Windows 11 is the latest version of the beloved Windows operating system, offering an array of features and capabilities for both novice and experienced users alike. However, it is important to be aware that running the OS in safe mode can be necessary in certain cases. Safe mode allows users to run their PC with only the most essential Windows services, making it ideal for troubleshooting software or hardware issues. Fortunately, starting your computer in safe mode with Windows 11 is much easier than it was before. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to start Windows 11 in safe mode so that you can get your computer up and running as soon as possible.
Most common uses of safe mode
1. Restart your computer and press the F8 key before Windows loads.
2. Select Safe Mode from the list of advanced options.
3. Use the arrow keys to select the desired operating mode.
4. Press Enter to boot into Safe Mode.
Start Windows 11 in safe mode
If you're having problems with your computer, you may be able to start Windows in safe mode. A safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer in a limited state. Only the essential files and drivers needed to run Windows are started. This can help fix problems if you can't start Windows normally.
To start Windows 11 in safe mode:
1. Restart your computer and press F8 before Windows starts loading.
2. Select Safe Mode from the menu that appears.
3. Your computer will now restart and start in safe mode.
From the settings
Assuming you can get Windows to boot up, the first thing you'll need to do is access the settings. To do this, press the Windows key + I on your keyboard, or select the Settings cog from the Start Menu.
Once you're in the settings menu, click on Update & Security. From here, select Recovery from the left-hand pane. In the right-hand pane, under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
This will reboot your machine into the Advanced Startup Options menu. From here, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
Once your machine has restarted again, you'll be presented with a list of startup options. The one we're interested in is Safe Mode; press 4 or F4 on your keyboard to select it.
From the sign-in screen
If your computer is having trouble starting up, it's possible that it's in safe mode. Safe mode is a diagnostic mode that starts your computer with a minimal set of drivers and programs to help you troubleshoot what might be wrong.
To start Windows in safe mode:
1. From the sign-in screen, press and hold the Shift key while you click the Power button on the bottom right corner of the screen.
2. When the menu pops up, select Restart.
3. After your computer restarts, you'll see a message that says "Please select an option." Select Troubleshoot.
4. On the next screen, select Advanced options.
5. On the Advanced options screen, select Startup Settings.
6. On the Startup Settings screen, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking (this will allow you to access the internet in safe mode so you can troubleshoot).
7. Once you've selected Safe Mode with Networking, your computer will restart and boot into safe mode.
From a black or blank screen
When your computer is having trouble starting up, it's sometimes helpful to start in safe mode. Safe mode starts Windows with only the essential drivers and programs running. This can help you troubleshoot if you're having issues with driver conflicts or malware. Here's how to start Windows in safe mode:
1. From a black or blank screen, wait for the Power button to light up on your computer.
2. Press and hold the Shift key, then click Restart.
3. On the next screen that appears, click Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
4. On the Startup Settings screen, press 4 or F4 on your keyboard to start in Safe Mode, press 5 or F5 to start in Safe Mode with Networking if you need Internet access, or press 6 or F6 to start in Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
How to exit safe mode in Windows 11
If you're having problems with your computer, you may be able to start Windows in safe mode to run some diagnostic tests. Safe mode starts Windows with only the basic drivers and programs that are needed to run the operating system.
To exit safe mode in Windows 11, follow these steps:
1. Press the Power button on your computer to turn it off.
2. Turn your computer back on and press the F8 key repeatedly as the first screen appears. This will open the Advanced Boot Options menu.
3. Use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode, and then press Enter.
4. Once Windows has finished loading in safe mode, click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
5. In Control Panel, click System and Security and then click System.
6. On the left side of the System window, click Advanced system settings.
7. In the System Properties window that opens, click on the Advanced tab, and then click on the Settings button under Startup and Recovery.
8. In the Startup and Recovery window that opens, under Startup options, uncheck safe Mode and press OK twice to close all windows and exit safe mode."
Protect your PC with a VPN
If you're concerned about the safety of your computer, one of the best things you can do is install a VPN. A VPN, or virtual private network, encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server in another location, making it much more difficult for anyone to track or spy on your activity.
There are many different VPN providers out there, so it's important to choose one that's right for you. We recommend ExpressVPN, which is easy to use and has a great reputation. Once you've signed up for a VPN service, follow the instructions below to get started.
1. Download and install the VPN software from your provider's website.
2. Open the software and connect to a server in another country.
3. That's it! Your traffic will now be encrypted and routed through the chosen server, making it much more difficult for anyone to snoop on your activities.