Start and Boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode

If you’re one of the many, many users who faced some issues after they’ve installed new hardware or software on their Windows 10, then here are some tips on how to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode to solve your problems.

First of all let’s see what is Safe Mode and what does it do.

What is Safe Mode?

Safe Mode is a kind of a new user profile on your computer that has little features, a minimum of files, apps, drivers and so on, all being required to boot your PC. You can access your files with your mouse and keyboard; you will not have the sound driver active either, internet, microphone and so on. You can use PowerShell, Command Prompt, Computer Manager, Event Log Viewer, Device Manager and even Internet Explorer.

Why Do We Use Safe Mode?

We use Safe Mode to fix some issues without overloading our OS or making it crass/ freeze by booting it normally. You can also use System Restore, check for viruses and malware while using minimal services and drivers and making your work a lot faster and easier.

There are two Safe Mode options: Safe Mode with Networking, and Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

Safe Mode with Networking

This Safe Mode will allow your computer to connect to the internet or any network. It is recommended to access websites that are safe because your PC is vulnerable and not protected when it’s in Safe Mode.

Safe Mode with Command Prompt

This Safe Mode is more advanced and is used only by experts as it doesn’t have a Desktop or as Start Menu that you can access.

There are different ways to boot Windows in Safe Mode. Here they are and the steps you must follow to do it.

1. Boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode With System Configuration Tool

Step 1. Click on Windows Logo Key + R to open ‘Run’ dialog box, type ‘msconfig.exe’ -> click ‘OK’.

Step 2. Select ‘Boot’ under ‘Boot Options’, select ‘Minimal’, -> click OK

Step 3. You can select ‘Exit without restart’ if you still have something else to do before entering Safe Mode or just select ‘Restart’ if you want to boot in Safe Mode right now.

Your system will restart in Safe Mode.

2. Boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode With Key Combination

This is a very easy method that you can use to boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode with either Networking or with Command Prompt.

Step 1. Click on Windows Logo Key or go to ‘Start’ menu. Click on the ‘Power’ button.

Step 2. Press and hold ‘Shift’ key and click ‘Restart’.

Step 3. A blue screen will show you more options. Choose ‘Troubleshoot.

Step 4. Select ‘Advanced options’ in the next screen.

Step 5. Select ‘Startup Settings’

Step 6. Press ‘Restart’ button.

Step 7. After you PC restarts it will prompt you a screen with 9 options and you will select either Safe Mode (press ‘4’ or ‘F4’), Safe Mode with Networking (press ‘5’ or ‘F5’) or Safe Mode with Command Prompt (press ‘6’ or ‘F6’).

After this last step you’ll boot your Windows 10 in the type of Safe Mode you want.

3. Boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode by Using Recovery Settings

This method will also allow both types of Safe Mode booting.

Step 1. Open Settings (from Notifications in the right corner from task bar or pressing Windows logo key + I.

Step 2. Select in Settings the option ‘Update & Security’.

Step 3. In the left sidebar you’ll select ‘Recovery’.

Step 4. Click under the ‘Recovery’ settings the ‘Restart now’ button from ‘Advanced startup’ section.

Step 5. You’ll see a blue screen after the PC restarts and you must select ‘Troubleshoot’ -> ‘Advanced options’ -> ‘Startup Settings’ -> ‘Restart’.

Step 6. You PC will restart and show you the same blue screen with the 9 options from which you must choose one of the three Safe Mode types (press 4/F4, 5/F5, 6/F6).

The PC will boot in the Safe Mode that you previously chose.

There are more other techniques for booting Windows 10 in Safe Mode such as Using an Installation Disk or Drive, Using Recovery Drive, or Using Automatic Repair Mode.