How to start Windows 11 in Safe Mode
Enter and leave Safe Mode from Settings, sign-in, or recovery.
- Updated
- September 3, 2026
- Reading time
- 8 min read
Enter and leave Safe Mode from Settings, sign-in, or recovery. Use the procedure as a controlled diagnostic process and preserve a safe way back.
From Settings
Open System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now, then Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
From sign-in
Hold Shift while choosing Power > Restart, then use the same Startup Settings path. BitLocker may request its recovery key.
What the result means
A symptom absent in Safe Mode suggests, but does not prove, a startup app, service, or driver is involved.
Leave Safe Mode
Restart normally. If System Configuration was used, clear Safe boot first.