How to Boot Windows 11 into Safe Mode (4 Easy Methods)

Safe Mode is a diagnostic startup mode in Windows 11 that starts the operating system with a minimal set of drivers and services. It is an essential tool for troubleshooting “Blue Screen of Death” (BSOD) errors, removing stubborn malware, or fixing unstable hardware drivers. By isolating the OS from third-party software, Safe Mode allows you to identify and fix the root cause of system instability.

There are four primary ways to access Safe Mode in Windows 11: through Settings, from the Sign-in screen, using the System Configuration (msconfig) tool, or via a Hard Reboot for PCs that won’t start at all.

1. Method 1: Accessing via Settings (Recommended)

This is the standard way to enter the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) from a functioning desktop.

1. Open Settings (Win + I).
2. Go to System > Recovery.
3. Next to Advanced startup, click the Restart now button.
4. After the PC restarts, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
5. After the final restart, press 4 or F4 for standard Safe Mode, or 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.

2. Method 2: Accessing from the Sign-in Screen

If you are stuck at the login screen or your desktop is frozen, you can use this “Shift + Restart” shortcut.

1. On the bottom-right corner of the sign-in screen, click the Power icon.
2. Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard and click Restart.
3. The PC will boot into the blue “Choose an option” menu.
4. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart and select your preferred Safe Mode option.

3. Method 3: Using System Configuration (msconfig)

Use this method if you need to boot into Safe Mode every time you restart until your task is finished.

1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. Select the Boot tab.
3. Under Boot options, check the Safe boot box.
4. Select Minimal for standard Safe Mode or Network for internet access.
5. Click OK and restart.

Important: You must uncheck “Safe boot” in msconfig once you are finished, or your PC will continue to boot into Safe Mode indefinitely.

4. Method 4: The “Hard Reboot” for Non-Booting PCs

If Windows fails to start three times in a row, it should automatically trigger Automatic Repair. You can force this if your PC is stuck in a boot loop.

1. Hold the Power button for 10 seconds to turn off your device.
2. Press the power button again to turn it on.
3. As soon as you see the manufacturer logo (e.g., Dell, HP, ASUS), hold the Power button again for 10 seconds to force a shutdown.
4. Repeat this 3 times. On the next start, Windows will enter the WinRE (Windows Recovery Environment).
5. Select Advanced options > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.

5. Professional Insight: Safe Mode vs. Safe Mode with Networking

In a professional troubleshooting workflow, the choice between “Minimal” and “Networking” is critical. Standard Safe Mode (Minimal) is the “cleanest” environment—it doesn’t even load network drivers. Use this if you suspect a network card driver is causing a BSOD or if you are dealing with aggressive ransomware that communicates with a remote server.

Safe Mode with Networking should be used when you need to download a clean driver from the manufacturer or run an online virus scan. However, be aware that many third-party Wi-Fi drivers will not load in this mode; a wired Ethernet connection is often required for internet access in Safe Mode. If you are diagnosing a hardware failure, always start with Minimal to eliminate as many variables as possible.

Summary: Which Safe Mode do you need?

Booting into Safe Mode is a vital skill for maintaining a healthy Windows 11 system. Most users should opt for Method 1 or 2 as they are the safest. Once in Safe Mode, your first action should be to run SFC /scannow or Device Manager to roll back suspicious drivers. Once your repairs are complete, a simple restart will usually return you to the standard Windows environment.