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Boot into safe mode in Windows 11 and Windows 10

Applies to Windows 11, Windows 10 · 5 min · Beginner · Needs an administrator account
Checked against Microsoft's documentation on 28 Aug 2026

In short

  • Safe mode starts Windows in a basic state, with a limited set of files and drivers1.
  • In Startup Settings, option 4 is Enable Safe Mode, 5 is Safe Mode with Networking and 6 is Safe Mode with Command Prompt1.
  • If Windows won't start, hold the power button as soon as the logo appears, two times; on the third start Windows shows Automatic Repair2.
  • If your device is encrypted, you need your BitLocker recovery key to open Startup Settings1.
  • If the PC keeps starting in safe mode, clear Safe boot on the Boot tab of msconfig1.

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 startup2. Then select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart1. After the restart, press 4 or F4 for safe mode, or 5 or F5 for safe mode with networking1.

Before you start

Safe mode starts Windows in a basic state, with a limited set of files and drivers1. If a problem goes away in safe mode, default settings and basic drivers are less likely to be the cause1.

Save your work first. Each way into the recovery menu signs out every user, and the PC then restarts into Windows RE3. If your device is encrypted, you need your BitLocker recovery key to finish these steps1. Find it before you start4.

On Windows 11, most Windows RE tools run without an administrator password3. On Windows 10, Windows RE asks for the user name and password of a local account with administrator rights3.

Steps

  1. Open Windows RE from Settings. In Settings, select System > Recovery2. Under Recovery options, next to Advanced startup, select Restart now2. 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 Restart3. From inside Windows, hold Shift while you select Power > Restart2. 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 logo2. As soon as it appears, press and hold the power button until the device shuts down2. Do this two times. On the third start, Windows should show the Automatic Repair screen; select Advanced options2.

  4. Open Startup Settings. Once in Windows RE, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart1. Type your BitLocker recovery key if Windows asks for it1.

  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 option1:

    • 4 for Enable Safe Mode1
    • 5 for Safe Mode with Networking, which adds the network drivers and services you need for the internet1
    • 6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt, which opens a command prompt window instead of the usual Windows interface1

    Press Enter instead if you want to start Windows normally1.

Check it worked

Windows now runs with only a limited set of files and drivers1. If you need the internet, you must have picked option 5, which adds the network drivers and services1.

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 cause1. When you are done, restart the PC. A restart should normally return you to normal mode1.

Common problems

  • The PC keeps starting in safe mode. Press Windows key + R, type msconfig in the Open box and select OK1. Select the Boot tab. Under Boot options, clear the Safe boot checkbox1.
  • Windows asks for a BitLocker recovery key. You need it to reach Startup Settings on an encrypted device1. Look it up from another device in your Microsoft account or your work or school account4.
  • You use Windows 10. Advanced startup is under Start > Settings > Update & security > Recovery3. Under Advanced Startup, select Restart now, then continue from step 43.
  • The PC does not start at all. Windows RE also opens on its own after two failed attempts to start Windows in a row3. You can also boot from a USB recovery drive, which takes you straight to Windows RE2. With Windows installation media, set your language, select Next, select Repair my PC, then select Next2.

Questions

What is the difference between safe mode and safe mode with networking?
Safe mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers1. Safe Mode with Networking adds the network drivers and services you need to reach the internet and other computers on your network1.
How do I get out of safe mode?
Restart the PC; a restart should normally return Windows to normal mode1. If it keeps starting in safe mode, open msconfig and clear the Safe boot checkbox on the Boot tab1.
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 password3. 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 menu3.

28 Aug 2026: Published.

Sources

  1. Windows startup settings, Microsoft Support. Accessed 28 Aug 2026.
  2. Windows recovery environment, Microsoft Support. Accessed 28 Aug 2026.
  3. Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE), Microsoft Learn. Accessed 28 Aug 2026.
  4. Find your BitLocker recovery key, Microsoft Support. Accessed 28 Aug 2026.