Are there other ways to boot into Windows 11 Safe Mode? Are there other ways to sign in to my PC?

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Are there other ways to boot into Windows 11 Safe Mode? Are there other ways to sign in to my PC?

Mikmeister 0

I tried the two methods suggested for accessing Windows RE / Safe Mode, the first being holding Shift while restarting, and the second being force shutting down multiple times during turning the computer on. I even tried force shutting down 6 time, not just 3, and it still didn’t work. Is there any other way to starting up in Safe Mode?

I am needing to get to Safe Mode, because the last two times I tried to turn my computer on (couple of weeks ago and then today), it tells me that PIN is required, and that I entered the incorrect PIN too many times, BEFORE I have a chance to type anything! It doesn’t give me the option to sign in with my password. Face recognition is an option, but it still tells me PIN is required, and that I entered the incorrect password too many times. It’s this vicious loop, and it’s not like I forgot my password or PIN. If there is a way to solve the sign in problem without Safe Mode, I am open to suggestions.

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Answer 1

Jeronimo Fuerte 46,745 Independent Advisor

Before trying additional recovery methods, could you please confirm whether you normally sign in to Windows with a Microsoft account or a local account? On the sign-in screen, select Sign-in options and tell us exactly which options or icons are available. Also, does the message specifically say that the PIN was entered incorrectly too many times, or does it mention an incorrect password?

Regarding your attempts to trigger Windows Recovery Environment, at what point were you forcing the computer to shut down? Ideally, the shutdown should be forced while Windows is still starting, when the Windows or manufacturer logo appears, rather than after reaching the sign-in screen. After interrupting startup twice, the third startup should normally display Automatic Repair. Please let me know whether you ever see Preparing Automatic Repair, Advanced options, or any other recovery screen, or whether the computer simply continues directly to the normal Windows sign-in screen each time.

Mikmeister 0 Reputation points

2026-10-06T02:51:28.4366667+00:00

I usually sign in with a local account. But that hasn’t worked recently on this computer. Not sure if I ever signed in to a computer with my Microsoft account. It does mention incorrect PIN and, as I mentioned in my post, before I have even typed anything.

I have been forcing the shutdown when the manufacturer logo (Lenovo) appears. It hasn’t gotten to what I will call a “normal” sign-in screen. I tried the hold-Shift-then-Restart method, but that didn’t do anything, even after holding Shift for several minutes. I did press Enter to interrupt the normal startup process a couple of times, but none of the options provided seemed relevant for my purpose, and no one mentioned that as a possible solution, so I kind of abandoned that approach.
Jeronimo Fuerte 46,745 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-10-06T22:46:33.96+00:00

Thank you for the additional information. Since this is a Lenovo computer and pressing Enter during the Lenovo logo does interrupt the normal startup process, that may actually give us another way to reach the recovery environment.

First, one important point: because you normally use a local account, if we do get the computer into Safe Mode, Windows will require the password for that local account. Windows Hello PIN and facial recognition are not available for signing in while in Safe Mode. Therefore, please make sure you know the actual local-account password before proceeding.

When you press Enter at the Lenovo logo, could you please tell me exactly what options are displayed on that screen? Also, if possible, provide the exact Lenovo model. Depending on the Lenovo model, that startup menu may include a recovery option, such as F11/System Recovery, or a boot-device option such as F12.

If you see an option for recovery or Windows Recovery Environment, use it and look for:

Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart

Then select 4 / F4 for Safe Mode or 5 / F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.

If the Lenovo menu does not provide access to recovery, there is another method that does not depend on the recovery environment currently installed on the computer. On another working PC, you can create a Windows 11 installation USB using Microsoft's Media Creation Tool. Boot the affected Lenovo from that USB and, on the Windows Setup screen, select Repair my PC rather than Install Windows.

https://support.microsoft.com/windows/experience/backup-recovery/recovery-drive

This should take you into Windows Recovery Environment, where you can again go to:

Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart > Safe Mode

Simply using Repair my PC from the USB does not reinstall Windows.
Mikmeister 0 Reputation points

2026-10-07T01:04:25.2933333+00:00

I managed to get to Windows RE by interrupting normal startup and then F11 for “recover your system,” as you suggested. After going through multiple steps, including unlocking the BitLocker, I do get a sign-in screen, but now it tells me “Something happened and your PIN isn’t available. Click to set up your PIN again.” Clicking “Set up my PIN” just flickers back to the exact same message. Doesn’t matter if I select 4/F4 (without network) or 5/F5 (with network). There is no internet when I select 5/F5.

I guess the next thing to try is a USB drive, but the affected laptop is the only computer I have with Windows 11, so I’ll need to get one from someone else. Unfortunately, not something I can do today. I’ll let you know how it goes when I get my hands on one. You have been very helpful, Jeronimo!
Jeronimo Fuerte 46,745 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-10-07T01:45:46.2033333+00:00

A pleasure. Another thing you can try is to go back to:

F11 > Troubleshoot > Advanced options

First check System Restore. If there is a restore point dated before this PIN/sign-in problem began, that would be my preferred next step. System Restore rolls back Windows system files, registry settings, drivers and certain installed programs, but it does not delete your personal files.

If there is no suitable restore point, another option is:

Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates > Uninstall latest quality update

I would especially consider that if this problem appeared shortly after Windows installed an update.

I would leave Reset this PC for later because, although the “Keep my files” option preserves personal files, installed applications and many settings would have to be restored afterward.