How To Start your PC in Safe Mode in Windows

Last Updated : 19 Feb, 2026

Safe Mode is a built-in troubleshooting environment in Windows 10 and 11 that loads only essential drivers and services. It helps you diagnose software errors, driver conflicts, malware issues, and boot problems. This guide explains all reliable methods to start Windows in Safe Mode, along with clear steps for normal Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking, and Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

Types of Safe Mode

  1. Safe Mode (Minimal): Loads only essential system drivers.
  2. Safe Mode with Networking: Includes network drivers for internet access.
  3. Safe Mode with Command Prompt: Opens directly into Command Prompt for advanced troubleshooting.

Quick Commands:

  • Safe Mode: bcdedit /set {current} safeboot minimal
  • Safe Mode with Networking: bcdedit /set {current} safeboot network

Restart after applying any command.

How to Start PC in Safe Mode in Windows

To Launch Windows on Safe Mode, the following guidelines should properly be used. Let's understand all methods in detailed steps along with their screenshots.

1. Using the Settings Menu (Win 10 &11)

The first method to boot your Windows 10/11 PC in the Safe Mode is by using te Windows Settings Menu (typically the basic mode). Let's check out the detailed steps to perform this action:

Step 1: Open Settings

  • Press Windows + I or select Settings from the Start Menu.a
Settings-01
Settings

Step 2: Open Recovery Options

  • Go to Update & Security > Recovery.
  • Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
Windows-Update

Step 3: Navigate to Troubleshoot

  • After restart → select Troubleshoot.
System-Recovery
System Recovery

Step 4: Open Startup Settings

  • Select Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.

Step 5: Choose Safe Mode
Press:

  • F4 → Safe Mode
  • F5 → Safe Mode with Networking
  • F6 → Safe Mode with Command Prompt

select any of these option as per your need and your Windows 10/11 PC will enter into the Safe Mode.

2. Using the System Configuration

You can perform a Safe Mode in Windows using the System Configuration. Here's what need to do to perform this action:

Step 1: Open System Configuration

  • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, press Enter.
Run-04
Run

Step 2: Enable Safe Boot

  • In the Boot tab → select Safe boot.

Step 3: Choose Safe Mode Type

  • Minimal → Normal Safe Mode
  • Network → Safe Mode with Networking
  • Alternate shell → Safe Mode with Command Prompt
System-Configuration-05
System Configuration 05

Step 4: Restart

  • Click OK > Restart.

To exit Safe Mode: Uncheck Safe boot in msconfig and restart.

3. Using the Power Menu (Win 10 & 11)

Windows Power Menu option can be a good choice for beginners whether it's Windows 10 or 11, it fits on both Windows OS. Here's what needs to be done:

Step 1: Open Start Menu → click Power.
Step 2: Hold Shift and click Restart.

win-shift
Click Restart + Shift Key

Step 3: Select Troubleshoot.

troubleshoots
Choose Troubleshoot

Step 4: Go to Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.

advance-options
Select Advanced options

Step 5: Choose one of the Safe Mode options:

  • 4 → Safe Mode
  • 5 → Safe Mode with Networking
  • 6 → Safe Mode with Command Prompt
restart-options
Restart options

Note: A physical keyboard is required on the Startup Settings screen.

4. Force Restart PC

Use only if your PC is not booting normally.

Step 1: Interrupt Startup

  • Turn the PC on → when the Windows logo appears, hold the power button to force shutdown.
  • Repeat 2–3 times.
  • On the third attempt, Windows automatically opens Advanced Startup.

Step 2: Select Troubleshoot.

advanced-win
Select "Advanced Options"

Step 3: Go to Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
Step 4: Choose your Safe Mode option (4/5/6).

Important:Forced shutdowns may harm system files. Use this only when necessary.

5. Using a Bootable USB or Recovery Drive

If you face difficulty while performing the above methods, you may try using a Bootable USB or recovery drive to perform a Safe Mode booting in Windows 10 or 11. Here's a detailed break down for performing it:

Step 1: Insert a bootable USB or recovery drive.
Step 2: Restart and enter BIOS/UEFI (F2, F12, ESC, or DEL).
Step 3: Boot from the USB/Recovery drive → select Troubleshoot.
Step 4: Go to Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
Step 5: After restarting, select the appropriate Safe Mode option by pressing:

  • 4 for Safe Mode
  • 5 for Safe Mode with Networking
  • 6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

Common Issues During Safe Mode

  • Blue Screen (BSOD): Safe Mode helps identify faulty drivers or updates.
  • System Restore: Use System Restore from Advanced options to revert to a previous working state.
  • Keyboard Not Working: Try a USB keyboard or update BIOS/UEFI.
  • Stuck on Logo: Use System Restore or Startup Repair.
  • Cannot Exit Safe Mode:
    • Run msconfig, uncheck Safe boot, restart.

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