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If your computer isn’t functioning properly or your Windows won’t start, learning how to boot in Safe Mode on Windows 10 is the best option. 

Safe Mode is a helpful tool that is available in all Windows versions. It helps you find the root cause of your problem and resolve it. 

Follow this guide to learn how to boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode! 

What Is Safe Mode in Windows 10?

Windows 11, 10, and other versions of Windows come with a computer operating system called Safe Mode.

This feature boots the operating system with only the necessary components and disables several unnecessary drivers and services, including video drivers.

Additionally, Safe Mode stops the loading of third-party startup programs, which facilitates the identification of the root causes of operating system issues.

When you boot in Safe Mode, for instance, you can find out if the problem is with the drivers, malware, or recently installed applications.

Moreover, you can boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode if it’s unable to start normally. This facilitates file access and solves problems like blue screens or black screens. 

3 Types of Windows 10 Safe Mode

You’ll find three types when you learn how to boot in Safe Mode on Windows 10. You can choose the one that best fits your situation. Let’s go through them:

  • Safe Mode: This mode is the primary type of the three. When you select this mode, it starts your Windows by loading the most essential services and settings. No unneeded services, drivers, or third-party programs will be loaded. This cuts off any potential virus that could be spreading through these means.
  • Safe Mode with Command Prompt: A CMD window will appear on your screen if you choose this Command Prompt option when you start Windows 10 in Safe Mode. This enables you to fix problems with your Windows 10 PC by using command-line interfaces.
We don’t recommend this option if you don’t know much about the Command Prompt. Also, remember that “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and “Safe Mode” aren’t connected to the network. If network connectivity is essential, use the third option below.
  • Safe Mode with networking: When you start Windows 10 in Safe Mode with networking, the operating system keeps the Safe Mode drivers and services and adds new ones required to connect to the network. When you need to use the Internet, this is useful. However, compared to the regular Safe Mode, this one is less safe. 

How to Boot in Safe Mode in Windows 10

Follow the methods below to learn how to get to Safe Mode in Windows 10:

Method 1: Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode using the sign-in screen

If you can’t log into Windows but have access to your sign-in screen, follow the steps below:

  • Press and hold the Shift key on the keyboard on your sign-in screen.
  • While still holding down the Shift key, click the Power button and select Restart.
  • Select Troubleshoot when Windows restarts, prompting you to choose an option. 
Choose an option troubleshoot
  • Select Advanced options.
Troubleshoot Advanced Options
  • When the Advanced options window opens, select Startup Settings. 
Advanced Options Startup Settings
  • Click Restart when the Startup Settings window opens, prompting you to Restart to change Windows options. 
Startup settings restart
  • When Windows restarts, you can choose your preferred option: Enable Safe Mode, Enable Safe Mode with Networking, or Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt. Press 4, 5, or 6 (or F4, F5, F6) to select your preferred option. 
Startup settings Safe Mode

Sign in to Safe Mode with administrative privileges and make the changes you want to your user account. 

Method 2: Turn off your PC three times to start Safe Mode

When Windows 10 fails to boot normally three times in a row, it automatically boots up in the Automatic Repair mode the fourth time.

You can boot into Safe Mode by using this mode. Here’s how to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode while booting:

  • Turn off your computer. 
  • Turn on your computer by pressing and holding the power button. To restart Windows and shut down the computer, press and hold the power button when you see the small spinning circle of dots. Holding down the power button should take four to five seconds.
  • Repeat these actions three times. Restart your computer the fourth time and allow it to boot. This should enter the Automatic Repair mode.
Preparing Automatic Repair
  • Windows will diagnose your PC. Wait for it to complete. 
Diagnosing your PC
  • After completion, click Advanced options. 
Automatic Repair Advanced
  • Click Troubleshoot. 
Choose an option troubleshoot
  • Click Advanced options. 
Troubleshoot Advanced Options
  • Click Startup Settings.
Advanced Options Startup Settings
  • Click Restart.
Startup settings_restart

Your PC will restart. Choose from the options that appear. This is another effective way to boot Windows 10 Safe Mode from BIOS.

Related: How to Fix “Windows 10 Won’t Boot” Problem Easily 

Method 3: Use system configuration to start Safe Mode

If you can boot your Windows normally, you can use the system configuration to learn how to boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode.

Here’s how to do it:

Important
If you follow this method, Windows will always start in Safe Mode unless you undo the changes. 
  • Type msconfig in the search bar and click on the first result to open it. 
  • Select the Boot tab, then check Safe boot and select OK.
System Configuration safe boot
  • Click Restart when you get a prompt to restart your PC. 
If you want to disable the feature, follow the steps above, uncheck Safe boot, and click OK to apply the changes. 

