Windows 11 and Windows 10: Installing the PIA App in Safe Mode

If you are unable to install the Private Internet Access (PIA) Windows app using the standard installation process, installing it in Safe Mode with Networking may help. This starts Windows with only the essential drivers and services, reducing the chance of software conflicts during installation.

This guide shows how to install the PIA Windows app in Safe Mode on Windows 11 and 10. 

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Before You Begin

Before booting Windows in Safe Mode, be sure to download the latest PIA Windows app version. Just follow that link and click Download PIA For Windows.

Private Internet Access Windows app landing page, showing a highlighted "Download PIA for Windows" button.

Install PIA on Windows 11 in Safe Mode

Start Windows 11 in Safe Mode with Networking

To boot Windows 11 in Safe Mode with Networking, 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.

Install PIA on Windows 10 in Safe Mode

Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode with Networking

To boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode with Networking, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Start menu and click Settings.

    Windows 10 interface, showing the Start menu and a highlighted Settings icon.

  2. Next, click Update & Security.

    Windows 10 Settings window, showing a highlighted "Update & Security" tab.

  3. Click the Recovery tab.

    Windows 10 Update & Security page, showing a highlighted Recovery tab.

  4. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now. Note that clicking this button will restart your computer.

    Windows 10 Update & Security page, showing the Recovery tab. The "Advanced startup" section title and "Restart now" button are highlighted.

After your computer restarts, you will be taken to the Windows Recovery Environment page. Once here:

  1. Click Troubleshoot. 
  2. Next, click Advanced options. 
  3. Select Startup Settings. 
  4. Click Restart. 

Your computer will now reboot. Once it does, you will be allowed to choose different startup settings, including Safe Mode options.

Press 5 or F5 on your keyboard to select Enable Safe Mode with Networking. Windows 10 will now launch using the selected method. 

Install the PIA App

Once Windows 10 boots in Safe Mode with Networking, follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to your Downloads folder and double-click the PIA installer to launch it.

    Windows 10 Downloads folder, showing a highlighted Private Internet Access installer.

  2. If a security warning appears, click Run to proceed. This is a normal Windows security check.

    Windows-11-Installing-the-PIA-App-in-Safe-Mode-16.png

  3. Wait for the PIA app to install.

    Private Internet Access Windows installer, showing an installation in progress.

  4. When the installation finishes, you will see a message that says Installation complete. Click OK to close it and exit the installer.

    Private Internet Access installer on Windows 10, showing an "Installation complete" popup message.

Restart Windows

You now have to restart your computer to use the PIA app. To do so:

  1. Open the Start menu and click Power.

    Windows 10 interface, showing the Start menu and a highlighted Power icon.

  2. Click Restart to reboot your computer. Windows 10 will now launch normally, not in Safe Mode.

    Windows 10 interface, showing the Start menu, the Power settings, and a highlighted "Restart" option.

Sign In and Connect

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

After Windows 10 launches, run the PIA app and follow these steps to sign in and connect:

  1. Click Log In.

    Private Internet Access Windows app interface, showing the post-installation screen. The "LOG IN" button is highlighted.

  2. Enter your PIA username and password, then click Log In.

    Windows-11-Installing-the-PIA-App-in-Safe-Mode-22.png

  3. Click the power button to connect to the VPN.

    Windows-11-Installing-the-PIA-App-in-Safe-Mode-23.png

When the VPN successfully connects, it will show your selected VPN server location and connection status.

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