How to exit Safe Mode (when stuck) on Windows 11

On Windows 11, exiting Safe Mode is a straightforward process, and in this guide, I’ll outline the steps to complete this configuration. Safe Mode is a diagnostic startup mode that allows you to troubleshoot system issues by loading only essential drivers and services. Once you’ve resolved the underlying problems, it’s important to boot again in the standard operating mode.

You can boot in Safe Mode in several ways, including using the Power menu, Command Prompt, System Configuration (msconfig), and Settings app. However, depending on the method, getting out of the mode will involve different steps.

In this guide, I’ll explain the different ways to exit Safe Mode when stuck and can’t start the normal operating mode of Windows 11.

• Exit Safe Mode after using Power options or Settings
• Exit Safe Mode after using Command Prompt or MSConfig

Exit Safe Mode after using Power options or Settings

If you used the Power menu using the “Shift + Restart” shortcut or “Advanced startup” option from the Settings app, you can exit the Safe Mode using these steps:

1. Open Start.

2. Click the Power button.

3. Click the Restart option.

   

Once you complete the steps, the computer will restart, and Windows 11 should start in normal mode.

Exit Safe Mode after using Command Prompt or MSConfig

If you use the BCDEdit command (Boot Configuration Data) or change the boot options using MSConfig and Windows 11 is stuck in Safe Mode, then to get out, you will have to revert the changes.

Getting out of diagnostic mode using BCDEdit

To get out of Safe Mode after changing the BCDEdit settings, use these steps:

1. Open Start.

2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.

3. Type the following command to exit Safe Mode on startup and press Enter:

    bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot 

   

4. Restart your computer.

After you complete the steps, the computer will start in normal mode.

Recently, while experimenting with the System Configuration settings, I mistakenly checked the “Make all boot settings permanent” option while the “Safe boot” (without networking) mode was enabled. After restarting, my device became stuck in Safe Mode.

The real problem surfaced when I reached the Sign-in screen. Instead of logging in as usual, I was met with the “Something happened, and your PIN isn’t available. Click to set up your PIN again” error.

Since my device was in Safe Mode without networking, clicking the “Set up my PIN” option didn’t work. Without an internet connection, Windows 11 couldn’t complete the setup process, leaving me locked out of my account without a way to exit Safe Mode.

And I’m not alone in facing this issue. Many users have reported similar problems with Windows 11 24H2, suggesting this may be a broader system bug.

How I fixed the issue

To regain access to the Windows 11 desktop, I had to use the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE):

1. Forced the computer to enter recovery mode by interrupting the startup process multiple times (turning the device off and on before Windows loaded).

2. Once in WinRE, I opened Command Prompt and executed the following command:

   bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot

3. Restarted the system, allowing it to boot normally.

This simple command removed the Safe Mode restriction, restoring full access to my device.

If you’ve encountered the same issue, this solution should help you regain control of your PC. Hopefully, Microsoft will address this in a future update to prevent users from locking out of their systems.

Getting out of diagnostic mode using MSConfig

To exit Safe Mode on Windows 11 after changing the System Configuration (msconfig) settings, use these steps”

1. Open Start.

2. Search for msconfig and click the top result to open System Configuration.

3. Click the Boot tab.

4. Clear the Safe boot option under the “Boot options” section.

   

5. Click the Apply button.

6. Click the OK button.

7. Restart your computer.

Once you complete the steps, Windows 11 will stop looping into the Safe Mode, and it’ll start in normal mode.

Were you able to get out of Safe Mode? What methods did you use? Let me know in the comments.