How to Boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode

Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode in Windows 10 that helps enable system diagnostic and troubleshooting. Safe Mode has been designed to use minimal drivers and services and spot the issues caused by any software, virus or hardware. In addition to this, you must know how to turn on safe boot mode in Windows 10 when you encounter any issue with your Windows computer.

In this guide, we’ll explore various methods to easily boot your Windows 10 in Safe Mode, ensuring you can get back to a fully functioning state as quickly as possible.

Boot Into Safe Mode in Windows 10 - 5 Methods

Windows 10 grants you multiple pathways to reach Safe Mode. Familiarise yourself with these techniques to select the one that aligns with your specific situation:

Method 1: Using System Configuration (msconfig)

You can use the default method to boot your Windows PC safely in just a few steps. Here's how you can boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode using msconfig:

Step 1: Open System Configuration

Open the Run dialog by pressing Win + R and type msconfig and hit Enter.

Step 2: Enable Safe Mode

Go to the Boot tab and check the Safe boot option.

Step 3: Apply Changes & Restart

Check the "Safe boot" option in the Boot options section. Pick your preferred Safe Mode variant (Minimal, Network, etc.)

Method 2: Using Shift + Restart

You can use the Windows Settings to boot your Windows PC during startup. Here's how you can boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode using Windows Settings option:

Step 1: Open Settings

Tap the Start button and select Power.

Step 2: Restart Your Computer

Press and keep the Shift key down as you click on Restart.

Step 3: Navigate to Recovery

Your PC will reboot, under the Advanced Startup Options.

Step 4: Select Startup Settings

Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart

After the reboot, press 4 or F4 to Enable Safe Mode.

Method 3: Using the Sign-in Screen

Windows Sign-in Screen can be the best method to perform a Safe boot for Windows 10 users as it does not require any additional technicality. Here's what you need to do to for Windows 10 Safe Mode booting:

Step 1: Access the Power Options

Click the Power button from the sign-in screen of Windows 10 PC.

Step 2: Restart with Shift

Keep the "Shift" key pressed while you click on "Restart."

Step 3: Access the Startup Settings

Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart

After the reboot, press 4 or F4 to Enable Safe Mode.

Method 4: Advanced Startup (WinRE)

This is an uncommon method to slide your Windows 10 PC into the Safe mode option. Here's what you can do in this method:

Step 1: Interrupt Boot Process

Make a force interrupt during Windows Startup (up to 3 times) & this will automatically land your Windows System into the Safe Mode option.

Step 2: Access Advanced Startup

Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart

Step 3: Choose Safe Mode

After the reboot, press 4 or F4 to Enable Safe Mode.

Method 5: Using Windows 10 Installation USB/DVD

If none of these methods works, then you might consider to use Windows 10 Installation media to fix this error. Here's what you need to do:

Step 1: Create Installation Media

Use the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB.

Step 2: Boot from USB/DVD

Insert the USB drive and restart the computer and boot from the USB.

Step 3: Access Repair Options

Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart

Step 4: Choose Safe Mode

After the reboot, press 4 or F4 to Enable Safe Mode.

How to Exit Safe Mode

Exiting the Safe Mode is as important as entering it & that's why once you're done with the troubleshooting, you can get follow the below outlined steps to exit from the Safe Mode.

1. Press Win + R & type msconfig & hit the enter button.
2. In the System Configuration, go to the Boot tab.
3. Uncheck the box for Safe Boot.
4. Click Apply and Restart your computer will initiate a reboot into the Normal Mode.

Following these simple steps will take your computer out of Safe Mode and bring it back to normal mode, allowing you to resume your regular tasks.

Conclusion

Booting Windows 10 into the Safe Mode is a powerful and the most effective method of resolving and troubleshooting system related issues. Whether your system encounters any malware issue, or having any conflicts with software or driver, choosing the Safe Mode option is always the best method to encounter such issues. By following the above-mentioned 5 steps, you can easily boot into the Safe Mode and make your system smooth and secure.

Also Read

• How to Start Your Mac in Safe Mode?
• How to Fix System Errors in Windows Safe Mode?
• How to Boot Into Safe Mode on Windows 11?