Windows 11 Safe Mode: 4 Ways to Start It (and Get Out)

Windows 11 safe mode starts the PC in a basic state, using a limited set of files and drivers. If a problem disappears in safe mode, you know that the default settings and basic drivers are not the cause, which points the finger at a third-party driver, a startup app or other installed software. That makes safe mode the natural place to remove a bad driver, uninstall a misbehaving program or recover from crashes that happen soon after sign-in.

The old trick of tapping F8 at startup does not reliably work on modern Windows 11 PCs, which start too quickly for it. Instead, there are four dependable ways in. All of them work on Windows 11 version 24H2 and 25H2, on both Home and Pro.

Before you start: have your BitLocker key ready

Many Windows 11 PCs have BitLocker (Pro) or device encryption (Home) switched on. When you change startup settings, Windows may ask for the 48-digit BitLocker recovery key before it continues. Find it before you begin:

• If you sign in with a Microsoft account, the key is usually stored in that account. From another device, go to aka.ms/myrecoverykey and sign in.
• If the PC belongs to work or school, the key may be in that organisation’s account.
• Otherwise, check for a printout or a text file on a USB drive saved when encryption was turned on.

Our BitLocker recovery guide explains the recovery screen in more detail.

Method 1: From Settings (when Windows works)

1. Open Settings > System > Recovery.
2. Next to Advanced startup, select Restart now, then confirm.
3. On the blue Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.
4. Select Restart.
5. When the Startup Settings list appears, press a key:

Key	Mode	Use it when
4 or F4	Enable Safe Mode	General troubleshooting
5 or F5	Safe Mode with Networking	You need the internet, for example to download a driver
6 or F6	Safe Mode with Command Prompt	You want a command prompt instead of the desktop

Press Enter instead to start Windows normally. The same list also offers useful options such as Enable low-resolution video, which helps with display problems, and Disable automatic restart on system failure, which keeps a stop code on screen so you can read it.

Method 2: From the sign-in screen

If you can reach the sign-in screen but not the desktop, or the desktop is unusable:

1. On the sign-in screen, select the Power icon.
2. Hold down the Shift key and select Restart.
3. Keep holding Shift until the Choose an option screen appears.
4. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart, then press 4, 5 or 6 as above.

This also works from Start inside Windows: hold Shift while selecting Power > Restart.

Method 3: From the recovery environment after failed starts

If Windows will not start at all, it opens the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) by itself after it fails to start correctly several times. You can trigger this deliberately, as Microsoft describes:

1. Turn on the PC and wait for the Windows or manufacturer logo.
2. As soon as the logo appears, press and hold the power button until the PC turns off.
3. Turn it on again and repeat step 2.
4. Turn it on a third time. Windows should show the Automatic Repair screen.
5. Select Advanced options, then Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart, and press 4, 5 or 6.

Some PCs also have a dedicated recovery button or key combination; check the maker’s documentation. A USB recovery drive or Windows installation media also boots into WinRE: on the installation screen, select Next and then Repair my PC. If the PC is stuck restarting by itself, see Windows 11 boot loop.

Method 4: System Configuration (msconfig) Safe boot

This method makes Windows start in safe mode every time until you turn it off, which is handy if you need several restarts in safe mode.

1. Press Windows key + R, type msconfig and press Enter.
2. Select the Boot tab.
3. Under Boot options, tick Safe boot and choose Minimal for standard safe mode, or Network for safe mode with networking.
4. Select OK and restart.

Microsoft warns that changing advanced boot options in System Configuration can cause problems if used carelessly, so change only the Safe boot box.

How to get out of safe mode

Normally, a restart takes you back to regular Windows. If the PC keeps starting in safe mode, the msconfig setting is still on:

1. Press Windows key + R, type msconfig and press Enter.
2. On the Boot tab, under Boot options, clear the Safe boot checkbox.
3. Select OK and restart.

If you also changed the Services or Startup tabs during a clean boot, set the General tab back to Normal startup.

What to do once you are in safe mode

Safe mode is for diagnosis and removal, not everyday use. Useful tasks:

• Roll back or uninstall a driver in Device Manager, especially graphics drivers. See Windows 11 graphics drivers.
• Uninstall recently added apps from Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
• Uninstall a recent update from Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates.
• Run repair commands such as sfc /scannow, which Microsoft suggests running in safe mode if it fails in normal mode.
• Run a malware scan with Windows Security.

If the problem also happens in safe mode, the cause is more likely to be Windows itself or hardware. Continue with the Windows 11 troubleshooting ladder, which leads to System Restore and Reset this PC.