How to boot Windows 11 in safe mode

If you want to start the restricted Safe Mode of Windows 11 with the help of the troubleshooter, you first have to initiate the extended start of the system. The easiest way to do this is via the “On/Off” button in the Start menu:

Click on it, then hold down the Shift key and then press “Restart” with the left mouse button. Windows 11 will now shut down and then boot in extended startup mode.

However, you can also initiate the extended startup via the system settings by following the instructions below:

Open the Start menu.

1. Open the settings
2. Select the “Windows Update” entry in the left side menu.
3. Open the “Advanced options” section.
4. Click on “Recovery”.
5. Press the “Restart now” button in the “Advanced startup” section.

As soon as you confirm the restart, Windows 11 reboots - but instead of the usual loading processes and the subsequent logon screen, you are now presented with the advanced startup menu on a blue background. Select “Troubleshoot”:

In the next window, click on the “Advanced Options” button and access the “Start-up Settings” menu there:

Windows shows a number of options for restarting in the following dialog. Continue by clicking on “Restart”. You can now initiate the Safe Mode of Windows 11 either with the number keys or with the function keys. Press [4] or [F4] to start without or [5] or [F5] to start with network drivers. If you want to work with the command prompt after startup, press [6] or [F6].

Windows 11 will then start in Safe Mode:

The configuration tool msconfig creates the possibility to manage the Windows 11 autostart. You can use the application to adjust the startup settings of the system during operation and thus also to force a restart of Windows 11 in Safe Mode. Here’s how:

Step 1: The easiest way to start msconfig is via the “Run” function. You can access this either via the search function or with the key combination [Windows] + [R]. Type “msconfig” and confirm your entry by clicking “OK”.

Step 2: Switch to the “Start” tab. For Windows 11 to run in Safe Mode, place a check mark next to “Safe boot”. Leave it at the default option “Minimal” if you want to start the standard, minimalist Safe Mode. Alternatively, you can start with network drivers (“Network”) and start with a command prompt (“Alternative Shell”).

If you want to switch back to the normal mode of Windows 11, it is sufficient in most cases to restart the system. If the Safe Mode is still active after a reboot, you can switch it off with the msconfig tool like this:

1. Open the “Run” dialog via the search function or with the key combination [Windows] + [R].
2. Type “msconfig” and confirm the command by clicking “OK”.
3. Switch to the “Start” tab.
4. Remove the checkmark in the “Safe boot” checkbox.
5. Press “OK”.
6. Confirm the restart of Windows 11 to exit Safe Mode.