How to start Windows 11 in safe mode

Windows 11 is the latest operating system from Microsoft, and it has many new features and improvements compared to its predecessor, Windows 10. However, like any other operating system, Windows 11 can also encounter issues that require troubleshooting. One of the most useful tools for fixing issues with Windows 11 is safe mode. Safe mode allows you to start your computer with a minimal set of drivers and services, which can help you troubleshoot problems with your system.
In this article, we will show you how to start Windows 11 in safe mode. We will cover several different methods, including using the advanced startup options, using the Shift + Restart method, and using the command prompt. We will also explain what safe mode is and how it works.
What is Safe Mode in Windows 11?
Safe mode is a diagnostic mode in Windows that starts your computer with a minimal set of drivers and services. When you start your computer in safe mode, only the basic drivers and services required for the operating system to function are loaded. This means that any third-party drivers and services that might be causing problems with your system are not loaded.
Safe mode is useful for troubleshooting many types of issues with your computer, including problems with drivers, malware infections, and software conflicts. It also allows you to remove problematic programs or drivers that might be causing your computer to crash or freeze.
There are several ways to start Windows 11 in safe mode, and we will cover each of them in detail below.
Method 1: Using the Advanced Startup Options
The easiest way to start Windows 11 in safe mode is by using the advanced startup options. Here are the steps:
- Step 1: Click on the Start button in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
- Step 2: Click on the Settings icon (gear icon) to open the Settings app.
- Step 3: In the Settings app, click on the System option.
- Step 4: In the System menu, click on the Recovery option.
- Step 5: Under Advanced startup, click on the Restart now button.
- Step 6: Your computer will now restart and display the Choose an option screen.
- Step 7: Click on the Troubleshoot option.
- Step 8: Click on the Advanced options option.
- Step 9: Click on the Startup Settings option.
- Step 10: Click on the Restart button.
- Step 11: Your computer will now restart again and display the Startup Settings screen.
- Step 12: Press the F4 key to start your computer in Safe Mode.
Your computer will now start in safe mode, with only the basic drivers and services loaded.
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Method 2: Using the Shift + Restart Method
Another way to start Windows 11 in safe mode is by using the Shift + Restart method. Here are the steps:
- Step 1: Press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard.
- Step 2: Click on the Power button in the bottom-right corner of your screen.
- Step 3: While holding the Shift key, click on the Restart option.
- Step 4: Your computer will now restart and display the Choose an option screen.
- Step 5: Click on the Troubleshoot option.
- Step 6: Click on the Advanced options option.
- Step 7: Click on the Startup Settings option.
- Step 8: Click on the Restart button.
- Step 9: Your computer will now restart again and display the Startup Settings screen.
- Step 10: Press the F4 key to start your computer in Safe Mode.
Your computer will now start in safe mode, with only the basic drivers and services loaded.
Method 3: Using the Command Prompt
If you are comfortable with using the command prompt, you can also start Windows 11 in safe mode using a few simple commands. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard to open the Quick Link menu.
Step 2: Click on the Windows Terminal (Admin) option.
Step 3: In the Windows Terminal window, type the following command:
sql
bcdedit /set {current} safeboot minimal
Step 4: Press Enter to run the command.
Step 5: Type the following command to restart your computer:
bash
shutdown /r /t 0
Step 6: Press Enter to run the command.
Step 7: Your computer will now restart and start in safe mode.
To exit safe mode and return to normal mode, follow these steps:
Step 1: Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard to open the Quick Link menu.
Step 2: Click on the Windows Terminal (Admin) option.
Step 3: In the Windows Terminal window, type the following command:
bash
bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safeboot
Step 4: Press Enter to run the command.
Step 5: Type the following command to restart your computer:
bash
shutdown /r /t 0
Step 6: Press Enter to run the command.
Step 7: Your computer will now restart and start in normal mode.
Conclusion
Starting Windows 11 in safe mode is an important troubleshooting tool that can help you fix many issues with your computer. Whether you use the advanced startup options, the Shift + Restart method, or the command prompt, it is important to know how to start your computer in safe mode so that you can diagnose and fix any problems that may arise.
Remember that when you start your computer in safe mode, only the basic drivers and services required for the operating system to function are loaded. This means that any third-party drivers and services that might be causing problems with your system are not loaded. By starting your computer in safe mode, you can isolate and troubleshoot the issues that are causing problems with your system.
We hope that this article has been helpful in showing you how to start Windows 11 in safe mode. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.
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