Windows 11 Safe Mode is a a tool designed to solve PC problems when the failure of the system itself, drivers or installed applications and even malware attacks prevent the standard loading of the operating system. It can also be used when the device is working properly as a self-diagnosis function.

Its definition as “safe start» or “fail-safe boot” is accurate because that’s what it’s about. Upload only essential services and drivers that allow us to start the PC to solve the problems that affect the PC and later access the full version of the system without errors.

The version of Windows 11 is very similar to the version of Windows 10. Not many changes were needed because in this version Microsoft increased its features and access methods and the truth is that the result is a very complete tool. Your goal remains the same. And you should know because it is a method that is sometimes necessary restore the proper functioning of Windows without having to use more radical methods like recovery or reinstallation.

Windows 11 Safe Mode Options

This special mode offers three options of use according to the user’s choice. We’ll briefly remind you of them to put you in a position of what to expect once you gain access:

• Safe mode: Windows starts with a minimal set of drivers and services. Networking is also disabled.
• Safe Mode with Networking: Windows will start with a basic set of services, but will include the drivers necessary to connect to a local network or the Internet. It only works with wired networks, not wireless Wi-Fi.
• Safe Mode with Command Prompt: For advanced users who do not need a graphical user interface and prefer direct access to a command line terminal to troubleshoot their computer.

How to enter Windows 11 safe mode

Here we have to distinguish between two usage situations. The first is when errors exist but are not critical and we have access to the operating system. The second is when we absolutely cannot get into the system due to the severity of the malfunctions. We discuss several ways to approach this mode in both situations.

Configuration

If you can boot your computer, the easiest way to get into Windows 11 Safe Mode is from the general Settings tool. Step by step:

• To access, press the keyboard shortcut “Windows + I”.
• Go to System > Recovery.
• Under Recovery options, select Restart now.

• When the computer restarts, under Select an option, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup settings > Restart.
• Select number 4, 5 or 6 to enter safe mode.

Lock the screen

You can also start safe mode from the lock screen:

• Restart your computer.
• On the lock screen, press any key to display the options.
• At the login screen, hold down the Shift key and tap restart.
• The rest of the process is the same as the previous point.

It will restart

By default, Windows boots into the Windows Recovery Environment after three failed attempts to load the operating system. In this way, the computer may be forced to shut down several times to make the system think that it cannot boot properly.

• Turn off the computer.
• Press the power button and when it starts charging, press and hold the power button to force shutdown the computer. Repeat the steps one more time.
• On the third try, press the power button and let Windows load and start the Windows Recovery Environment.
• The rest of the process is the same as the previous point.

Comfort

You can also open Windows 11 Safe Mode using the Windows console. As follows:

• Right-click the Start button and open Command Prompt (Admin)
• Type the command shutdown.exe /r /o and click enter.

• Close the pop-up dialog and Windows will restart in 1 minute.

• A recovery environment will open where you can follow the previous steps.

msconfig

One of the most direct ways to access Windows 11 Safe Mode is to use this internal tool. Procedure:

• Press “Win ​​+ R” hotkeys to access Run and type msconfig.

• Once in system configurator, go to the ‘Boot’ tab and enable ‘safe boot’.
• You can choose the options you need, such as basic “minimum” or “network”.

• Reboot the system and enter special mode.

Quick keys

Until Windows 7, accessing this special mode was as simple as pressing the “F8” function key when starting the computer. Since Windows 8, with the implementation of the new UEFI firmware and the use of SSDs for internal storage, this route mostly does not work on Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers. Although you can still try it, as another of the “Shift + F8” quick accesses.

The one that works is the aforementioned “Shift + Reset”. Open the Start menu and click the shutdown button. Shift-click the reset button. Another configuration screen will appear allowing you to access safe mode.

When Windows 11 won’t start

The best option in these cases is to use the installation media. If you follow us regularly, you should know this by heart:

• Go to the Windows 11 download page.
• Select the available option (multiple editions of Windows 11), Spanish language and download the “Win11_Spanish_x64v1.iso” image.

• Use a blank flash drive with a capacity of at least 8 GB.
• Download the ‘Rufus’ app (may be another app you want to burn).
• Configure the software as shown and create a bootable pendrive. (If you don’t have TPM or secure boot, choose the second option).

From there, this installation media will also serve as access to Windows RE, the recovery mode that makes up this safe mode. Simply boot from the USB you created and select the “Repair your computer” link before proceeding to the installation section.

As in previous versions, this safe mode of Windows 11 is interesting A tool designed to perform self-diagnostic tests or solve problems on the PC before you have to use more radical methods, such as recovery or a complete reinstallation of the system.