How to Boot into Safe Mode in Windows 11

If your Windows 11 has a tough time booting or is repeatedly crashing, you might want to try booting into Safe Mode. Safe Mode boots your computer with only the most essential drivers and functions, which allows a more stable boot process.

Windows 11 makes it relatively easy to boot in Safe Mode, with several options available. In this guide, we’ll explain each method step-by-step.

Shift + Restart

Using Shift + Restart from the Start Menu is the simplest way to boot into safe mode for beginners. Follow these steps:

1. 1. Open your Start Menu.
   2. Press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard, and at the same time select the Restart button in the Start Menu.

      

   3. Once your computer restarts, you’ll see a blue screen. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings.

      

   4. You’ll see the Restart button at the bottom-right corner of the next screen. Click on it.

      

   5. When the PC reboots, you’ll see a numbered list. Select your required option to enter Safe Mode.

      

   These are the options:

1. • 4) Enable Safe Mode – boots your system into the standard Safe Mode.
   • 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking – boots your system into Safe Mode while allowing you to access the internet.
   • 6) Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt – boots your system into Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

Windows 11 Settings

You can also boot into Safe mode in Windows 11 using the Settings app. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app in Windows 11 by pressing Win + I.

   

2. Click on System > Recovery.
3. Select the Restart now button next to Advanced startup.

   

4. A pop-up dialog box will ask you to confirm the restart. Click Restart now.

You’ll now see the Safe Mode options to choose from.

System Configuration

You can also enter Safe Mode on a Windows 11 PC using the System Configuration app (msconfig).

1. Use the shortcut Win + R on your keyboard. When the Run console opens, type msconfig and press Enter. This will launch the System Configuration console.

   

2. Switch to the Boot tab. Select the Safe boot option under the Boot Options section, and click OK.

   

3. You’ll see a pop-up dialog box asking for confirmation. Confirm that you want to restart the system by selecting Restart.

   

You’ll see the list of Safe Mode options – choose one based on what you want to accomplish.

Windows Terminal

Running a simple command on the Windows Terminal allows you to boot into Safe Mode. Here’s how you can achieve this:

1. First, close all apps running on your PC.
2. Search for “windows terminal” in the search bar and select Windows Terminal app. Doing this will launch the Windows Terminal.

   

3. Copy the following command into it and press Enter:

   Shutdown.exe /r /o

Doing this will take you to the list of Safe Mode options.