Fix Windows 11 Safe Mode Not Working

One of the most essential tools of Windows 11 is the Safe Mode. It helps in identifying issues with drivers and programs, fixing hard drive problems, improving the overall performance of the PC, etc. Hence, Safe Mode is a preliminary tool that helps in fixing any kind of ongoing problem in the PC by opening Windows in a simplified manner. However, there are times when the Windows Safe Mode does not work properly and makes us wonder how to fix Windows 11 safe mode not working.

Fix Windows 11 Safe Mode Not Working

There exists various reasons for the occurrence of this issue. Some of them includes existence of third-party software programs, wrong BIOS/ UEF settings, existence of corrupted files, bootloader problems, etc. Moreover, there exists some fixes which can be used to solve the problem of Windows 11 Safe Mode Not Working. Let us take a detailed look into these fixes below.

Fix 1: Running SFC Command Prompt

Existence of fault system files may also lead to the improper working of the Safe Mode. Therefore, running a System File Checker scan can aid in reoperating the Safe Mode. The steps to run a SFC scan are given below.

Step 1- Go to the Search box and then type Command Prompt. Run it as an administrator.

Step 2- Furthermore, in the Command Prompt window, type SFC /scannow and then click enter.

Step 3- After the completion of the process, restart the PC and check if it opens in safe mode.

Fix 2: Using System Configuration Utility

Forcing the PC to boot into safe mode may also lead in the working of the Safe Mode. To use the System Configuration Utility, follow these steps-

Step 1- Go to the search bar and type msconfig. Next, open the System Configuration from the results.

Step 2- Select the Boot tab in the System Configuration window.

Step 3- Under the Boot Options, enable the “Safe Boot” option and click on the Minimal button below it.

Step 4- Next, select apply. Lastly press OK to save all the changes.

Step 5- Thereafter, a pop-up box will appear on the screen. Click the Restart button and check the availability of Safe mode.

Fix 3: Resetting PC to solve Safe Mode

Another way to fix the Safe Mode Not Working is resetting the PC. But, before resetting the PC, ensure to back up all the files of the PC and transfer them to an external device. This will help in keeping all the data safe. Now, follow these steps to reset the PC-

Step 1- Firstly, go to Settings > System > Recovery.

Step 2- Thereupon, below the Recovery option, select the Reset PC button close to Reset this PC.

Step 3- Now, a blue pop-up window will open. As per requirement, choose either “Keep my files” or “Remove everything”.

Step 4- Lastly, follow the prompts that appears on the Window screen and reset the PC.

Fix 4: Using System Restore

Creating a System Restore Point or using an already created one will aid in restoring the computer to its starting point. This will also ensure the proper working of the Safe Mode. Now, complete the given steps to perform System Restore-

Step 1- Go to the Start menu. Next, type create a restore point and open the result.

Step 2- From the System Properties window, select the System Restore option.

Step 3- Select Next on the System Restore Window.

Step 4- A list of all the previously created Restore points will appear on the screen. Choose the required restore point.

Step 5- Furthermore, choose the Restore point and select Next as per the date, name and time. Moreover, if the desired restore points are not visible, select Show more restore points.

Step 6- Choose the desired drive that is to be restored and click Next.

Step 7- A final pop-up window will appear. It will consist of the selected restore point, the to-be affected drive. It will also contain a warning telling to create a password reset disk.

Step 8- Finally, select the Finish button. This will restart the Windows 11 PC and begin the process of System Restore. After the restoration process, see if the PC can be opened in Safe Mode.

Fix 5: Reinstalling Windows 11

Sometimes, just reinstalling the Windows 11 may lead to fixing the Safe Mode option. Choose the appropriate drive for Reinstalling Windows 11 and follow the given steps below to do the same-

Step 1- Backup all the files on the PC.

Step 2- Now, put the Windows 11 bootable USB drive into the PC.

Step 3- Next, restart the PC in BIOS with the F2 or DEL button (depending upon the PC).

Step 4- Choose the first bootable device as the USB device. Thereafter, save and restart the PC.

Step 5- After the restart, the conventional setup of Windows Installation will be visible.

Following these simple and easy approaches will help in fixing the issue.