Share this article
This article is translated in
Improve this guide
Windows 11 Safe Mode From Bios: How to Start it in 8 Steps
Safe Mode boots your PC with just the necessary applications
8 min. read
Updated onJuly 8, 2024
updated onJuly 8, 2024
Share this article
This article is translated in
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
If you encounter errors within your operating system and need to start Windows 11 in Safe Mode, we got you covered. There are multiple proven methods that will help you start up your PC and fix any errors.
Windows is one of the most popular operating systems on the market and has been around for some time now.
Why should I boot in Safe Mode on Windows 11?
While Microsoft has been diligent and tried to optimize and improve the experience with every new version (and you already know that there are some great features in Windows 11 to upgrade to), there are still a lot of issues that come up in this OS.
For example, there are times when theWindows 11 Start menu is not working. Users also complain aboutrepeated Microsoft Edge problems. But whenever this happens, a solution is just around the corner.
And that’s one of the reasons why Safe Mode is the go-to option when it comes to diagnosing and solving bugs and errors.
This completely isolated environment offers you the option to better identify the apps, programs, or processes that affect your full-on OS.
How does Safe Mode work?
Before anything else, you should know that it starts your operating system in a basic state, using a limited set of files and drivers.
Thus, your device will work with minimal functionality, starting only the mandatory services, and avoiding third-party start-up programs.
Getting your OS in Safe Mode allows you to check the source of a problem and also supports you in troubleshooting issues on your PC.
If you’re having problems with malicious files or processes that use a lot of RAM without a good reason, Safe Mode can definitely help you solve them or pinpoint their source.
In addition, you should know that this also applies to performance issues or bugs related to the interface.
When should I boot in Start Mode?
Here is a list of situations when you should start Windows 11 in Safe Mode:
In today’s guide, you’ll find some great options that will help you start Windows 11 in Safe Mode. These are extremely simple, so don’t worry about consuming time performing them.
How can I boot Windows 11 in Safe Mode?
1. Via Startup
-
Click on theStartmenu on your taskbar, then select thePowericon.
-
Press and hold theShiftkey on your keyboard, then click onRestart.
-
Once you’re redirected to the options screen, selectTroubleshoot.
-
Click onAdvanced options.
-
SelectStartup Settings.
-
Click on theRestartbutton.
-
After your PC restarts, on the next screen, choose the appropriate option by pressing the number 4 on your keyboard. Up next, the computer will enter the Safe Mode environment via BIOS.
If you need to start Windows 11 in Safe Mode, the first way of doing this is through the Start-up Menu. It allows you to restart your PC and then enter Safe Mode via BIOS.
You can alsoinstall the latest Windows 11 updates in Safe mode. It’s a lot better to do that when no other apps are interfering.
2. Through Windows Recovery
Another similar solution to enter Safe Mode is through Windows Recovery. The steps are very similar to those above, but with a few key adjustments, just in case you have problems with the power options or your keyboard.
And if you have issues after the system restarts, check our guide onwhat to do if there’s no login screen in Windows 11.
3. Via System Configuration
4. Use the Automatic Repair
5. Boot Windows 11 in Safe Mode from Power Off
This method is useful in case your operating system has serious problems and you cannot start it up as normal or access Safe Mode.
It is the reason why you will have to turn your PC on and off first and get the Windows Recovery Environment panel.
6. From BIOS
This is an older method to Enter Safe mode and is not applicable for all Windows computers, especially newer ones.
It is definitely worth trying as it is harmless even if your PC does not support it. Worst case scenario, nothing will happen and you will need to try a different method from this list.
7. With Networking
8. From Command Prompt
As you can see, some of the steps required to open Safe Mode in Windows 11 are the same for multiple solutions. Thus, as we mentioned before, if you need to use Safe Mode, there are no major differences between the options.
What to do if I can’t boot Windows 11 in Safe Mode?
Some of our readers received a strangeException Processing Message 0xc0000005 – Unexpected parameterserror right after booting into Safe Mode.
At the moment, there are no fixes for this bug other than to return to normal booting but if you update your Windows 11 to the 22000.65 or later build, this problem should disappear.
As this error is connected to system corruption, you can also check ourarticle on how to fix Critical Process Died BSoD on Windows 11which might help you deal with that.
Can I disable the Windows 11 Safe Mode?
If you’re wondering whether or not you can exit Safe Mode in Windows 11, then the answer is definitely yes, and it will take you only a few seconds.
When it comes to the first two solutions, after you restart your PC, you should exit Safe Mode and start Windows normally.
For the third solution, you’ll have to backtrack the steps and change back the settings inSystem ConfigurationorCommand Prompt.
The process of entering and exiting Safe Mode is pretty straightforward and is almost identical for Windows 10 and 11.
However, if you’re curious about other major differences between these two operating systems, you can check ourin-depth Windows 10 and Windows 11 comparisonand find out all the info you need.
Safe Mode will look and feel almost identical to Windows 10’s, so you won’t have to worry about messing things up if you’ve already seen it or used it before.
We hope that this guide helps you enable W11 Safe Mode. If one of the methods above did not work, you should certainly try a different one.
Your system may have some internal errors that won’t start the Safe Mode using some options, like the Command Prompt, but you may be able to open it from BIOS, for example.
Don’t forget to use the comments section below if you have any other questions and we’ll be glad to continue the talk there.
More about the topics:Safe Mode,Windows 11
Radu Tyrsina
Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).
For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.
Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Radu Tyrsina
