Enter Safe Mode Using Command Prompt in Windows 11/10

Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode in Windows that allows you to troubleshoot and fix various issues with your computer. While there are different methods to enter Safe Mode, using the Command Prompt provides a quick and efficient way to access this mode. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to enter Safe Mode using only command lines via Command Prompt in Windows 11 or 10.

Also see: Enter Safe Mode in Windows 11/10 when PC isn’t booting

What is Safe Mode in Windows?

Safe Mode is a minimalistic version of the Windows operating system that starts with only essential drivers and services. By entering Safe Mode, you can diagnose and fix problems related to software conflicts, driver issues, malware infections, or other system errors. It is an invaluable tool when your computer is experiencing stability issues or when you need to uninstall problematic software.

There are three types of Safe Mode in Windows:

1. Safe Mode: The basic version that starts Windows with the minimal set of drivers and services required for the system to function.
2. Safe Mode with Networking: Includes all the features of Safe Mode, but also enables network connections. This mode is helpful when you need internet access to download drivers or updates.
3. Safe Mode with Command Prompt: Starts Windows in Safe Mode, but instead of the usual graphical user interface (GUI), you’ll have access to the Command Prompt. This mode is beneficial for advanced users who prefer using command-line tools to troubleshoot issues.

In this tutorial, we’ll discuss how to enter each of these Safe Mode options using Command Prompt in Windows 11/10.

Recommended resource: How to Startup Repair Windows 10/11 using Command Prompt

Steps to enter Safe Mode using Command Prompt

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as administrator

1. Click on the Start button or press the Win key to open the Start menu.
2. Type “cmd” or “command prompt” into the search box.
3. In the search results, right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. This will open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges. You may be prompted by the User Account Control (UAC) to confirm; click Yes.

Step 2: Configure Windows to start in Safe Mode

To enter the desired Safe Mode, follow the corresponding instructions below:

Safe Mode (Basic)

In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter to start Windows in basic Safe Mode:

bcdedit /set {current} safeboot minimal

Safe Mode with Networking

Alternatively, type the following command and press Enter to start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking, which includes network drivers and services:

bcdedit /set {current} safeboot network

Safe Mode with Command Prompt

To start Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt, which uses the command prompt as the default user interface instead of the graphical interface, follow the steps below.

First, enable basic Safe Mode by typing the following command and pressing Enter:

bcdedit /set {current} safeboot minimal

Then, enable the alternate shell by typing the following command and pressing Enter:

bcdedit /set {current} safebootalternateshell yes

After running the appropriate commands, you should see a message indicating that the operation completed successfully. This means that Windows is now configured to start in the selected Safe Mode upon the next reboot.

Linked issue: Windows 11 Keeps Booting in Safe Mode (Fix)

Step 3: Restart your computer

1. Type the following command and press Enter to restart your computer:

   shutdown /r /t 0

2. Your computer will now restart and boot directly into the chosen Safe Mode.

Exiting Safe Mode and returning to normal mode

When you have finished troubleshooting in Safe Mode, it may be necessary to switch back to normal mode, especially if you are stuck in a Safe Mode loop. Follow these steps to configure Windows to start in normal mode:

1. Open Command Prompt in safe mode.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safeboot

3. If you started Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt, you’ll also need to disable the alternate shell by typing the following command and pressing Enter:

   bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safebootalternateshell

4. You should see a message indicating that the operation completed successfully. Windows is now configured to start in normal mode upon the next reboot.
5. Restart your computer by typing the following command:

   shutdown /r /t 0

6. Your computer will now restart and boot into normal mode.

Key takeaways

Entering Safe Mode using the Command Prompt provides additional flexibility and control for advanced users who prefer working with command-line tools. There are several reasons why you might choose to use this method to enter Safe Mode:

1. Greater control: Using command lines to enter Safe Mode allows you to easily switch between different Safe Mode options (basic, with Networking, or with Command Prompt). This can be helpful when diagnosing complex issues that require testing different environments.
2. Scripting and automation: If you’re an advanced user or IT professional who frequently needs to enter Safe Mode on multiple machines or as part of a larger troubleshooting process, using the Command Prompt can be helpful for creating scripts or automating tasks.
3. Accessibility: In some cases, graphical tools may not be available or accessible due to system corruption, malware infection, or driver issues. Using the Command Prompt to enter Safe Mode provides an alternative method that does not rely on graphical interfaces.

In conclusion, while there are other methods to enter Safe Mode, using the Command Prompt offers unique benefits for advanced users who require more control and precision when troubleshooting system issues.