How to Boot Into Safe Mode in Windows 11, Even When Windows Won't Start

When a driver, app or piece of malware makes Windows crash, freeze or show a black screen, Safe Mode is the standard way to get in and fix it. This guide explains how to boot into Safe Mode in Windows 11 four different ways, including when Windows will not start normally, which Safe Mode option to choose, what to do once you are in, and how to get back out.

This is an independent guide, not affiliated with Microsoft. Windows 10 uses the same menus.

What Safe Mode does

Safe Mode starts Windows in a basic state: a limited set of files and drivers, a plain low-resolution display, and none of the programs that normally start with Windows. If your problem disappears in Safe Mode, the cause is almost certainly something added on top of Windows, such as a graphics driver, an antivirus program, a startup app or malware. If the problem still happens in Safe Mode, a core Windows file or the hardware is more likely.

There are three versions, picked from the Startup Settings screen:

Key	Option	Use it when
4 or F4	Safe Mode	You only need to uninstall something or test whether the problem goes away
5 or F5	Safe Mode with Networking	You need the internet, for example to download a driver or run an online scan
6 or F6	Safe Mode with Command Prompt	You are following instructions that need command-line tools

When to use Safe Mode (and when not to)

Safe Mode is the right tool when Windows starts but misbehaves: a crash after installing a driver, a program that freezes everything at startup, scareware pop-ups that will not close, or an app you cannot uninstall normally. It is less useful when the PC shows no picture at all, makes no sound when powered on, or stops before the maker’s logo; those point to hardware. It also will not fix a forgotten password; for that, see forgot Windows sign-in password.

Before you start: have your BitLocker key ready

Many Windows 11 PCs are encrypted with BitLocker or device encryption. Changing startup settings can make Windows ask for the 48-digit recovery key. Microsoft notes you will need the key for this task, so if your PC is encrypted, look it up first; our guide to finding your BitLocker recovery key shows where it is usually saved.

Method 1: From Settings (Windows is working)

1. Open Settings > System > Recovery.
2. Next to Advanced startup, select Restart now, then confirm.
3. On the blue Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
4. When the PC restarts, press 4 (or F4) for Safe Mode, or 5 (or F5) for Safe Mode with Networking.
5. Sign in. The desktop shows “Safe Mode” in the corners.

Method 2: Shift + Restart (from Start or the sign-in screen)

This is the fastest route and also works when you cannot get past the sign-in screen.

1. On the Start menu, or on the sign-in screen, select the Power icon.
2. Hold down the Shift key and select Restart. Keep holding Shift until the blue menu appears.
3. Continue from step 3 of Method 1.

Method 3: When Windows will not start at all

If the PC crashes or shows a black screen before you can sign in, Windows normally opens the Windows Recovery Environment by itself after repeated failed starts, usually with an Automatic Repair or Preparing Automatic Repair message. From there choose Advanced options, then Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart, and pick 4 or 5.

If it does not appear on its own, you can force it:

1. Hold the power button for about 10 seconds to turn the PC off.
2. Press the power button to turn it on. As soon as the maker’s logo appears, hold the power button again for 10 seconds to turn it off.
3. Repeat this once more. On the next start, let it boot fully; Windows should show the recovery screen.

Only do this when Windows truly will not start, because cutting power during normal use can damage open files. If the screen stays completely dark, see computer won’t turn on and computer beeping on startup first.

You can also start from a Windows 11 installation USB drive, choose Repair your computer, and reach the same Troubleshoot menu.

Method 4: Using msconfig (always start in Safe Mode)

The System Configuration tool makes Windows start in Safe Mode every time until you switch it off. It is handy if you need several restarts in Safe Mode, for example while removing malware.

1. Press Windows key + R, type msconfig and press Enter.
2. Open the Boot tab and tick Safe boot. Choose Minimal for normal Safe Mode or Network for Safe Mode with Networking.
3. Select OK and restart.

Remember to undo it afterwards: open msconfig again, untick Safe boot, select OK and restart. Forgetting this is the most common reason people get “stuck” in Safe Mode.

What to do once you are in Safe Mode

• Uninstall the latest change. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps and remove a program you installed just before the trouble started, or roll back a driver in Device Manager (right-click the device, Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver). See updating device drivers safely.
• Scan for malware. In Safe Mode with Networking, run a Windows Security scan; our guide to removing malware for free walks through it.
• Fix startup problems. Turn off startup apps in Task Manager, which is covered in managing startup programs.
• Undo a bad update. Use System Restore from the same Advanced options menu; see how to use System Restore.
• Copy important files to a USB drive if you are worried the PC may need a reset.

When Safe Mode itself will not start

If the PC crashes or restarts even in Safe Mode, the problem is deeper than a normal app or driver. Try these from the same Troubleshoot > Advanced options menu:

• Startup Repair fixes some problems that stop Windows loading.
• Uninstall Updates removes the latest quality or feature update, which helps when trouble started right after Windows Update.
• System Restore returns system files and settings to an earlier restore point without touching your documents.
• Enable low-resolution video (option 3 on the Startup Settings screen) helps when a display driver gives a black screen; you can then fix the driver or display settings.

If none of these work, hardware such as the drive or memory may be failing. Copy your files off with a recovery USB if you can, and consider a repair shop.

Getting out of Safe Mode

Restarting normally is all it takes in most cases. If Windows keeps returning to Safe Mode, the Safe boot box in msconfig is still ticked; untick it as described above. If Windows only works in Safe Mode and you cannot find the cause, your next steps are System Restore or resetting Windows 11 while keeping your files.

For a black screen after signing in, see our Windows 11 black screen guide. More guides are in the Windows section.