How to Start Windows 11 in Safe Mode: 3 Methods for Troubleshooting

• 09 Aug, 2023
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Introduction

Have you ever encountered issues with your Windows 11 operating system? Maybe you've experienced errors or glitches that have left you frustrated and unsure of how to fix them. Well, fear not! Windows 11 has a built-in feature called Safe Mode that can help troubleshoot and resolve these issues.

Safe Mode starts your computer in a basic state, using only essential files and drivers. By doing this, it allows you to determine if the problem you're facing is caused by default settings or device drivers. In other words, it helps you narrow down the root cause of the issue, making it easier to find a solution.

In this article, we'll walk you through three different methods to start Windows 11 in Safe Mode: from the Settings menu, from the sign-in screen, and from a blank or black screen. So, let's dive in and learn how to access Safe Mode on Windows 11!

Method 1: Starting Safe Mode from Settings

Starting Safe Mode from the Settings menu is the easiest and most straightforward method. If you're able to access the Start menu, this should be your go-to option. Here's how you can do it:

Step 1: Select the Start button, then select Settings

To begin, click on the Start button located at the bottom left corner of your screen. From the Start menu, look for the Settings icon and click on it to open the Settings menu.

Step 2: Select System, then Recovery

Once you're in the Settings menu, you'll see several options. Look for the "System" option and click on it. From there, select "Recovery" to proceed.

Step 3: Next to Advanced startup, select Restart now

Under the Recovery options, you'll find an option called "Advanced startup." Click on "Restart now" next to it. This will initiate a restart of your PC and take you to the Choose an option screen.

Step 4: From the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot

After your PC restarts, you'll be presented with the Choose an option screen. This screen provides various special options for troubleshooting your PC. Select "Troubleshoot" from the available options.

Step 5: Select Advanced options

In the Troubleshoot menu, you'll find the "Advanced options" category. Click on it to access further options.

Step 6: Select Startup Settings

Under the Advanced options, you'll see a list of different settings. Look for "Startup Settings" and click on it.

Step 7: Hit Restart

Once you've selected Startup Settings, you'll see a button that says "Restart." Click on it to restart your PC.

After the restart, your computer will present you with a list of startup settings. To enter Safe Mode, press either 4 or the F4 key on your keyboard. If you need internet access while in Safe Mode, press either 5 or the F5 key for Safe Mode with Networking.

Method 2: Starting Safe Mode from the Sign-in Screen

If you're unable to access the Start menu, but can still reach the sign-in screen, you can access Safe Mode from there. Here's how:

Step 1: On the Windows sign-in screen, press and hold the Shift key. Press Start and then Restart

At the sign-in screen, press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard. While holding Shift, click on the Start button located at the bottom left corner of the screen. From the menu that appears, select "Restart."

Step 2: Select Troubleshoot from the Choose an option screen

After your PC restarts, it will take you to the Choose an option screen. In this screen, select "Troubleshoot" to proceed.

Step 3: Select Advanced options

From the Troubleshoot menu, select "Advanced options" to access additional options.

Step 4: Select Startup Settings

Under the Advanced options, you'll find "Startup Settings." Click on it to proceed.

Step 5: Hit Restart

Once you've selected Startup Settings, click on the "Restart" button to restart your PC.

After the restart, your computer will present you with a list of startup settings. To enter Safe Mode, press either 4 or the F4 key on your keyboard. If you require internet access while in Safe Mode, press either 5 or the F5 key for Safe Mode with Networking.

Method 3: Starting Safe Mode from a Blank or Black Screen

If you're experiencing critical errors that prevent you from accessing the Start menu or the sign-in screen, you'll need to follow a slightly more complex method to access Safe Mode. Here's how:

Step 1: Hold down the power button for 10 seconds

To begin, hold down the power button on your computer for 10 seconds. This will turn off your device completely.

Step 2: Press the power button

After turning off your device, press the power button again to turn it on. Do not hold it down, simply press it as you would when starting your computer.

Step 3: Repeat steps 1 and 2

As soon as you see any sign that Windows has started, such as the manufacturer's logo appearing, repeat steps 1 and 2. Hold down the power button for 10 seconds to turn off your device, then press the power button to turn it back on.

Step 4: Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the last time

Repeat steps 1 and 2 once more. This time, after Windows restarts, hold down the power button for 10 seconds for the third time. Then, press the power button again to turn on your computer.

Step 5: In Automatic Repair, select Advanced Options to enter WinRE

If you've followed the previous steps correctly, your PC should now start in Automatic Repair mode. Automatic Repair is a tool that analyzes issues preventing your device from booting correctly, making it essential for troubleshooting severe OS problems.

Step 6: Follow steps 2 through 5 in the previous section

Once you're in Automatic Repair, you can follow steps 2 through 5 in the Method 1 section of this article. Select "Troubleshoot," then "Advanced options," followed by "Startup Settings." Finally, click on the "Restart" button.

After the restart, you'll be presented with a list of startup settings. Press either 4 or the F4 key on your keyboard to enter Safe Mode. If you need internet access while in Safe Mode, press either 5 or the F5 key for Safe Mode with Networking.

Conclusion

Safe Mode is a powerful tool that can help you troubleshoot and resolve issues with your Windows 11 operating system. Whether you're facing glitches, errors, or other OS-related problems, starting your PC in Safe Mode can help you identify the root cause and find a solution.

In this article, we've walked you through three different methods to start Windows 11 in Safe Mode: from the Settings menu, from the sign-in screen, and from a blank or black screen. Each method is suited to different scenarios, ensuring that you can access Safe Mode regardless of the state of your PC.

Remember, once you've finished troubleshooting in Safe Mode and you need to exit, a simple restart of your PC is usually sufficient. However, if you encounter any further issues, you can always refer back to this article for guidance.

Safe Mode empowers you to experiment and dig deeper into the issues you're facing without the fear of breaking your OS further. So, don't hesitate to explore this powerful feature and regain control over your Windows 11 experience!