How to Enter Safe Mode in Windows 10

Safe Mode is a lifesaver when your Windows 10 computer isn’t working as it should. It starts your system with minimal features, loading only the essential programs and drivers. This makes it easier to troubleshoot problems like software conflicts, malware, or driver issues. Entering Safe Mode might seem a little tricky if you’ve never done it before, but it’s a straightforward process once you know how.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through multiple ways to enter Safe Mode, so you can fix your computer confidently.

What Is Safe Mode and Why Use It?

Safe Mode is a special mode in Windows 10 that loads your system with only the basic features required to run. It disables third-party software, non-essential drivers, and startup programs, making it easier to identify and fix problems.

When Should You Use Safe Mode?

1. Malware Removal: Some viruses and malware won’t run in Safe Mode, making them easier to remove.

2. Troubleshooting Errors: If your computer crashes, freezes, or runs slowly, Safe Mode can help you find the cause.

3. Driver Issues: Update or remove faulty drivers that might be causing problems.

4. Uninstalling Problematic Software: If an app is causing system errors, Safe Mode can help you uninstall it without interference.

Method 1: Enter Safe Mode from Settings

This method works well if you can access your desktop normally.

Steps:

1. Open Settings:

   • Click the Start Menu and select Settings (gear icon).

2. Go to Update & Security:

   • In the Settings window, click Update & Security.

3. Open Recovery Options:

   • In the left-hand menu, click Recovery.

   • Under the Advanced Startup section, click Restart Now.

4. Access Advanced Options:

   • Your computer will restart and display a blue screen with options. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings.

5. Enable Safe Mode:

   • Click Restart, then press 4 or F4 to enter Safe Mode.

This is the easiest way to access Safe Mode if your system is working but needs troubleshooting.

Method 2: Use the Shift + Restart Shortcut

If you can’t access Settings, the Shift + Restart shortcut is a quick alternative.

Steps:

1. Open the Power Menu:

   • Click the Start Menu, then select the Power button.

2. Hold Shift While Restarting:

   • Press and hold the Shift key, then click Restart.

3. Access Advanced Options:

   • After restarting, you’ll see a blue screen. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings.

4. Enable Safe Mode:

   • Click Restart, then press 4 or F4 for Safe Mode.

This method is especially useful when you can’t access Settings but your computer still starts up.

Method 3: Enter Safe Mode Using the F8 Key

The F8 key was a popular way to enter Safe Mode in older versions of Windows. In Windows 10, it’s disabled by default, but you can enable it manually.

Steps to Enable F8:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

   • Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).

2. Enable F8:

   • Type the following command and press Enter:

       bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy
     

3. Restart Your Computer:

   • After enabling this feature, restart your computer and press F8 repeatedly during startup.

4. Select Safe Mode:

   • Use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode and press Enter.

Enabling the F8 key can be handy if you frequently need to access Safe Mode.

Method 4: Boot Into Safe Mode When Windows Won’t Start

If your computer doesn’t boot properly, you can still access Safe Mode through recovery options.

Steps:

1. Interrupt the Boot Process:

   • Turn on your computer, then hold the power button to force it off when the Windows logo appears. Repeat this three times.

2. Access Automatic Repair:

   • On the fourth attempt, Windows will enter the Automatic Repair mode.

3. Select Advanced Options:

   • Click Advanced Options > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings.

4. Enable Safe Mode:

   • Restart your computer and press 4 or F4 for Safe Mode.

This method is perfect for troubleshooting serious startup issues.

Method 5: Use a Bootable USB Drive

If Windows doesn’t start at all, you can use a bootable USB drive to access Safe Mode.

Steps:

1. Create a Bootable USB Drive:

   • Download the Windows 10 installation media from Microsoft’s official site and create a bootable USB drive.

2. Boot from USB:

   • Insert the USB drive into your computer and restart. Press the key for boot options (usually F12, Esc, or Del) and select the USB drive.

3. Access Advanced Options:

   • Select Repair Your Computer, then go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings.

4. Enable Safe Mode:

   • Restart and press 4 or F4.

This method is great if you can’t access recovery options from your computer.

Types of Safe Mode in Windows 10

Windows 10 offers three different types of Safe Mode:

1. Safe Mode:

   • Loads only basic drivers and system files.

   • Use this for general troubleshooting.

2. Safe Mode with Networking:

   • Includes network drivers and services.

   • Ideal if you need internet access to download updates or drivers.

3. Safe Mode with Command Prompt:

   • Boots directly into the Command Prompt interface.

   • Useful for advanced troubleshooting, like repairing system files.

Choose the type of Safe Mode that fits your needs.

Tips for Troubleshooting in Safe Mode

1. Uninstall Problematic Software:

   • Go to Settings > Apps, find the problematic app, and uninstall it.

2. Update or Roll Back Drivers:

   • Open Device Manager, update outdated drivers, or roll back recent updates causing issues.

3. Run a Malware Scan:

   • Use antivirus software to scan and remove malware that might be affecting your system.

4. Perform System Restore:

   • In Control Panel, access System Restore to roll back to a previous, stable state.

How to Exit Safe Mode

Exiting Safe Mode is simple. Just restart your computer normally, and it will boot into standard mode. If it keeps booting into Safe Mode:

1. Open System Configuration:

   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.

2. Disable Safe Boot:

   • In the Boot tab, uncheck Safe Boot and click OK.

3. Restart Your Computer:

   • Restart to return to normal mode.

Conclusion

Safe Mode is a powerful tool for diagnosing and fixing problems in Windows 10. Whether you’re dealing with a virus, driver issues, or startup errors, entering Safe Mode gives you a clean environment to troubleshoot. With multiple methods to access Safe Mode, including settings, recovery options, and bootable drives, you’ll always have a way to resolve issues. Remember to exit Safe Mode properly once you’ve fixed the problem. Now you’re ready to take control of your computer and keep it running smoothly.

See you soon in the next windows 10 guide.