How to Use Safe Mode in Windows 10

Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

Windows 10Safe ModeTroubleshootingSystemStartupSettingsConfigurationRecoveryDiagnosticsPerformance

Operating systems can sometimes have problems, and Windows 10 is no exception. Whether it's caused by a virus, a buggy update, or faulty hardware, troubleshooting these problems can be difficult. This is especially true when your computer refuses to run properly, making it challenging to diagnose the problem. Fortunately, Windows 10 includes "Safe Mode," a special diagnostic mode designed to help you troubleshoot and solve problems. In this guide, we'll learn how to use Safe Mode in Windows 10, when and why you should use it, and the different ways to access it. This information will enable you to solve computer problems more easily.

What is safe mode?

Safe Mode is a built-in troubleshooting feature that allows you to start Windows in a minimal state. This means that only a limited number of files and drivers are loaded, which can help you identify the cause of problems in your system. In Safe Mode, unnecessary programs and processes are disabled, allowing you to focus on fixing the problem. This mode is especially useful for dealing with malware, resolving hardware driver conflicts, and rolling back problematic software updates.

When to use safe mode?

Safe Mode should be used when you're experiencing problems that prevent Windows from working normally. Here are some scenarios where Safe Mode can be particularly beneficial:

• Virus or malware attacks: Use Safe Mode to run antivirus software and remove stubborn malware that is interfering with normal system operations.
• Software conflicts: If new software installations cause system instability, boot into Safe Mode to uninstall them safely.
• Driver issues: When new hardware drivers cause problems, Safe Mode allows you to rollback or update them.
• Unstable system: When your system crashes frequently or displays blue screen errors, use Safe Mode to troubleshoot.

Different safe mode options

Windows 10 offers three different Safe Mode options:

• Safe Mode: This is the basic version of Safe Mode with the least number of drivers and services loaded.
• Safe Mode with Networking: This option includes network drivers and services that allow Internet access. Use it if you need to download drivers or updates to fix problems.
• Safe Mode with Command Prompt: This gives you a command-line interface instead of the usual Windows desktop. This is useful for advanced troubleshooting.

Ways to enter safe mode in Windows 10

Method 1: Using the Settings menu

You can access Safe Mode through the Windows Settings menu. Follow these steps:

1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings window.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Select Recovery from the left pane.
4. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
5. When your PC restarts, select Troubleshoot.
6. Go to Advanced options > Startup Settings.
7. Click Restart.
8. After your computer restarts, you will see a list of options. Press 4 or F4 to boot into Safe Mode. Press 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.

Method 2: Using the login screen

If you can't access the Settings menu, use the login screen to enter Safe Mode:

1. Restart your computer.
2. At the login screen, hold down the Shift key.
3. While holding down the Shift key, click the Power icon in the bottom right corner, then choose Restart.
4. Once your PC restarts, follow steps 5-8 of Method 1 to access Safe Mode.

Method 3: Using the recovery drive

If your computer doesn't boot normally, the recovery drive can help you access Safe Mode:

1. Insert the recovery USB drive into your computer.
2. Restart your computer and boot from the USB drive.
3. Select your keyboard layout if prompted.
4. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
5. At the Command Prompt, type bcdevent /set {default} safeboot minimal and press Enter.
6. Close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.
7. Windows will now start in safe mode.

Method 4: Invoking safe mode via system configuration

If you can access Windows normally, you can configure Safe Mode through the System Configuration tool:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type msconfig and press Enter.
3. In the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab.
4. Under Boot Options, check the Safe Boot checkbox.
5. Select Minimal for standard Safe Mode, or select Network for Safe Mode with Networking.
6. Click OK, then click Restart to boot into Safe Mode.

Exiting safe mode

After troubleshooting, you will want to boot back into normal mode. Below are the steps to exit safe mode:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type msconfig and press Enter.
3. Go to the Boot tab in the System Configuration window.
4. Uncheck the Safe Boot option.
5. Click OK to exit Safe Mode and then restart your computer.

General safe mode troubleshooting tips

While in Safe Mode, perform the following actions to resolve any issues your system might be facing:

• Run antivirus software: Make sure you have good antivirus software installed. Run a full scan to detect any malicious software that may interfere with your system.
• Uninstall problematic software: If you recently installed any new software, try uninstalling it to see if that resolves your problem.
• Update drivers: Use Device Manager to check for any hardware issues. Updating to the latest drivers may fix the problem.
• System Restore: If possible, try restoring your system to a level before problems began.

Additional considerations

While Safe Mode is a powerful tool, it cannot solve every problem. However, it can provide a stable environment to work on diagnosing more complex problems. If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps but to no avail, you may need to consider seeking professional help or performing a full system recovery.

Understanding how to navigate Safe Mode is a vital skill for any Windows user. The steps and tips shared here will help you take control when you encounter technical glitches and ensure you're well-prepared to deal with any system challenge you encounter.

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