Safe mode starting your windows in a limited state, where only the bare essentials are started so that the user can troubleshoot what is preventing the operating system from working normally.
In this article we will talk about the safe mode as following:
- Definition of safe mode
- Safe mode features
- How to start your PC in safe mode in windows 11
- Advanced safe mode options
Definition of safe mode
Safe mode starts Windows in a basic state, using a limited set of files and drivers.
If no problem occurs in safe mode, then the default settings and basic device drivers are not causing the problem.
Observing Windows in safe mode enables you to narrow down the source of the problem, and can help you troubleshoot problems on your computer.
In safe mode, the operating system has reduced its functionality, but the task of isolating problems is easier because many non-essential components, such as audio, are disabled.
An installation that will run in safe mode usually has a major problem, such as disk corruption or the installation of poorly configured software that prevents the operating system from booting successfully in its normal operating mode.
Although it varies by operating system, safe mode usually loads basic executable modules and disables devices except for those necessary to display information and accept input.
It can also take the form of a parallel "mini" operating system that does not have configuration information in common with the normal operating system.
For example, in Microsoft Windows, the user can also choose to boot into Recovery Console, a small text-based troubleshooting mode that is kept separate from the main operating system (which can also be accessed by booting the installation CD) or to " Safe "different mode" that runs a broken operating system but with features, such as video, audio, and networking drivers, that are disabled.
Important:
There are two versions of safe mode
1. Safe mode
2. Safe mode with networking
- Safe mode with networking adds network drivers and services that you'll need to access the Internet and other computers on your network.
Safe mode features
Safe mode is intended to help fix most, if not all, problems within an operating system.
It is also widely used for removing rogue security software.
Safe mode usually provides access to utilities and diagnostics so that the user can troubleshoot what is preventing the operating system from working normally.
Safe mode is for maintenance, not functionality, and provides minimal access to features.
Safe mode usually provides access to utilities and diagnostics so that the user can troubleshoot what is preventing the operating system from working normally.
How to start your PC in safe mode in windows 11
A. From setting
1. Press Windows logo key + I on your keyboard to open Settings or select the Start button, then select Settings .
2. Select System > Recovery .
3. Under Recovery options, next to Advanced startup, select Restart now.
4. After your PC restarts to the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart. You may be asked to enter your BitLocker recovery key.
5. After your PC restarts, you'll see a list of options.
- Select 4 or press F4 to start your PC in safe mode.
- If you'll need to use the internet, select 5 or press F5 for safe mode with networking.
B. From the sign-in screen
When you can’t open Settings to get into safe mode, restart your device from the Windows sign-in screen.
1. On the Windows sign-in screen, press and hold the Shift key while you select Power > Restart .
2. After your PC restarts to the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart. You may be asked to enter your BitLocker recovery key.
3. After your PC restarts, you'll see a list of options.
- Select 4 or F4 to start your PC in safe mode.
- If you'll need to use the internet, select 5 or F5 for safe mode with Networking.
C. From a black or blank screen
If you’ve encrypted your device, you’ll need your BitLocker key to start in safe mode.
Before you enter safe mode, you need to enter the Windows Recovery Environment (winRE). To do this, you will repeatedly turn your device off, then on:
1. Hold down the power button for 10 seconds to turn off your device.
2. Press the power button again to turn on your device.
3. On the first sign that Windows has started (for example, some devices show the manufacturer’s logo when restarting) hold down the power button for 10 seconds to turn off your device.
4. Press the power button again to turn on your device.
5. When Windows restarts, hold down the power button for 10 seconds to turn off your device.
6. Press the power button again to turn on your device.
7. Allow your device to restart into Automatic Repair, and select Advanced options to enter winRE.
Now that you are in winRE, you will follow these steps to take you to safe mode:
1. On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
2. After your device restarts, you'll see a list of options. Select option 5 from the list or press F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.
Notes:
Restarting your device should be sufficient to exit you from Safe Mode back into normal mode. However, if for some reason your machine is still booting into Safe Mode on its own after restarting, try this:
- Press the Windows logo key + R.
- Type msconfig in the Open box and then select OK.
- Select the Boot tab.
- Under Boot options, clear the Safe bootcheckbox.
D. Startup your PC on safe mode
Safe mode starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services.
1. Remove all floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs from your computer, and then restart your computer.
2. Click the Start button , click the arrow next to the Shut Down button (or the arrow next to the Lock button), and then click Restart.
- If your computer has a single operating system installed, press and hold the F8 key as your computer restarts. You need to press F8 before the Windows logo appears.
- If the Windows logo appears, you'll need to try again by waiting until the Windows logon prompt appears, and then shutting down and restarting your computer.
- If your computer has more than one operating system, use the arrow keys to highlight the operating system you want to start in safe mode, and then press F8.
4. On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to highlight the safe mode option you want, and then press Enter.
See: Windows 11 Specifications and Features
Advanced safe mode options
1. Safe Mode with Networking
Starts Windows in safe mode and includes the network drivers and services needed to access the Internet or other computers on your network.
2. Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Starts Windows in safe mode with a command prompt window instead of the usual Windows interface.
This option is intended for IT professionals and administrators.
3. Enable Boot Logging
Creates a file, ntbtlog.txt, that lists all the drivers that are installed during startup and that might be useful for advanced troubleshooting.
4. Enable low-resolution video (640×480)
Starts Windows using your current video driver and using low resolution and refresh rate settings.
You can use this mode to reset your display settings.
5. Last Known Good Configuration (advanced) Starts Windows with the last registry and driver configuration that worked successfully.
6. Directory Services Restore Mode
Starts Windows domain controller running Active Directory so that the directory service can be restored.
Also this option is intended for IT professionals and administrators.
7. Debugging Mode
Starts Windows in an advanced troubleshooting mode intended for IT professionals and system administrators.
8. Disable automatic restart on system failure
Prevents Windows from automatically restarting if an error causes Windows to fail. Choose this option only if Windows is stuck in a loop where Windows fails, attempts to restart, and fails again repeatedly.
9. Disable Driver Signature Enforcement
Allows drivers containing improper signatures to be installed.
10. Start Windows Normally
Starts Windows in its normal mode.