How to Boot into Safe Mode in Windows 11

If your computer is infected with a vicious malware virus, or if you recently installed a broken graphics driver that causes your screen to constantly flicker and crash, you cannot fix the problem in the normal Windows environment. The virus will actively fight you and prevent you from deleting it.

You must reboot the computer into Safe Mode. Safe Mode is a stripped-down, diagnostic version of Windows. It loads absolutely no third-party software, no high-resolution graphics drivers, and no startup apps. Because the virus (or broken driver) is not allowed to load, you are free to delete it safely.

Historically, you could access Safe Mode by frantically mashing the F8 key while the computer was turning on. Because modern SSD hard drives boot so incredibly fast, Microsoft disabled the F8 trick in Windows 11. You must access Safe Mode through the Settings menu.

Method 1: The Settings App (If you can log in)

If your computer is glitchy but you can still successfully log into your desktop, this is the easiest method.

1. Click the Start Menu and open the Settings app (the gear icon).
2. In the left-hand navigation sidebar, click on System.
3. Scroll down the main window and click on Recovery.
4. Look for the section labeled Advanced startup.
5. Click the Restart now button next to it.
6. A pop-up will ask you to confirm and save your work. Click Restart now again.

Method 2: The Shift-Click Trick (If you are stuck on the lock screen)

If a virus or broken update prevents you from getting past the main login screen, you cannot access the Settings app. You must trigger Advanced Startup from the lock screen.

1. Turn on your computer and look at the lock screen (where it asks for your password).
2. Locate the Power icon in the extreme bottom right corner of the screen. Click it once to open the small drop-down menu (Sleep, Shut down, Restart).
3. Crucial Step: Press and hold the Shift key on your physical keyboard.
4. While still holding the Shift key down, click Restart.
5. Keep holding the Shift key until the screen goes blue and says “Please wait.”

Navigating the Advanced Startup Menu

Regardless of whether you used Method 1 or Method 2, your computer will reboot into a stark blue screen titled “Choose an option.” Do not panic; your computer is not broken. You must navigate this maze of menus to find Safe Mode.

1. On the blue screen, click Troubleshoot.
2. Click Advanced options.
3. Click Startup Settings. (If you don’t see this option immediately, you may need to click a link that says “See more recovery options” at the bottom).
4. A screen will appear listing all the things that will change. Click the Restart button in the bottom right corner.

The computer will reboot one final time. It will not boot to the normal desktop. Instead, it will display a stark text menu with a list of numbered options.

Choosing the Right Safe Mode

You must press a specific number key (or Function key) on your keyboard to choose the type of Safe Mode you want.

• Press 4 (or F4): Enable Safe Mode. This is the standard, completely disconnected diagnostic environment. Use this to delete malware or broken drivers.
• Press 5 (or F5): Enable Safe Mode with Networking. This loads exactly one extra driver: your internet connection. Use this only if you specifically need to download an anti-malware scanner or a fresh driver from the internet while inside Safe Mode.

Once you press the key, Windows will boot. The screen resolution will look terrible, and the words “Safe Mode” will be watermarked in all four corners of your desktop. You are now a ghost in the machine. Delete the offending software. When you are finished, simply restart the computer normally (Start Menu > Power > Restart) and it will automatically boot back into standard Windows 11.