The quickest way into Safe Mode on Windows 11 is to hold Shift, click Restart, and then go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings. After the next restart, press 4 for basic Safe Mode or 5 if you need internet access. Safe Mode starts Windows with a minimal set of files and drivers, so you can tell whether a problem comes from something you installed or from Windows itself.
What Safe Mode is for
Think of it as a stripped-down copy of Windows. Microsoft describes the basic option as a state that uses a limited set of files and drivers, and most programs that normally launch at startup stay off.
That makes it a good test. If your PC runs fine in Safe Mode but misbehaves in normal mode, the likely suspect is something that doesn’t load there: a new driver, a startup program or third-party security software. If the problem follows you into Safe Mode, look at Windows itself or the hardware.
Method 1: Shift + Restart (fastest)
This works from the desktop and from the sign-in screen, which helps when you can’t get into your account.
- Click Start, then the power button. On the sign-in screen, the power button is in the bottom-right corner.
- Hold Shift and, while holding it, click Restart.
- The PC reboots to a blue options screen. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings and click Restart.
- When the PC comes back, the Startup Settings list appears. Pick an option with the number keys or the matching F-keys (see the table below).
That blue environment is the Windows Recovery Environment, or Windows RE, where the system keeps its repair tools.
Method 2: From Windows Settings
Use this one if Windows opens normally and you’d rather not rely on the Shift trick.
- Open Settings > System > Recovery.
- Next to Advanced startup, click Restart now.
- Follow the same path as Method 1: Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- Choose your option by number.
Save your work first, because the PC restarts right away.
Method 3: With msconfig
This method tells Windows to boot into Safe Mode every time until you undo it. It’s handy if you plan several restarts in a row.
- Press Windows + R, type
msconfigand click OK. - Open the Boot tab.
- Under Boot options, check Safe boot.
- Click OK and restart.
Because the PC will keep returning to Safe Mode, remember to turn the checkbox off afterward (see the exit steps below).
What options 4, 5 and 6 do
| Key | Option | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (or F4) | Enable Safe Mode | The starting point for almost everything: removing an app, driver or update |
| 5 (or F5) | Enable Safe Mode with Networking | When you need to download a driver or reach the internet while fixing things |
| 6 (or F6) | Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt | For people who plan to type commands instead of using the usual desktop |
Microsoft says option 5 adds the network drivers and services needed to reach the internet and other computers on your network, and option 6 opens a command prompt window instead of the normal interface. When in doubt, start with 4.
BitLocker: have your recovery key ready
If your drive is encrypted with BitLocker, Microsoft says you need your BitLocker recovery key to finish this process. Many new laptops ship with encryption on, so check before you restart. The key is often tied to your Microsoft account, and Microsoft has a separate help page on how to find it.
What to do once you’re in Safe Mode
You can tell you’re there by the words “Safe Mode” in the screen corners and the plain look of the desktop. Common jobs:
- Uninstall a recent app: open Settings > Apps > Installed apps and remove whatever you added shortly before the trouble started.
- Remove a driver: open Device Manager from the Start menu, find the device and choose Uninstall device.
- Run a malware scan: Microsoft Defender can run a full scan from Windows Security.
After each change, restart into normal mode and test. That way you know which change fixed it.
How to leave Safe Mode
Usually a normal restart is enough. Microsoft says that should do it.
If Windows keeps going back to Safe Mode, the msconfig option is probably still checked:
- Press Windows + R, type
msconfigand click OK. - Open the Boot tab.
- Under Boot options, clear the Safe boot checkbox.
- Click OK and restart.
If the reason you’re in Safe Mode is a bad network driver, our guide to Wi-Fi not showing up on Windows 11 covers what to try next. And if a nearly full drive is dragging the PC down, see how to free up space with the DISM command.
Frequently asked questions
Does Safe Mode delete my files?
No. It only starts Windows with fewer components. Your documents, photos and apps stay on the drive.
Can I get online in Safe Mode?
Only with option 5, Safe Mode with Networking. Option 4 doesn’t load the network drivers.
Why is my PC asking for a recovery key?
Because the drive is protected by BitLocker. Without the key, Windows won’t unlock it. Check your Microsoft account.
My PC is stuck in Safe Mode. What now?
Open msconfig, go to the Boot tab and clear Safe boot. Then restart.
