How to Start Windows in Safe Mode (And Why You'd Need To)

Windows Safe Mode is a powerful troubleshooting tool that can help you fix various issues with your computer. Learn how to access and use Safe Mode effectively in this ultimate guide.

What is Windows Safe Mode?

Windows Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode built into the Windows operating system that boots up your computer with a bare minimum of drivers and services. Safe mode will assist you in troubleshooting and resolving issues that may be preventing your computer from booting properly. Only necessary system files and drivers are loaded when you start your computer into Safe Mode, which can assist in isolating and identifying the source of the problem. Safe mode helps you undertake troubleshooting procedures like uninstalling malfunctioning software or drivers, eradicating malware, or repairing system files without being interrupted by extraneous programs or activities.

How to Access Safe Mode on Windows

Entering Safe Mode in Windows 10 and 11 is useful for troubleshooting system issues or removing problematic software because it starts Windows with minimal drivers and services. There are several ways to access Safe Mode:

Method 1 - Use the "Shift + Restart" Option

1. Click the "Start" button or press the Windows key.
2. Click the "Power" button while holding down the Shift key on your keyboard.
3. Click "Restart." Your computer will restart and present you with the "Choose an option" screen.
4. Select "Troubleshoot."
5. Select "Advanced options."
6. Under "Advanced options," select "Startup Settings."
7. Click "Restart" to access the "Startup Settings" screen.
8. On the "Startup Settings" screen, press the number key corresponding to "Enable Safe Mode." Typically, it's either 4 or F4.

Method 2 - Use the "msconfig" Utility

1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the "Run" dialogue.
2. Type msconfig and press Enter.
3. In the System Configuration window, go to the "Boot" tab.
4. Under the "Boot options" section, check the "Safe boot" box. You can choose one of three Safe Mode options:
   • Minimal - Standard Safe Mode with basic drivers and services.
   • Alternate shell - Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
   • Active Directory repair - Used for repairing a Windows Server domain controller.
5. Click "OK" and then choose to "Restart" your computer to enter Safe Mode.

Method 3 - Use the Shift + Restart Option from the Sign-in Screen

If you can't log in to Windows because of a problem, you can access the "Shift + Restart" option from the sign-in screen.

1. On the Windows sign-in screen, click the "Power" button icon in the lower-right corner.
2. Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard.
3. While holding Shift, click "Restart."
4. Follow the steps in "Method 1" to access Safe Mode.

Once in Safe Mode, you can troubleshoot and diagnose issues with your Windows 10 system. When you've finished, restart your computer to exit Safe Mode. Because Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode, various features and functions may be restricted or disabled. Use Safe Mode to troubleshoot and repair problems with your computer, and then restart it normally to exit Safe Mode.

Troubleshooting Common Issues in Safe Mode

Safe mode is a useful tool for debugging various computer issues. Here are some typical issues that can be resolved while in Safe Mode:

1. Incompatible software - If you're having crashes or freezes, it could be because of incompatible software. You can delete recently installed programs or drivers that may be generating issues in Safe Mode.
2. Virus or malware removal - Safe Mode can assist you in removing stubborn viruses or malware that might otherwise be difficult to remove in normal mode. Do a full system scan using your antivirus program to detect and eliminate threats.
3. System performance issues: If your computer is running slowly or has performance problems, Safe Mode lets you find and stop unnecessary startup programs or services that may consume system resources.
4. Display or graphics issues: If you're experiencing display problems, such as distorted images or a blank screen, Safe Mode can assist you in troubleshooting and updating your graphics drivers.
5. Blue screen of death (BSOD) issues: If you're continually getting BSOD errors, Safe Mode can assist you in figuring out which driver or software is causing the problem. After that, you can take the necessary measures to repair or upgrade the malfunctioning component.

Remember that Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode and may not permanently fix all issues. However, it can assist you in identifying and addressing issues that may be keeping your computer from running correctly.

Using Safe Mode to Uninstall Problematic Software

One of the main advantages of using Safe Mode is removing troublesome software that may be causing conflicts or crashes on your computer. Boot your computer into Safe Mode and navigate to the Control Panel. Depending on your Windows version, you can reach the "Programmes and Features" or "Add or Remove Programmes" area from there. You'll find a list of all the installed programs on your computer here. Look for and choose any recently installed software that may be causing problems. Click the "Uninstall" or "Remove" button to remove the software from your system. After uninstalling the troublesome software, restart your computer in normal mode to see if the problem has been resolved. If you need further help, you may need to troubleshoot or get professional support.

Recovering Files and Data in Safe Mode

You can also use Safe Mode to recover files and data from your PC. When you start your computer in Safe Mode, you'll have access to a limited range of drivers and services, which can help prevent conflicts while accessing your files. This is especially important if you have problems with your operating system or can't access specific files or folders. Navigate to the required area and copy the files to an external storage device, such as a USB drive or an external hard drive, to recover files and data in Safe Mode. After successfully recovering your files, you can proceed with further troubleshooting or, if necessary, seek professional assistance.