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How to Install and Uninstall Programs in Safe Mode on Windows 11

Learn how to safely manage software in Windows 11’s Safe Mode, enabling you to troubleshoot and remove problematic programs with ease.

By Shivamm 2 min read
How to Install and Uninstall Programs in Safe Mode on Windows 11

Windows Safe Mode is a diagnostic startup mode that loads minimal drivers and services. While it’s great for troubleshooting, it can complicate software management. By default, Windows Installer doesn’t work in Safe Mode, making it challenging to install or uninstall programs. This guide will walk you through the process of enabling Windows Installer in Safe Mode and managing your software effectively.

Method 1: Using SafeMSI Utility

The simplest way to enable program installation and uninstallation in Safe Mode is by using the SafeMSI utility. This free tool automates the process of modifying necessary registry entries.

Step 1: Download the SafeMSI utility from a trusted source.

Step 2: Boot your computer into Safe Mode. You can do this by pressing F8 during startup or through Windows Settings > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now.

Step 3: Once in Safe Mode, run the SafeMSI utility. It will automatically make the necessary registry changes to enable Windows Installer.

Step 4: After SafeMSI completes its process, you can now use the Control Panel or Settings app to uninstall programs as you normally would.

Method 2: Manual Registry Modification

If you prefer more control or can’t use SafeMSI, you can manually modify the Windows Registry to enable the Windows Installer service in Safe Mode.

Step 1: Boot your computer into Safe Mode.

Step 2: Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. You can do this by right-clicking the Start button and selecting “Windows Terminal (Admin)”.

Step 3: In the Command Prompt, enter the following commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each:

REG ADD "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot\Minimal\MSIServer" /VE /T REG_SZ /F /D "Service"

REG ADD "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot\Network\MSIServer" /VE /T REG_SZ /F /D "Service"

net start msiserver

Step 4: After running these commands, the Windows Installer service will be enabled in Safe Mode. You can now use the Control Panel or Settings app to uninstall programs.

Uninstalling Programs in Safe Mode

Once you’ve enabled Windows Installer in Safe Mode using either method above, you can proceed with uninstalling programs:

Step 1: Open the Control Panel by searching for it in the Start menu.

Step 2: Navigate to “Programs” > “Programs and Features”.

Step 3: Locate the program you want to uninstall in the list.

Step 4: Right-click on the program and select “Uninstall” or “Uninstall/Change”.

Step 5: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.

Alternatively, you can use the Settings app in Windows 11:

Step 1: Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I.

Step 2: Go to “Apps” > “Installed apps”.

Step 3: Find the app you want to remove, click the three dots next to it, and select “Uninstall”.

Step 4: Confirm your choice and follow any additional prompts to complete the uninstallation.

Remember to restart your computer in normal mode after you’ve finished managing your programs in Safe Mode. This ensures that all your system’s regular functions are restored. If you encounter any issues during the uninstallation process, consider using specialized uninstaller software or seeking help from a tech support professional.