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+--- Thread: How to Boot into Safe Mode on Windows 11 (/showthread.php?tid=205)
How to Boot into Safe Mode on Windows 11 - Sneakyone - 09-04-2024
How to Boot into Safe Mode on Windows 11
Sometimes, you may need to troubleshoot issues on your Windows 11 PC by starting it in Safe Mode. Safe Mode only loads the essential drivers and services, helping you diagnose and fix problems with your system. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to boot into Safe Mode on Windows 11.
Method 1: Using Settings
1. Press the Windows key or click the Start menu, then select Settings.
2. In the Settings window, click System, then scroll down and select Recovery.
3. Under Recovery options, find the Advanced startup option and click Restart now.
4. Windows will ask you to confirm the restart. Click Restart now again. Your PC will now restart into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
5. Once your PC restarts, you will see a blue screen with several options. Choose Troubleshoot.
6. Next, select Advanced options.
7. In the Advanced options menu, select Startup Settings, and then click Restart.
8. After your PC restarts, you will see a list of startup options. Press 4 or F4 to boot into Safe Mode. If you need network support in Safe Mode, press 5 or F5 instead.
Congratulations! Your PC is now in Safe Mode.
Method 2: Using the Shift + Restart Method
1. On your Windows 11 desktop, hold down the Shift key.
2. While holding the Shift key, click the Start button, then click the Power icon and select Restart.
3. Keep holding the Shift key until you see the blue Choose an option screen.
4. Select Troubleshoot.
5. Then, select Advanced options.
6. Choose Startup Settings, and click Restart.
7. Once your PC restarts and shows a list of options, press 4 or F4 to enter Safe Mode. For Safe Mode with networking, press 5 or F5.
Method 3: Using System Configuration (msconfig)
1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type msconfig and press Enter.
3. In the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab.
4. Under Boot options, check the box next to Safe boot.
5. Select Minimal for regular Safe Mode or Network for Safe Mode with Networking.
6. Click OK, then click Restart. Your PC will now boot into Safe Mode.
7. When you're done with Safe Mode, open msconfig again, uncheck Safe boot, and restart your PC to boot back into normal mode.
Method 4: Interrupting the Boot Process
1. If your system is not booting correctly, you can force Windows to enter Safe Mode by interrupting the boot process.
2. Press and hold the power button to turn off your PC while it is booting up.
3. Repeat this process two more times (three times in total).
4. After the third attempt, your PC will enter the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
5. From here, follow the steps under Method 1 to access Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings and boot into Safe Mode.
Exiting Safe Mode
To exit Safe Mode, simply restart your PC normally. If you used the System Configuration (msconfig) method, make sure to uncheck Safe boot in the Boot tab to boot back into regular Windows.
That's it! You now know how to boot into Safe Mode in Windows 11 using several methods. Safe Mode is a great tool for diagnosing issues and resolving them without additional drivers or services interfering with the process.