Windows Safe Mode Key: How to Boot Your Windows 10 or Windows 11 Desktop/ Laptop in Safe Mode

Here is your guide to boot your Windows 11 laptop or PC into safe mode.

Published On: February 19, 2022

JOIN US

Microsoft’s Windows operating system is the most popular OS when it comes to laptops and PCs across the globe. Windows 11 was announced last year and millions of users are already using the latest offering by Microsoft corporation. However, no software is bug-free. When you encounter some issues on your Windows 11 laptop or PC, one of the best and easiest ways to diagnose them is by entering the boot mode.

In Windows, the safe mode starts Windows in a basic state, using a limited set of files and drivers. If a problem doesn’t happen in safe mode, this means that default settings and basic device drivers aren’t causing the issue. Also, you can avtivate Windows 10 free – Read More. It is always recommended to observe the machine in safe mode for a while, which will also narrow down the issue and source of the problem. Once you enter the safe mode, it can help you troubleshoot problems.

In this article, we will learn about types of safe modes in Windows 11 and three different ways to enter safe mode using on your Windows 11 PC or laptop.

Also Read: Windows 11: How To Enable TPM 2.0 on Your PC For Windows 11

Table of Contents

What are Different Types of Safe Modes in Windows 11?

There are three types of safe modes in Windows 11. As said earlier, safe mode starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services to help troubleshoot issues. Here are the three different safe mode options:

1. Enable Safe Mode

In this mode, we can start Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services.

2. Enable Safe Mode with Networking

This mode will boot the machine into safe mode and will include the network drivers and services needed to access the Internet or other computers on your network. In this mode, you can use your laptop with the internet.

3. Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Lastly, the safe mode with command prompt starts Windows in safe mode with a Command Prompt window instead of the usual Windows interface. This is usually used by IT professionals or system admins, so we won’t be focusing on this method in this article.

Also Read: Windows 11: How to Download Windows 11 ISO File and Install From USB

Safe Mode Key: How to Boot into Safe Mode Directly From Windows 11

Click on the Windows icon on the taskbar
Select the Power icon
Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard
While holding the shift key, click on the “Restart” option
Your Desktop or Laptop will reboot in Safe mode

Alternatively, you can also use the settings app to enter safe mode on Windows 11 by following the below-mentioned steps.

1 of 3

Click on the Start menu and search for settings
Once the Settings app is opened, click on “System”
Scroll down and select Select Recovery
Open Recovery Settings
Under Recovery options, select “Restart now, which is next to Advanced startup (you may be asked to enter your BitLocker recovery key)
Once the PC is restarted, you will get a list of options
Select 4 or F4 to start your PC in safe mode
If you’ll need to use the internet, select 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking

Also Read: Windows 11 Installation: How to Dual Boot Windows 11 on Your PC

Safe Mode Key: How to Boot into Safe Mode from Sign-in Screen in Windows 11

You can try this mode when you can’t open Settings to get into safe mode. You can restart your device from the Windows sign-in screen. Here is how you can boot into safe mode from a black screen in Windows 11.

How to Boot into Safe Mode Directly From Windows 11 — Image Credit: Microsoft Support

Restart your Laptop/PC
In the Windows sign-in/lock screen, press and hold the Shift key while you select the Power key
Click on Restart
Once the PC restarts, you will get options to choose screen option
Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart (You may be asked to enter your BitLocker recovery key)
After your PC restarts, you’ll see a list of options.
Select 4 or F4 to start your PC in safe mode
If you’ll need to use the internet, select 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking

Safe Mode Key: How to Boot into Safe Mode From a Black Screen in Windows 11

A simple restart of your laptop or PC is sufficient to exit you from Safe Mode back into normal mode. However, sometimes your machine will be still booting into Safe Mode on its own after restarting. In that case, you can try the following steps.