[Windows 11/10] How to enter Safe Mode

Applicable Products: Notebook, Desktop, All-in-One PC, Gaming Handheld, MiniPC

 

Safe Mode starts Windows in a basic state using a limited set of files and drivers. If no issues occur in Safe Mode, it indicates that the default settings and basic device drivers are not causing the problem. Observing Windows in Safe Mode allows you to narrow down the source of the issue and troubleshoot effectively. There are two versions of Safe Mode: 'Safe Mode' and 'Safe Mode with Networking'. The version with networking adds the network drivers and services needed to access the internet and other devices on your network.

If your device cannot access the system, please refer to the guide on How to enter Safe Mode when the system is inaccessible.      
 

To provide you more detailed instruction, you can also click ASUS Youtube video link below to know more about How to enter Safe Mode in Windows 11/10

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wDNK4LAd1U

 

Please go to the corresponding instruction based on the current Windows operating system on your device:

Windows 11 operating system
  1. Click the [Start] icon on the taskbar①, and then select [Settings]②.     
  2. Select [Recovery]③.     
  3. Click [Restart now]④ on the Advanced startup filed.     
  4. Click [Restart now]⑤, and your device will restart.     
    Note: If you have unsaved work, be sure to save it before continuing.     
  5. After rebooting the system, you will enter Windows Recovery environment (WinRE). Please select [Troubleshoot]⑥.     
  6. Select [Advanced options]⑦.     
  7. Select [Startup Settings]⑧.     
  8. Click [Restart]⑨.     
  9. Press number keys or function keys F1-F9 on the keyboard to select a safe mode. In a general situation, you can select [4)Enable Safe Mode] to enter Safe Mode⑩.     
    If you need the network drivers and services to access the Internet and other devices on your network, please select 5)Enable Safe Mode with Networking.     
  10. The words Safe Mode appear in the corners of your monitor to identify which Windows mode you're using.     

 

Windows 10 operating system
  1. Click the [Start] icon on the taskbar①, and then select [Settings]②. 
  2. Select [Update & security]③.     
  3. Select [Recovery]④, and then click [Restart now]⑤. 
  4. After rebooting the system, you will enter Windows Recovery environment (WinRE). Please select [Troubleshoot]⑥.     
  5. Select [Advanced options]⑦.     
  6. Select [Startup Settings]⑧.     
  7. Click [Restart]⑨.     
  8. Press number keys or function keys F1-F9 on the keyboard to select a safe mode. In general situation, you can select [4)Enable Safe Mode] to enter Safe Mode⑩.     
    If you need the network drivers and services to access the Internet and other devices on your network, please select 5)Enable Safe Mode with Networking.     
  9. The words Safe Mode appear in the corners of your monitor to identify which Windows mode you're using.     

 

 

How to enter Safe Mode when the system is inaccessible

If your device cannot boot the system successfully, you will need to directly enter Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) after the device power on. If the system can’t load the necessary configuration more than two times, the system will direct the display to Windows Recovery Environment.

  1. After the device power on, press and hold the power button for 15 seconds to force to shut down.
  2. Press the power button again to turn on your device.
  3. On the first sign that the ASUS logo has shown, press and hold the power button for 15 seconds to force to shut down.
  4. Press the power button again to turn on your device.
  5. When Windows restarts, press and hold the power button for 15 seconds to force to shut down.
  6. Press the power button again to turn on your device.
  7. Your device will be allowed to fully restart and then enter Windows Recovery Environment.
  8. After entering Windows Recovery environment (WinRE). Please select [Troubleshoot]①.     
    Note: If there is no option of Troubleshoot after entering Windows Recovery Environment, it might be caused by corruption of OS file. We suggest you send the device to your local ASUS Service Center for further examination.     
  9. Select [Advanced options]②.     
  10. Select [Startup Settings]③.     
  11. Click [Restart]④.     
  12. Press number keys or function keys F1-F9 on the keyboard to select a safe mode. In general situation, you can select [4)Enable Safe Mode] to enter Safe Mode⑤.     
    If you need the network drivers and services to access the Internet and other devices on your network, please select 5)Enable Safe Mode with Networking.     
  13. The words Safe Mode appear in the corners of your monitor to identify which Windows mode you're using.