How to Add Safe Mode to Boot Menu Options in Windows 11

Safe Mode is one of the most useful troubleshooting tools in Windows. It starts your PC with only essential drivers and services, allowing you to fix crashes, malware issues, driver conflicts, and boot problems. By default, Windows 11 hides Safe Mode behind advanced startup screens, but you can add Safe Mode directly to the Boot Menu for quick access every time you start your computer.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to add Safe Mode to the Boot Menu in Windows 11 using Command Prompt and System Configuration. Once enabled, you’ll be able to choose Safe Mode right from the startup screen without needing to press any special keys.

1. Add Safe Mode to Boot Menu Using Command Prompt (Recommended)

The most reliable way to add Safe Mode to your boot menu is by creating a duplicate boot entry and enabling safe boot parameters for it.

1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter to copy your current boot entry: bcdedit /copy {current} /d "Windows 11 Safe Mode"
3. Copy the long GUID (a set of numbers and letters inside braces) shown after the command runs.
4. Now type: bcdedit /set {GUID} safeboot minimal Replace {GUID} with the one you copied.
5. Once done, close Command Prompt.
6. Restart your computer and you should now see Windows 11 Safe Mode listed in your boot menu.

This creates a dedicated Safe Mode entry that loads only essential drivers.

2. Add Safe Mode With Networking to Boot Menu

If you want Safe Mode with internet access, you can create another entry.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator again.
2. Run this command to copy your boot entry: bcdedit /copy {current} /d "Windows 11 Safe Mode with Networking"
3. Copy the new GUID displayed.
4. Run the following command: bcdedit /set {GUID} safeboot network
5. Restart your PC to confirm the new entry appears in the Boot Menu.

This mode loads network drivers, making it useful for downloading tools or drivers while troubleshooting.

3. Add Safe Mode With Command Prompt to Boot Menu

Some advanced troubleshooting requires a command-line-only Safe Mode.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type: bcdedit /copy {current} /d "Windows 11 Safe Mode (Command Prompt)"
3. Copy the new GUID.
4. Type the following: bcdedit /set {GUID} safeboot minimal bcdedit /set {GUID} safebootalternateshell yes
5. Restart your PC to see it in your boot list.

This boots straight into a command-line environment without the desktop UI.

4. Set the Boot Menu Timeout (Optional)

By default, Windows may display the boot menu for just a second. You can increase the timeout so you have enough time to select Safe Mode.

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Type this command and press Enter: bcdedit /timeout 10
3. You can replace 10 with however many seconds you prefer.

Now Windows will pause long enough to let you choose which boot entry to start.

5. Add Safe Mode to Boot Menu Using System Configuration (Alternative Method)

If you prefer a graphical method, you can use the System Configuration tool (msconfig).

1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. Go to the Boot tab.
3. Click your Windows 11 boot entry to select it.
4. Check Safe boot.
5. Choose from:
   • Minimal → Standard Safe Mode
   • Alternate shell → Command Prompt
   • Network → Safe Mode with internet
6. Check Make all boot settings permanent.
7. Click OK, then restart.

Note: This changes your default boot entry to Safe Mode until you turn it off manually.

6. How to Remove Safe Mode Entries From Boot Menu

If you later want to remove Safe Mode from the menu, you can easily delete the entry.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type: bcdedit and press Enter.
3. Note the GUID of the Safe Mode entry you want to remove.
4. Type: bcdedit /delete {GUID}
5. Restart your PC.

This removes the Safe Mode option entirely from the boot list.

7. When You Should Add Safe Mode to Your Boot Menu

Adding Safe Mode to your Boot Menu is helpful if:

• Your PC frequently has boot issues.
• You troubleshoot system crashes often.
• Malware prevents your system from loading normally.
• You want quick access to Safe Mode without using recovery menus.

This setup is especially useful for IT professionals, technicians, or users who frequently diagnose system problems.

Wrapping Up

Adding Safe Mode to the Boot Menu in Windows 11 makes troubleshooting faster and more convenient. Whether you prefer using Command Prompt or System Configuration, both methods give you permanent access to Safe Mode right from startup. Once set up, you won’t need to go through the advanced recovery screens again — Safe Mode will always be just one boot selection away.