How to start Windows 11 in safe mode
For many years, Windows operating systems have offered safe mode to their users as a lifeline in case of software or hardware problems.
This is a useful solution in case of various types of malfunctions. This works by temporarily disabling unnecessary drivers and features, all to ensure a more stable environment, in which it is easier to identify any problems and remedy them.
In this guide, we will tell you how to boot into Safe Mode on the latest version of the Microsoft operating system.
How to enter safe mode from boot
With Windows 7 and earlier, you can usually start Safe Mode by pressing a function key (such as F8 ) right after turning on your computer. However, it must be said that Microsoft has removed this feature starting with Windows 8. The reason is rather curious: thanks to new technologies, boot times have become too fast for someone to quickly reach F8 in time before the operating system loads.
Microsoft has therefore developed a new way to activate this mode. In fact, it is activated automatically when Windows does not load correctly and if, for two reboots in a row, it fails to start.
In any case, a user can still force its use by pressing the physical power button when the manufacturer’s logo appears. At the second intervention of this type, an advanced startup screen should appear that presents several options related to safe mode.
How to log in from Windows
There are several ways to restart your computer in a mode called Advanced Startup on Windows 11 which will then allow you to opt for Safe Mode (after several choices).
The simplest path? Open the Start menu and click the power icon in the lower right corner. Then, hold down the Shift key on your keyboard and click Restart.
Alternatively, you can start the long journey to Safe Mode via the Settings app. First, launch Settings by pressing Windows + I (or you can find it by searching in Start. ). When the Settings opens, click System in the sidebar, then select Recovery.
Under Recovery Options, locate the Advanced Startup option and click the Restart Now button next to it. Windows will confirm with a pop-up dialog asking you to save your work before rebooting. When ready click Restart Now.
The operating system will then shut down and reboot into a blue screen titled Choose an option, with a list of various options. From these select Troubleshoot and then Advanced options.
At this point select Startup Settings and Restart. The PC will reboot into a Startup Settings menu with nine numbered options. Press key 4 on your keyboard for safe mode, 5 for the same model but with network support, or 6 for safe mode with command prompt. Generally, we recommend that you adopt solutions 4 or 5 here, but 6 can be useful for advanced troubleshooting if you are good with command lines.
After making your selection, Windows will finally boot into Safe Mode. The display will have a lower resolution and Windows will replace the desktop image with a black background that says Safe Mode in the corners.
At this point, you can perform all the troubleshooting tasks you need to perform. When you’re done restart (or shut down) your Windows 11 PC as usual.
