How to Start Safe Mode in Windows 10?

Virtually all versions of Windows include a Safe Mode option. This allows you to start your computer with only the essential files and drivers. The majority of extra functionality will be disabled, and programme performance will decrease. You won’t have Internet access by default.

Safe Mode is not intended for daily use. Safe Mode is utilised when your computer is malfunctioning or will not boot up at all. By loading only the necessities, you can narrow down the source of the issue, which could be the system itself or something you loaded.

Here’s how to boot into Safe Mode and then exit it.

How to boot in Safe Mode in Windows 10

Multiple methods exist for entering Safe Mode. Here are the easiest three:

Using the Power icon

If you’re signed in:

1. Click the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner.

2. Hold down the Shift key, click the Power icon and then Restart.

Screenshot of the Windows start menu highlighted in a hot pink box with an arrow pointing at it.

3. Your computer will restart and open to a blue screen titled Choose an option. Select Troubleshoot, and then Advanced options.

Screenshot of the Choose an option screen with the Troubleshoot option highlighted in a hot pink box.

4. Click Startup Settings, and then Restart. Your computer will turn off and on again.

The Advanced options screen with the Startup Settings option highlighted in a hot pink box.

5. Once the screen comes back, you’ll be given a few options. Press 4 to start your computer in Safe Mode, or 5 to start Safe Mode with internet access.

Picture of the Startup Settings screen with the Enable Safe Mode and Enable Safe Mode with Networking options highlighted in a hot pink box.

Also Read: How to Download Youtube Videos in Mac?

Using the Settings app

1. Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I.

2. Click Update & Security, and then Recovery.

3. On this page, underneath Advanced startup, click Restart now.

Recovery screen with the Restart now button highlighted by an arrow pointing at it.

4. Your computer will restart on the Choose an option screen. Here, click Troubleshoot, and then Advanced options.

5. Select Startup Settings and then Restart.

6. When your computer boots back up, you’ll be given some startup options. Press 4 to start your computer in Safe Mode, or 5 to start Safe Mode with internet access.

Also Read: How to Hack Wifi Password? Step To Step Guide

Holding Down the Power Button

This is the method to use if you can’t boot into Windows normally.

1. Press your PC’s power button to turn it on.

2. As soon as you see something appear on the screen — probably the manufacturer’s logo — hold down the power button until the PC turns off again.

3. Do this two more times, and then turn your PC on. As it’s starting, the words Preparing Automatic Repair will appear at the bottom of the screen. Let your PC go through this process — it should eventually boot into the Choose an option screen.

Preparing Automatic Repair screen.
Force-restarting your computer three times will put you into automatic repair mode. 
William Antonelli/Insider

4. On this screen, select TroubleshootAdvanced options, and then Startup Settings. When prompted, click Restart.

5. When the computer turns back on, press 4 to start your computer in Safe Mode, or 5 to start Safe Mode with internet access.

How to exit Safe Mode

The simplest solution is to simply restart your computer. You can accomplish this by pressing and holding the power button, or by using the Start menu.

If your computer is still in Safe Mode after a restart, you should:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run menu.

2. In the text box, type msconfig and press Enter.

Run window highlighted in a hot pink box.

3. At the top of the System Configuration menu, click Boot.

4. Underneath Boot options, make sure that Safe boot is unchecked. Once it is, click OK and restart your computer again.

Windows 10 boot options highlighted in a hot pink box.

Advanced Safe Mode Options for Troubleshooting

There are two advanced versions of Safe Mode:

  • Safe Mode with Network Support While in safe mode, you can access the internet and other computers on your network through the networking option.
  • Safe Mode Command Prompt After logging in, the Command Prompt option will lead you to a window where you can undertake advanced troubleshooting.

To access either of these modes, use one of the previously outlined techniques and then press 5 or 6 instead of 4 in the final step.

Leave a Comment