3 Ways to Boot into Windows 11 Safe Mode [How to Guide]

Windows 11 is finally here and brings many changes and improvements to improve the experience for the end-users.

However, not everything about Microsoft’s latest desktop operating system is perfect. As the system is comparatively new, a few bugs might cause issues for some users.

Also, since not all third-party apps/software are optimized for Windows 11, it may lead to an unpleasant experience for the user. This is where Safe Mode comes into play.

A lot of these issues can be easily solved using the Safe Mode. Let us have a look at how you can boot your PC in Safe Mode on Windows 11.

But before having a detailed look at these steps, let us first understand what safe mode means.

What is Windows 11 Safe Mode?

Basically, Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode that enables users to fix some issues with Windows quickly. Additionally, safe mode disables all the third-party applications leaving access to only core Windows 11 apps and files stored on disk.

How is this useful then? There can be instances when we are facing some issues with Windows and are unable to find the sole reason for it. The problem can occur due to some third-party software, and by booting into safe mode, one can check if it’s the software causing the issue or if something else is wrong.

There are multiple ways to boot into Safe Mode on Windows 11:

1. Boot into Safe Mode from Boot Tab

In Windows 10, entering the safe mode was as easy as just pressing the F8 key continuously during reboot. However, Microsoft removed this feature with Windows 11.

Microsoft introduced a feature, “Automatic failover,” in which the PC automatically enters the advanced bootup screen if the PC fails to boot twice in a row. However, one can enter the mode manually as well.

All you need to do is press the power button twice as soon as you see the manufacturer’s screen twice. Repeating this process twice should help you boot into safe mode with ease.

2. Boot into Safe Mode from the Start Menu

The easiest and quickest way to safe boot is by using the start menu. Let us have a look.

1. Launch the start menu using the Windows key on the keyboard and click on the power menu.
2. Here, hold the shift key on the keyboard and click on restart simultaneously. It is essential to hold the shift key, or the PC will restart normally instead of booting in safe mode.
   
3. After this, the computer will restart, and you will be greeted with a blue screen. Here without getting confused by the number of options, choose the troubleshoot option.
   
4. Under troubleshoot, click on the advanced start menu option.
   
5. In advanced options, look for the startup settings option and click on it.
   
6. After clicking on it, you will see several options. Hit the restart button in the lower right corner.
   
7. Once the PC restarts, you will see 9 different options.
8. For booting in safe mode, press 5 on Numpad. If you want to boot in safe mode with networking, press 6, and similarly, if you want to boot in safe mode with a command prompt, press 7 on the Numpad.
9. The PC will restart for one last time, and you should enter into Safe mode with ease.

3. Boot into Safe Mode from the Settings

Alternatively, you can also boot into the advanced start menu using the Windows settings app. So let’s check that out.

1. Open Windows settings and navigate to the System tab.
   
2. Under the system tab, scroll down until you find the recovery option.
   
3. Now tap on “Recovery” and look for the advanced startup option.
   
4. Once done, click on restart. A pop-up window will appear saying save your unsaved work. Here click on restart again.
5. You will see a blue screen. Navigate to Troubleshoot, then advanced options, and hit restart.
6. After the computer restarts, press 5 on Numpad for safe mode, press 6 for safe mode with networking, and press 7 if you want safe mode with a command prompt.

FAQs on Booting into Windows 11 Safe Mode

1. How to exit safe mode on Windows 11?

Exiting Safe mode is extremely easy on Windows 11. The next time you restart or shut down your PC, it will automatically exit the safe mode without you needing to follow any additional steps.

2. Can I roll back to Windows 10 from Windows 11?

Yes, for sure you can. But make sure to perform a backup as all your data may get wiped in the process. We have already covered a detailed guide on how you can roll back to windows 10. You can give it a read here.

3. How to exit the Advanced Start menu without booting into safe mode?

If you happen to enter the advanced start menu by mistake, just click on exit and continue to Windows 11 while on the blue screen, and it will boot into Windows 11 normally.

4. How to fix a computer that starts only in Safe Mode?

There can be multiple reasons as to why the PC restarts only in Safe mode. The main culprit is some third-party application hampering the process. Once you have botted in safe mode, try to uninstall any recently installed app, which might cause issues.

If you still face issues, a clean flash is necessary. You can refer to this guide for downloading and clean installing Windows 11 on your PC.

5. What are the different types of Safe Modes on Windows 11?

Windows 11 offers three versions of Safe Mode. Depending on the diagnostic purpose, users can select one of these versions.

• The most common mode is the Safe Mode. If this option is enabled, you will only have access to the basic desktop interface of Windows 11, so you can access important files and documents, optimize drivers, etc. If you suspect that you are infected with malware, this mode is ideal to get access to files. No network connection is required.
• Safe Mode with Networking is the same as Safe Mode, but it also enables networking. If you are trying to diagnose problems or recover files, this mode is not safe because it still allows hackers to access your PC over the Internet.
• Before entering Safe Mode with Command Prompt, make sure you know how to use Command Prompt. The Command Prompt opens and you can type commands using the old familiar DOS commands to find out what is wrong with the operating system. You are less reliant on a visual interface.