Related: How to Change Boot Order in BIOS in Windows 10/11  

Method 4: Use Windows Settings to boot into Safe Mode

Here’s how to boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode using Windows settings if you can log into Windows:

  • Tap Windows + I on your keyboard to open the Settings window.
  • Click Update & Security. 
Update and Security
  • Press Recovery on the left sidebar and click Restart now in the Advanced startup section. 
Recovery restart now

Once Windows restarts, select Troubleshoot > Startup Settings > Restart. Then, select any of the three options to boot into Safe Mode. 

Related: How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows 10?

Method 5: Use the Command Prompt for Safe Mode boot

Here’s how to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode using the Command Prompt:

  • Type command prompt in the search bar and press Enter.
  • Enter the following command and press Enter: shutdown.exe /r /o
shutdown exe
  • You’ll receive a prompt that you’re about to sign out. Windows will load the Choose an option window when you’re signed out. 
  • Go through the process discussed in the previous methods: Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart. Then select any of three options using F4, F5, or F6.  

Method 6: Use Windows installation media and the Command Prompt to boot in Safe Mode

You can use a Windows 10 setup DVD or USB memory stick to boot your computer into Safe Mode.

Here’s how to boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode using installation media:

  • When you boot your computer from the installation media, wait for the installation wizard to load. 
  • After selecting your preferred language and keyboard layout, click Next.
  • Click Repair your computer. 
Windows repair your computer
  • Click Troubleshoot. 
Choose an option troubleshoot
  • Click Command Prompt (Use the Command Prompt for advanced troubleshooting)
Advanced options Command Prompt
  • Type the following command and press Enter: bcdedit /set {default} safeboot minimal.
the operation completed succesfully
  • Click Continue when the operation completes.
Choose an option Continue

Windows will start in Safe Mode when your computer restarts. Sign in to your user account with administrative privileges and make the necessary changes. 

Important
Remember that when you use this method, your Windows will automatically boot into Safe Mode and keep doing so until you change it. 

Repeat the process discussed above and enter the following command to disable this setting and restore Windows 10 to a normal boot: bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot

How to Get Out of Safe Mode

When you have finished troubleshooting your computer, there are two methods you can use to get out of Safe Mode.

The easiest method is to restart your PC. To do this, click Start, then Power, then Restart. Alternatively, hold down the PC’s power button.

Use the system configuration

If Windows remains in Safe Mode even after restarting, do the following:

  • Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type msconfig and press Enter.
  • Click the Boot tab.
  • Make sure that Safe boot is unchecked under Boot options. Then click OK and restart your PC again.

Booting in Safe Mode: Explained

We’ve examined how to boot in Safe Mode on Windows 10, an essential diagnostic tool for fixing system problems.

Safe Mode provides a controlled environment to help you diagnose and fix various problems, from malware infections to software conflicts.

Go through this guide and use any methods discussed to boot into Safe Mode.

If you’ve found this article helpful, share it with friends who might need it and let us know your thoughts in the comments!

FAQ

Yes. Safe Mode is a helpful troubleshooting tool for fixing various issues. It lets your computer start with the necessary drivers and system files, bypassing unnecessary programs or settings. This uncomplicated setting helps you locate and separate issues brought on by malware infections, damaged drivers, and program conflicts. Booting into Safe Mode allows you to find and fix common issues, such as blue screen errors, startup issues, failed program installations, and other system glitches. 
If your system stops working or has major issues that usually prohibit it from starting, you can still troubleshoot it using Safe Mode. Forcing a system to shut down and then start again is one method of forcing it into Safe Mode. Press and hold the power button to shut down the computer in order to accomplish this completely. To reach the Advanced Boot Options menu, turn on the computer and press the relevant key or combination of keys during the startup phase. Following that, you can select Safe Mode to go into the troubleshooting environment and attempt to resolve the issue with the system at its core.
The ways to enter Recovery Mode in Windows 10 include installation media, the Settings app, or the sign-in screen. You can click on the Start menu and choose the gear symbol to launch Settings to access Recovery Mode using the Settings app. Proceed to Update & Security > Recovery. In the Advanced startup section, select the “Restart now” option. The Advanced options menu will show up when the computer restarts, giving you access to additional recovery options and the ability to fix various system problems. 
If pressing F8 doesn’t work, there are alternative ways to enter Safe Mode on your computer. Pressing Windows key + R, inputting “msconfig,” and pressing Enter will open the Run dialog box. Select the Boot tab in the System Configuration window, then check the box next to Safe boot. Next, choose the type of Safe Mode to boot into (Network, Minimal, or Alternate shell), click Apply, and then click OK. After you restart your computer, it should enter Safe Mode. Another method is to use the Recovery Environment to get into Safe Mode.