How to Boot Into Safe Mode in Windows 10

Safe mode starts Windows in a basic state, where it use a limited set of files and drivers. And you should boot in Safe Mode when you're troubleshooting an issue, or if Windows 10 won't start normally

By Leonard Sears Last updated Sep 9, 2023

Sometimes you really need to boot your PC into safe mode when a critical problem interferes with normal Windows functions. It is also widely used for removing rogue security software. In windows 8, 8.1, it’s a little bit tough. But in windows 10, booting into safe mode is quite easy. Sometimes you may face any blue screen error in your windows. Safe mode is important to fix blue screen errors. So you need to know this trick How to Boot Into Safe Mode in Windows 10

When you start Windows 10 in Safe Mode, your PC boot with most of its nonessential features disabled. And by doing so Safe Mode allows users to troubleshoot and determine the cause behind the malfunction

How to Boot Into Safe Mode in Windows 10?

To start Windows 10 in Safe Mode, follow the steps below-

Go to Update & security > Recovery from the settings menu. Now click on restart from Advance Startup. It will restart your PC in recovery mode.

After restarting your PC, you will see three options. These are Continue, Troubleshoot, and Turn off your PC. That means you are in recovery mode now. Click on Troubleshoot.

Now you will see there are two options. One is Reset this PC and another one is Advanced Options. Click one Advanced Options.

In the Advanced Options window, you will see there are a few options available such as System Restore, System Image Recovery, Command Prompt, Startup Repair, Startup Settings, and Go back to the previous build. Click on Startup Settings to change windows startup behaviors.

Now click on Restart in startup settings. Your PC will restart now.

After restarting your PC, you will see a light blue screen of the startup settings menu. You can choose your options by using your keyboard number buttons or function keys. For example:
To start Windows 10 in Safe Mode, press F4 or 4 from your keyboard. For safe mode with networking, press F5 or 5. For safe mode with the command prompt, press F6 or 6. You can also boot your PC in normal mode by pressing enter.

Alternative Methods to Boot into Safe Mode in Windows 10

You also can boot into safe mode in Windows 10 by following other methods. These are-

MSConfig:

To do it-

Press Windows Logo+R from you Keyboard.
Type MSCONFIG and Press Enter.
Select Boot tab.
Then check Safe Boot.
Then click on OK and Apply.
Restart your PC

Enabling Legacy Advanced Boot Menu:

You also can boot into safe mode in windows 10 by the common method. That is F8 key method. But it may not work for all modern PC.

Press Windows key + S type cmd, Right-click on the command prompt select run as administrator,
Type command BCDEDIT /SET {DEFAULT} BOOTMENUPOLICY LEGACY and press enter key to Enable Legacy Advanced Boot Menu
Now close the command prompt and restart your PC,
When your PC starts, repeatedly press F8 or Shift+F8 before the Windows logo shows up to open the advanced boot menu.

Shift+Restart Method:

This is also a very easy method to boot into safe mode in Windows 10. From Power in Start Menu, Click on Restart by pressing Shift on your Keyboard. Else everything is like the first method. You can also do it from your lock screen. To do it

Click on Power Icon in lock screen.
Press+Hold Shift and click on Restart.
Then you will see a new blue screen with some options.
Go to Troubleshot > Advanced Options.
Then click on Start Up Settings and Restart.

Bootable Media Method

Sometimes, You may be restricted to access your PC by any of a windows error. Most of cases, It can be a blue screen of death error. In that case, You can use your bootable windows media to boot into safe mode. Let’s know how to do it –

Insert your Bootable Pendrive or DVD into your PC.
Restart your PC.
You may be asked to Press Any Key to Continue. Just press any of the buttons of your keyboard.
Now windows setup box will appear. Click Next.
Now click on Repair your Computer
Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options.
Now click on Startup Settings and restart your PC.
After restarting your PC, You will see the advanced boot menu.
Now select Safe Mode and press Enter.

Sometimes, You may not be asked to press any key to continue. In that case, You have to select the first boot source manually. You can do this from your BIOS menu or by Pressing F8 during computer power up.

How to leave Windows 10 Safe Mode?

So, when you’re done with Safe Mode, it’s easy to get out. Just restart your computer:

Click the Start button.
Select Power.
Select Restart, You will be returned to normal Windows 10.