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How to restart in safe mode

Barbara Puccio 0 Reputation points
2026-03-16T18:53:29.93+00:00

I need to make a change on my computer but can't find my admin password.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Accounts, profiles, and login
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  1. Ivan B 111.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-03-16T19:30:32.3466667+00:00

    Hi,

    If you want to access the local administrator, open the command prompt (admin) and run the command: net user Administrator /active:yes.

    Then go to Start Menu > Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced Startup > Restart Now > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Options > Restart > Select 4 or 5.

    You can select the local administrator; it doesn't have a password.

    You can also activate Safe Mode after activating the local administrator by typing in the Windows search bar > msconfig32.exe > go to the Boot tab > check Safe Boot > check Minimal and Network and apply. Windows will restart in Safe Mode. To disable it and repeat the process, uncheck the Safe Boot option.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-03-16T18:53:40.9866667+00:00

    To restart Windows 11 in Safe Mode when the admin password is unknown, use the sign-in screen method. Note that Safe Mode sign-in requires the account’s password (PIN and biometrics do not work), so the password will still be needed once in Safe Mode.

    Steps to restart in Safe Mode from the sign-in screen:

    1. At the Windows sign-in screen, select the Power icon in the lower-right corner.
    2. Hold down the Shift key on the keyboard and, while holding it, click Restart.
    3. Keep holding Shift until the Choose an option screen appears.
    4. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
    5. After the PC restarts, a list of options appears. Press 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking (or 4/F4 for plain Safe Mode).

    The device will then boot into Safe Mode. A valid account password will be required to sign in.

    References:

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