/ How to

How to Boot Your Windows 10 PC into Safe Mode for Troubleshooting

Key takeaways:

  • Safe Mode starts Windows in a basic state, using a limited set of files and drivers to help you troubleshoot issues
  • There are three types of Safe Mode: Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking, and Safe Mode with Command Prompt
  • You can boot into Safe Mode from Settings, the sign-in screen, using System Configuration, or by forcing Automatic Repair mode

If you’re experiencing problems with your Windows 10 PC, booting into Safe Mode can be a helpful troubleshooting step. Safe Mode starts Windows in a basic state, using a limited set of files and drivers. This can help you narrow down the source of a problem, as it allows you to test if the issue persists in this stripped-down environment.

Understanding Safe Mode

When you boot into Safe Mode, Windows loads only the essential drivers and services needed to run the operating system. This includes the basic display driver, keyboard driver, and other critical components. Any third-party drivers, startup programs, or services that normally load with Windows are disabled.

There are three types of Safe Mode available in Windows 10:

  • Safe Mode: This is the most basic version, which loads only the minimum drivers and services necessary to start Windows.
  • Safe Mode with Networking: This mode includes the network drivers and services needed to access the internet and other computers on your network, in addition to the basic Safe Mode components.
  • Safe Mode with Command Prompt: This mode is similar to regular Safe Mode, but instead of loading the normal graphical user interface, it starts with the Command Prompt as the default shell.

Booting into Safe Mode from Settings

If you’re already logged into Windows 10, you can boot into Safe Mode directly from the Settings app:

  1. Open the Start menu and click on the gear icon to open Settings
  2. Navigate to Update & Security > Recovery
  3. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now
  4. After your PC restarts to the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart
  5. Once your PC restarts, you’ll see a list of options. Press 4 or F4 to start in Safe Mode, 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking, or 6 or F6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Accessing Safe Mode from the Sign-in Screen

You can also boot into Safe Mode from the Windows sign-in screen, even if you can’t log into your account:

  1. On the sign-in screen, hold down the Shift key while clicking the Power button, then click Restart
  2. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart as described in the previous section
  3. Choose your desired Safe Mode option by pressing the corresponding key

Using System Configuration to Boot into Safe Mode

The System Configuration utility, also known as msconfig, provides another way to access Safe Mode:

  1. Open the Run dialog box by pressing Windows key + R
  2. Type msconfig and press Enter
  3. In the System Configuration window, switch to the Boot tab
  4. Under Boot options, check the box next to Safe boot
  5. Choose Minimal for regular Safe Mode, Alternate shell for Safe Mode with Command Prompt, or Network for Safe Mode with Networking
  6. Click OK and restart your computer to boot into the selected Safe Mode

Forcing Automatic Repair Mode

If Windows fails to boot normally three times in a row, it will automatically enter Automatic Repair mode. From there, you can access the Startup Settings and choose Safe Mode:

  1. If Windows doesn’t start properly, let it fail three times in a row to trigger Automatic Repair
  2. On the Automatic Repair screen, click Advanced options
  3. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart
  4. Choose your preferred Safe Mode option from the list

Once you’ve booted into Safe Mode, you can perform troubleshooting steps like uninstalling recently added hardware or software, running a virus scan, or using System Restore to revert your system to a previous state. When you’re done troubleshooting, simply restart your PC to exit Safe Mode and boot back into normal mode.

FAQ

What is Safe Mode in Windows 10?

Safe Mode is a diagnostic startup mode in Windows that loads a minimal user interface with only the essential files and drivers required to run the operating system. It’s designed to help troubleshoot and resolve issues with your PC.

How do I know if my PC is in Safe Mode?

When your PC is in Safe Mode, you’ll see “Safe Mode” displayed in the corners of your screen. The resolution may also appear lower than usual, as Windows uses a basic display driver in this mode.

Can I access the internet in Safe Mode?

Yes, if you choose the “Safe Mode with Networking” option, Windows will load the network drivers and services needed to connect to the internet and other computers on your network.

How do I exit Safe Mode?

To exit Safe Mode, simply restart your PC. It should automatically boot back into normal mode. If it continues to boot into Safe Mode, you can use the System Configuration utility (msconfig) to disable the Safe Mode boot option.

Related Posts