How To Turn Off Safe Mode On Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

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5 min. read

Published on November 10, 2025

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Safe Mode is a diagnostic startup mode in Windows 11 that loads only essential drivers and services. It’s incredibly useful for troubleshooting issues, but sometimes Windows gets stuck in Safe Mode. If you’re experiencing this, don’t worry; it’s a common problem with several straightforward solutions.

This guide will walk you through the various methods to exit Safe Mode on Windows 11, ensuring you can return to a normal Windows session. We’ll cover everything from simple restarts to more advanced troubleshooting steps.

How Do I Get My Windows 11 Out of Safe Mode?

Restart Your Computer

The simplest solution is often the most effective. A regular restart can often kick Windows 11 out of Safe Mode.

Click the Start button.
Select Power.
Choose Restart.

Use System Configuration (msconfig)

The System Configuration utility allows you to control how Windows starts. If Safe Mode is enabled here, disabling it is key.

Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type msconfig and press Enter.
In the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab.
Uncheck the Safe boot option.
Click Apply and then OK.
Restart your computer.

Modify Boot Options in Settings

Windows 11’s Settings app provides another avenue to manage boot options.

Press Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Click on System.
Select Recovery.
Under “Advanced startup,” click Restart now.
After your computer restarts to the “Choose an option” screen, select Troubleshoot.
Click Advanced options.
Choose Startup Settings.
Click Restart.
After the restart, you’ll see a list of startup options. Press 4 or F4 to start Windows in normal mode (or 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking if you need it for troubleshooting).

Use Command Prompt

The Command Prompt offers a powerful way to modify boot settings.

Search for “Command Prompt” in the Start menu, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
Type the following command and press Enter:

“ bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safeboot “

Restart your computer.

Check for Driver Issues

Faulty or outdated drivers can sometimes force Windows into Safe Mode.

Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
Look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark, indicating a problem.
Right-click on the problematic device and select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers.
Follow the on-screen instructions to update the driver.
Restart your computer.

System Restore

If the problem started recently, System Restore can revert your system to a previous working state.

Search for “Create a restore point” in the Start menu and open it.
Click System Restore.
Choose a restore point before the issue started.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restore process.
Restart your computer.

Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, which can help identify conflicting software.

Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type msconfig and press Enter.
In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
Check the box Hide all Microsoft services.
Click Disable all.
Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
In Task Manager, disable all startup items.
Close Task Manager and click Apply and then OK in the System Configuration window.
Restart your computer.

Tips

Always back up your important data before making significant system changes.
If you’re unsure about a step, consult a professional.
Keep your Windows 11 installation up to date with the latest updates.

Comparing Methods for Exiting Safe Mode

Method	Difficulty	Best For
Restart Computer	Easy	Simple glitches, first attempt
System Configuration (msconfig)	Medium	When Safe Boot is explicitly enabled
Modify Boot Options in Settings	Medium	Alternative to msconfig, GUI preferred
Command Prompt	Medium	Power users, scripting, direct control
Check for Driver Issues	Medium	Suspect driver problems
System Restore	Medium	Recent system changes causing issues
Perform a Clean Boot	Advanced	Identifying conflicting software

Back To Normal Windows 11

Getting out of Safe Mode on Windows 11 doesn’t have to be a headache. By systematically trying these methods, you can usually resolve the issue and get back to using your computer normally.

FAQ

Why is my computer stuck in Safe Mode?

Your computer might be stuck in Safe Mode due to a corrupted driver, a system configuration setting, or a software conflict.

How do I know if I’m in Safe Mode?

“Safe Mode” will be displayed in the corners of your screen.

Will I lose my files if I exit Safe Mode?

No, exiting Safe Mode will not delete your files.

Can a virus cause Safe Mode issues?

Yes, malware can sometimes cause system instability that leads to Safe Mode. Run a virus scan.

What if none of these steps work?

If none of these steps work, you may need to consider reinstalling Windows 11.