“Safe Mode” is a feature that only loads a basic set of features and genetic drivers to troubleshoot and fix software and hardware-related problems. While in this environment, you can troubleshoot the startup process when Windows 11 is not booting correctly, network connection problems, Windows Update is stuck downloading updates, applications, and more. In addition, you can use Safe Mode to resolve video driver issues and perform a virus scan to detect and remove malware that wouldn’t be possible to remove while the operating system was running in normal mode. This guide will teach you the steps to start Windows 11 in Safe Mode using Command Prompt, Settings, Power options menu, and System Configuration, or from boot (also refers sometimes to “from BIOS”).
Windows 11 Safe Mode from Start Windows 11 Safe Mode from Settings Windows 11 Safe Mode from Command Prompt Windows 11 Safe Mode from MSConfig Windows 11 Safe Mode from boot
Windows 11 Safe Mode from Start
To start in Safe Mode on Windows 11 from the Start menu, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, the device will start in the specified mode, allowing you to troubleshoot and fix virtually any Windows 11.
Enable Safe Mode – Select 4 or press the F4 key. Enable Safe Mode with Networking – Select 5 or press the F5 key. Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt – Select 6 or press the F6 key.
Windows 11 Safe Mode from Settings
To access Safe Mode from the Settings app on Windows 11, use these steps: After you complete the steps, the device will enter into the Safe Mode environment, where you can troubleshoot and resolve system problems more efficiently.
Enable Safe Mode – Select 4 or press the F4 key. Enable Safe Mode with Networking – Select 5 or press the F5 key. Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt – Select 6 or press the F6 key.
Windows 11 Safe Mode from Command Prompt
To boot Windows 11 into Safe Mode from Command Prompt (F8 key method), use these steps: Once you complete the steps, Windows 11 will start in Safe Mode with the specified option. If you select the “Networking” option, you will have access to Ethernet and Wi-Fi.
Enable Safe Mode – Select 4 or press the F4 key. Enable Safe Mode with Networking – Select 5 or press the F5 key. Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt – Select 6 or press the F6 key.
You can always exit the basic boot level using the same instructions, but in step 3, make sure to use the Bcdedit /set {bootmgr} displaybootmenu no command.
Windows 11 Safe Mode from MSConfig
To start Windows 11 in Safe Mode from System Configuration (msconfig), use these steps: The only caveat with this option is that Windows 11 will boot into Safe Mode until you revert the changes.
After resolving the problem with the device, you can revert the changes using the same instructions, but in step 4, make sure to clear the Safe boot option.
Windows 11 Safe Mode from boot
To enter Safe Mode from boot (cold boot) on Windows 11, use these steps: After you complete the steps, the computer will boot into Safe Mode to troubleshoot and resolve problems on Windows 11.
Enable Safe Mode – Select 4 or press the F4 key. Enable Safe Mode with Networking – Select 5 or press the F5 key. Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt – Select 6 or press the F6 key.
It’s important to note that method of using the “F8” or “Shift + F8” no longer work to start Windows 11 in Safe Mode from BIOS during boot because firmware and software technologies had evolved, and now devices use UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) instead of BIOS (Basic Input Output System). However, you can still use the old methods but only to access the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), where you can access the option to boot in Safe Mode. All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.
