--- title: "Boot into safe mode in Windows 11 and Windows 10" canonical: https://saasranked.com/guides/boot-into-safe-mode/ applies_to: Windows 11, Windows 10 checked: 2026-08-28 (against Microsoft's documentation) updated: 2026-08-28 --- # Boot into safe mode in Windows 11 and Windows 10 - Safe mode starts Windows in a basic state, with a limited set of files and drivers [1]. - In Startup Settings, option 4 is Enable Safe Mode, 5 is Safe Mode with Networking and 6 is Safe Mode with Command Prompt [1]. - If Windows won't start, hold the power button as soon as the logo appears, two times; on the third start Windows shows Automatic Repair [2]. - If your device is encrypted, you need your BitLocker recovery key to open Startup Settings [1]. - If the PC keeps starting in safe mode, clear Safe boot on the Boot tab of msconfig [1]. To boot into safe mode, open the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE) [2]. In Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Recovery and select Restart now next to Advanced startup [2]. Then select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart [1]. After the restart, press 4 or F4 for safe mode, or 5 or F5 for safe mode with networking [1]. ## Before you start Safe mode starts Windows in a basic state, with a limited set of files and drivers [1]. If a problem goes away in safe mode, default settings and basic drivers are less likely to be the cause [1]. Save your work first. Each way into the recovery menu signs out every user, and the PC then restarts into Windows RE [3]. If your device is encrypted, you need your BitLocker recovery key to finish these steps [1]. Find it before you start [4]. On Windows 11, most Windows RE tools run without an administrator password [3]. On Windows 10, Windows RE asks for the user name and password of a local account with administrator rights [3]. ## Steps 1. **Open Windows RE from Settings.** In **Settings**, select **System** > **Recovery** [2]. Under **Recovery options**, next to **Advanced startup**, select **Restart now** [2]. Then go to step 4. 2. **Or use Shift + Restart.** On the sign-in screen, select Shutdown, then hold down the **Shift** key while you select **Restart** [3]. From inside Windows, hold **Shift** while you select **Power** > **Restart** [2]. Then go to step 4. 3. **Or force Windows RE when Windows won't start.** Turn on the PC and wait for the Windows logo or the manufacturer's logo [2]. As soon as it appears, press and hold the power button until the device shuts down [2]. Do this two times. On the third start, Windows should show the **Automatic Repair** screen; select **Advanced options** [2]. 4. **Open Startup Settings.** Once in Windows RE, select **Troubleshoot** > **Advanced options** > **Startup Settings** > **Restart** [1]. Type your BitLocker recovery key if Windows asks for it [1]. 5. **Pick a safe mode option.** After the restart, Windows shows a numbered list. Use the number keys or the function keys F1 to F9 to pick an option [1]: - **4** for **Enable Safe Mode** [1] - **5** for **Safe Mode with Networking**, which adds the network drivers and services you need for the internet [1] - **6** for **Safe Mode with Command Prompt**, which opens a command prompt window instead of the usual Windows interface [1] Press Enter instead if you want to start Windows normally [1]. ## Check it worked Windows now runs with only a limited set of files and drivers [1]. If you need the internet, you must have picked option 5, which adds the network drivers and services [1]. Try the task that was failing. If the problem does not occur in safe mode, default settings and basic drivers are less likely to be the cause [1]. When you are done, restart the PC. A restart should normally return you to normal mode [1]. ## Common problems - **The PC keeps starting in safe mode.** Press Windows key + R, type `msconfig` in the **Open** box and select **OK** [1]. Select the **Boot** tab. Under **Boot options**, clear the **Safe boot** checkbox [1]. - **Windows asks for a BitLocker recovery key.** You need it to reach Startup Settings on an encrypted device [1]. Look it up from another device in your Microsoft account or your work or school account [4]. - **You use Windows 10.** Advanced startup is under **Start** > **Settings** > **Update & security** > **Recovery** [3]. Under **Advanced Startup**, select **Restart now**, then continue from step 4 [3]. - **The PC does not start at all.** Windows RE also opens on its own after two failed attempts to start Windows in a row [3]. You can also boot from a USB recovery drive, which takes you straight to Windows RE [2]. With Windows installation media, set your language, select **Next**, select **Repair my PC**, then select **Next** [2]. ## Questions **What is the difference between safe mode and safe mode with networking?** Safe mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers [1]. Safe Mode with Networking adds the network drivers and services you need to reach the internet and other computers on your network [1]. **How do I get out of safe mode?** Restart the PC; a restart should normally return Windows to normal mode [1]. If it keeps starting in safe mode, open msconfig and clear the Safe boot checkbox on the Boot tab [1]. **Do I need an administrator password to use Windows RE?** On Windows 11, you can run most Windows RE tools without selecting an administrator account and entering its password [3]. On Windows 10, you must give the user name and password of a local account with administrator rights when you pick a tool from the Advanced startup menu [3]. ## Sources 1. [Windows startup settings](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/start-your-pc-in-safe-mode-in-windows-92c27cff-db89-8644-1ce4-b3e5e56fe234), Microsoft Support, accessed 2026-08-28 2. [Windows recovery environment](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-recovery-environment-0eb14733-6301-41cb-8d26-06a12b42770b), Microsoft Support, accessed 2026-08-28 3. [Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/windows-recovery-environment--windows-re--technical-reference), Microsoft Learn, accessed 2026-08-28 4. [Find your BitLocker recovery key](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/find-your-bitlocker-recovery-key-6b71ad27-0b89-ea08-f143-056f5ab347d6), Microsoft Support, accessed 2026-08-28 Checked against Microsoft's documentation on 28 Aug 2026.