Boot Windows 11 in safe mode

In Windows 11, Safe Mode is a feature that loads only a basic set of features and default drivers to fix common software and hardware related issues. You can start a computer in Safe Mode using Windows11 settings, Command Prompt, System Configuration (MSConfig), and the Boot menu.

In Safe Mode, you can troubleshoot boot process issues when Windows 11 won't boot properly, network connection issues, Windows Update crashes when downloading updates, apps, and more.

Additionally, you can use Safe Mode to troubleshoot graphics driver issues and run a virus scan to detect and remove malware that cannot be removed when the operating system is running in normal mode.

So there are quite a few problems that you can solve through safe mode. The question is, how can you boot into safe mode through Windows 11.

Boot Windows 11 in safe mode

Boot Windows 11 into safe mode via startup

To boot the PC directly into safe mode, perform the following. Click on the start button. Right-click on the shutdown icon.

Now hold down the SHIFT button on your keyboard and click “Restart”. The PC will now restart into safe mode.

After the restart, click on “Troubleshoot”. Then click on “Advanced options”. Click on “Startup Settings”. Then click on the “Restart” button. You will now see the different safe mode options.

Use the number buttons to select an option. Option 4 is the default safe mode.

Boot Windows 11 in safe mode via settings

Right-click on the start button. Click on Settings in the menu. Click on System on the left and then on System Restore on the right.

Click the “Restart Now” button to boot the Windows 11 computer to advanced boot options where you can select safe mode.

After the restart, click on “Troubleshoot”. Then click on “Advanced options”. Click on “Startup Settings”. Then click on the “Restart” button. You will now see the different safe mode options.

Use the number buttons to select an option. Option 4 is the default safe mode. Option 5 Safe Mode with Networking and Option 6 Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

Boot Windows 11 into safe mode via command prompt

Click on the magnifying glass in the taskbar. Search for cmd.exe. Right-click on the Command Prompt result. Click Run as Administrator.

In the run window type:

Bcdedit /set {bootmgr} displaybootmenu yes

Restart the computer. The computer boots into Windows boot manager. Click the F8 key to continue to the advanced boot options where you can select safe mode.

After the restart, click on “Troubleshoot”. Then click on “Advanced options”. Click on “Startup Settings”. Then click on the “Restart” button. You will now see the different safe mode options.

Use the number buttons to select an option. Option 4 is the default safe mode. Option 5 Safe Mode with Networking and Option 6 Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

Boot Windows 11 in safe mode via msconfig

Right-click on the start button. Click Run in the menu. In the run window type: msconfig.exe.

In msconfig, click on the tab: Start up computer. Enable the option: Boot in safe mode at the bottom left.

You now have 4 options, namely at least – this is safe mode. Different user interface, active directory restore and network. Click apply and OK. Restart the computer.

I hope this helped you. Thank you for reading!