing issues. You can also run system scans or use other troubleshooting tools.

How to access the internet in Safe Mode?

During the boot options menu (by pressing 4-5 times the power button), choose the "Enable Safe Mode with Networking" option (usually by pressing the number 5).

How to open Command Prompt in Safe Mode?

During the boot options menu, choose the "Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt" option (usually by pressing the number 6). Alternatively, in the msconfig method, select "Alternate shell" under Safe boot options.

How to uninstall a program in Safe Mode?

Press the Windows key + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter. This will open the "Programs and Features" window where you can uninstall applications.

How to update drivers in Safe Mode?

It's generally not recommended to update drivers in Safe Mode. However, if necessary, and if you've booted into "Safe Mode with Networking," you can try downloading and installing drivers manually from the manufacturer's website.

How to run System Restore in Safe Mode?

Type "System Restore" in the Windows search bar and select "Create a restore point". If System Restore is enabled, you can follow the on-screen instructions to restore your system to a previous working state.

How to check for malware in Safe Mode?

If you have a security program installed, and you've booted into "Safe Mode with Networking," you can try running a scan. However, some malware might also be disabled in Safe Mode, so a full scan in normal mode after resolving any boot issues is also crucial.

How to prevent needing Safe Mode in the future?

Keep your operating system and drivers updated. Be cautious when installing new software and always download from trusted sources. Regularly back up your important files.

Hopefully, this comprehensive guide helps you successfully boot your Windows 11 system into Safe Mode and resolve any issues you might be facing! Let me know if you have any more questions.

0906240805121724341