Start Windows 11 in Safe Mode

Safe Mode starts Windows with only the basics, so you can remove a bad driver, app or malware that's causing crashes.

1. From Settings

Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.

Advanced startup > Troubleshoot > Startup Settings

2. Pick Safe Mode

After the restart press 4 for Safe Mode or 5 for Safe Mode with Networking.

4 = Safe Mode   5 = with Networking

3. Can't reach Settings?

Hold Shift while you click Restart on the sign-in screen or Start menu. If Windows fails to start twice, it opens recovery on its own.

Shift + Restart

4. Get back to normal

Just restart. If it keeps booting into Safe Mode, run msconfig and untick Safe boot.

Win + R  ->  msconfig  ->  untick Safe boot

FAQ

What can I do in Safe Mode?

Uninstall recent apps or drivers, run a malware scan, use System Restore, or roll back an update.

Is my data safe in Safe Mode?

Yes. Safe Mode doesn't change or delete files.