Learning How to Boot and Use Safe Mode in Windows 11 can be a lifesaver when you’re trying to diagnose problems with your system. This blog post will help walk you through the process and learn how to diagnose and fix issues with your PC.
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How to Boot and Use Safe Mode in Windows 11 – Ultimate Guide
Encountering random crashes, freezes or driver conflicts in Windows 11? Don’t panic! Odds are that Safe Mode Windows 11, a tool for troubleshooting the most common PC issues around, can help you identify and fix the issue. This complete guide will show you everything you need to know about booting into and using Safe Mode to help you troubleshoot your PC and get it back into working order.
What is Safe Mode in Windows 11 and Do you Need it?
Safe Mode is a troubleshooting startup mode for Windows that starts your computer with a minimal set of drivers and services. Picture your operating system with as much meat stripped away as possible. In Safe Mode Windows 11 just loads the necessary system applications and services at boot. This also significantly lowers the probability for clashes due to third party applications, corrupted drivers or malware.
Here’s when you’ll need Safe Mode Windows 11 you’ll need Safe Mode in Windows 11 numerous troubleshooting scenarios:
- Resolving Drivers: If you’ve recently installed a new driver and your system is unstable, you would likely be able to boot into Safe Mode, uninstall the bad driver, and continue using your computer as normal.
- Getting Rid of Malware: Particularly stubborn malware that’s actively resisting removal may be blocking you from running your security software normally. Safe Mode will give you a safe environment to get rid of those threats.
- Solving Software Conflicts: If your computer is crashing because of a new application you installed, Safe Mode allows you to remove it without any distractions.
- Diagnosing Black Screen or Boot Loop Issues: If your PC won’t boot normally, Safe Mode can help diagnose the underlying issue.
- Using System Restores: If your computer is really acting up, and the problems occurred recently, you can perform a system restore.
Ways to start Safe Mode in Windows 11
Here’s how to enter Safe Mode Windows 11 depending on the situation
Method 1: With System Configuration (msconfig) – The Easiest One
This approach is perfect if you can still reach your Windows 11 desktop.
- Run Dialog: Press Win + R, and the Run dialog box will open.
- Type msconfig: In the Run dialog that appears, type msconfig and click OK. The System Configuration window will be opened.
- Go to Boot Tab: Once you are in the System Configuration window, you will need to select the Boot tab.
- Turn On Safe Boot: In “Boot options,” check the box next to “Safe boot.”
- Select Type of Safe Mode:Minimal: The original Safe Mode which loads only the basic drivers.
- Network: This choice is for network drivers, giving you internet access.
- Alternate shell: Offers a command prompt shell.
- Active Directory repair: For problems with the domain controller.
5. Apply and Restart: Press “Apply,” then “OK.” You will be asked to reboot your computer. Click “Restart,” and your PC will boot into Safe Mode in Windows 11
Note: When you’re done troubleshooting, follow this guide to go back into msconfig and disable “Safe boot” and then restart your computer to see if your problem goes away.
Method 2: Via Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) – For unbootable systems
It’s an important technique when you can’t get your Windows 11 PC to boot normally. Windows 11 autoamtically boots to Windows RE if the system fails to boot 3+ times.
- Automatic WinRE Entry: If the PC can’t boot up three times in a row, it will go into WinRE automatically.
- Manually Access WinRE: If it doesn’t, you can force it by holding down the power button until your device turns off to completely power off your device. Then power it up by pressing the power button. As soon as the Windows logo appears, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to turn off your device once more. Repeat the last step two or three times and you should start seeing the “Preparing Automatic Repair” screen.
- Go to Advanced Options: In WinRE, choose “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Startup Settings.”
- Restart to get to the startup settings: Press “Restart.”
- Select Safe Mode Option: When the reboot is done, you’ll be presented with a menu where you can need to choose a suitable option. F4 for “Enable Safe Mode,” F5 for “Enable Safe Mode with networking,” or F6 for “Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
Method 3: From the Sign-in Screen (Fast Way)
See if you can get to the sign-in screen, or are unable to sign in, or that your desktop isn’t showing correctly.
- Shift – Restart: Click the Power button from the sign-in screen, while holding down the Shift key. Then press and hold the Shift key and click “Restart.”
- Access WinRE: Will boot to Windows Recovery Environment.
- Go to Safe Mode: Go through Method 2: “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Startup Settings” > “Restart” to select your preferred Safe Mode type (F4, F5, or F6).
How to Troubleshoot in Safe Mode in Windows 11
When you are in Safe Mode Windows 11, you will see a more stripped-back desktop environment with “Safe Mode” emblazed in the corners. You can now start the troubleshooting.
- Uninstall Recent Software: Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps and Remove any software that has been installed recently, it might be causing problems.
- Update or Roll Back Drivers: Open Device Manager (Win + X and choose Device Manager). Right-click on the problematic devices and select “Update driver” or “Roll Back Driver.”
- Perform Antivirus Scans: If you suspect malware, run a full scan with your antivirus software.
- Do System restore: First thing you can do is to search “Create a restore point” in Windows search bar, click on it and then click on “System restore” to restore your computer to previous working state.
- Use Check Disk: Run the Command Prompt (Admin) and enter chkdsk /f /r to scan for and fix disk errors.
ExitingSafe Mode in Windows 11
As we discussed earlier, if you used the msconfig method to uncheck Safe boot (method 1), make sure to uncheck “Safe boot” in the System Configuration window and then reboot your computer to return to normal Windows. If you executed the methods on WinRE or sign-in screen, restarting your computer after troubleshooting will mostly start normally for you and there is no need to worry about your data loss.
Conclusion
Safe Mode Windows 11 is your lifesaver in diagnosing and fixing various Windows issues. Once you know how to get to it and how to use it, you help yourself solve many of the typical PC issues and restore your computer to normal. Next time your computer starts acting up, don’t be afraid to use this powerful feature!
