Safe Mode and Networking

In Windows 10 and11, Safe Mode with Networking is designed to load essential system drivers and services, including those necessary for network connectivity. However, by default, it primarily supports wired Ethernet connections. Wi-Fi functionality is often disabled in this mode because the wireless network drivers are not loaded, as they are considered non-essential for troubleshooting purposes.

Enabling Wi-Fi in Safe Mode with Networking:

While not officially supported, some users have reported success in enabling Wi-Fi during Safe Mode with Networking by manually starting the necessary services and ensuring the appropriate drivers are loaded. Here’s how you can attempt this:

1. Start Safe Mode with Networking:

• Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
• In the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab.
• Under Boot options, check Safe boot and select Network.
• Click OK and restart your computer.

1. Enable the WLAN AutoConfig Service:

• Once in Safe Mode with Networking, press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• In the Services window, locate WLAN AutoConfig.
• Right-click on it and select Properties.
• Set the Startup type to Automatic, then click Start to run the service.
• Click Apply, then OK.

1. Verify Wi-Fi Adapter Status:

• Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
• Expand the Network adapters section.
• Ensure your Wi-Fi adapter is enabled. If it’s disabled, right-click and select Enable device.

1. Connect to Wi-Fi Network:

• Click on the network icon in the system tray.
• Select your Wi-Fi network and click Connect.
• Enter the network password if prompted.

Important Considerations:

• Driver Compatibility: Some Wi-Fi adapters may not function in Safe Mode with Networking due to driver limitations. If the above steps don’t work, it’s possible that your Wi-Fi drivers aren’t compatible with Safe Mode.
• Use Ethernet Connection: For reliable network access in Safe Mode with Networking, it’s recommended to use a wired Ethernet connection. This ensures that networking capabilities are available without additional configuration.

By following these steps, you can attempt to enable Wi-Fi in Safe Mode with Networking on Windows 11. However, due to inherent limitations, success is not guaranteed, and using a wired connection remains the most dependable method for network access in this mode.