Windows 11: Installing the PIA App in Safe Mode

If you're unable to install the PIA app using the standard installation process, installing it in Safe Mode with Networking can help. This starts Windows with only the essential drivers and services, reducing the chance of software conflicts during installation.

Note: If you're using Windows 10, please follow our guide to installing the PIA App in Safe Mode on Windows 10.

Start Windows 11 in Safe Mode with Networking

Before booting Windows in Safe Mode, be sure to download the latest version of PIA. After that, do the following:

  1. Open Start > Settings.
Windows Start menu with the "Settings" icon highlighted within a green box.
  1. Go to System > Recovery.
Windows Settings menu, with the "Recovery" option highlighted in a green box under the "System" tab.
  1. Under Advanced startup, select Restart now.
Windows "Recovery" settings screen, with the "Restart now" button highlighted in a green box.

After your computer restarts, select:

  1. Troubleshoot.
  2. Advanced options.
  3. Startup Settings.
  4. Restart.
  5. Press 5 or F5 to start Safe Mode with Networking.

Install the PIA App

  1. Open your Downloads folder and double-click the installer to launch it.
Windows Downloads folder with the PIA installer file highlighted in a green box.
  1. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), select Yes to allow the installer to make changes to your PC.
Windows User Account Control prompt for the "Private Internet Access Uninstaller," with the "Yes" button highlighted in a green box.
  1. Wait for the installer to complete the process.
Private Internet Access uninstallation window with the "UNPACKING" progress bar highlighted in a green box.
  1. When the installation finishes, the PIA app will launch automatically.

Restart Windows

After the installation is complete, restart your computer normally to exit Safe Mode.

Sign In and Connect

To use the PIA app, you must have an active subscription.

  1. Select Log In.
Private Internet Access "Quick Tour" screen with the "LOG IN" button highlighted in a green box.
  1. Enter your PIA username and password and click Log in.
Private Internet Access login screen with the username and password fields highlighted in a green box.
  1. Select the power button to connect to the VPN.
Private Internet Access application window, highlighting the circular power button in a green box.

Once connected, the app will display your selected VPN server and connection status.

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