Getting your Windows 10 PC into Safe Mode is a super handy trick for fixing all sorts of computer headaches. It basically starts your computer with just the bare necessities, disabling non-essential programs and drivers. This stripped-down environment makes it much easier to pinpoint and resolve problems such as stubborn viruses, software conflicts, or driver issues. You’ll mostly access it through your computer’s Advanced Startup Options, a special menu that pops up before Windows fully loads. Just a few clicks, and you’re in.
Tutorial – How to Start in Safe Mode Windows 10
Sometimes your computer acts up, and you need a special way to get it running just enough to fix things. This guide will walk you through the most common and reliable method for entering Safe Mode in Windows 10, where you can troubleshoot issues without interference from unnecessary software.
Step 1: Open your computer’s Settings.
You’ll want to start by clicking the Start button, which usually looks like a small Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of your screen, then clicking the gear-shaped icon to open the Settings menu. This is your central hub for making all sorts of changes to how your computer operates.
If you are already experiencing issues and can’t get to the desktop, don’t worry, there are other ways to get to Safe Mode, which we will touch on later in the tips section. For now, we’re assuming you can still navigate Windows 10 normally.
Step 2: Navigate to the Update & Security section.
Once the Settings window is open, look for and click the “Update & Security” option, which often has an icon resembling two curved arrows forming a circle. This section is where you manage Windows updates, backups, and, crucially for us, recovery options.
It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with this part of Settings, as it contains many tools that can help keep your computer running smoothly and securely. Think of it as your computer’s maintenance control panel.
Step 3: Select the Recovery tab.
On the left-hand side of the “Update & Security” window, you’ll see a list of categories. Click on “Recovery.” This tab is your gateway to advanced startup options, which include the path to Safe Mode.
The Recovery section is like your computer’s emergency toolkit, offering ways to reset your PC, go back to a previous version of Windows, or start up in special modes.
Step 4: Access Advanced Startup.
Under the “Advanced startup” heading, youwill see a button labeled “Restart now”; click it. This action will immediately restart your computer and take you to the Advanced Startup Options menu, a special blue screen, instead of booting directly into Windows.
Make sure you’ve saved any open work before clicking this, because your computer will restart right away. It’s like pressing the reset button, but with a friendly guide taking you to a special menu first.
Step 5: Choose Troubleshoot from the options.
Once your computer restarts and you see the blue “Choose an option” screen, click on “Troubleshoot.” This path leads to more in-depth problem-solving tools, including the ability to start in Safe Mode.
The “Troubleshoot” option is designed to help you fix common issues and is where Windows stores its more powerful diagnostic and repair utilities.
Step 6: Select Advanced options.
After clicking “Troubleshoot,” you’ll be presented with another screen. From there, select “Advanced options.” This will reveal a further set of tools for system recovery, startup repair, and, yes, startup settings.
These advanced options let you dive deeper into the system’s core functions, giving you control over how Windows starts and recovers from problems.
Step 7: Click on Startup Settings.
On the “Advanced options” screen, find and click on “Startup Settings.” This setting lets you change how Windows starts up, allowing you to enable Safe Mode.
This particular setting is often overlooked, but it’s exactly what we need to adjust the boot process for troubleshooting.
Step 8: Restart your computer.
You will now see a screen listing various startup options, including different versions of Safe Mode. Click the “Restart” button at the bottom right. This second restart will take you to the main menu, where you can select Safe Mode.
It might feel like a lot of restarting, but each restart is crucial for Windows to apply the changes needed to enter the specific boot environment you want.
Step 9: Select your desired Safe Mode option.
After the restart, your computer will display a menu with numbered options. Press the number key corresponding to the Safe Mode option you want. Typically, you’ll press ‘4’ for standard Safe Mode, ‘5’ for Safe Mode with Networking (if you need internet access), or ‘6’ for Safe Mode with Command Prompt (for advanced users).
Most of the time, option ‘4’ is all you’ll need to start troubleshooting. Just select the option that best suits your needs, and Windows will boot into that mode.
After you select your Safe Mode option and press the corresponding number, your Windows 10 computer will boot up in that special, stripped-down mode. You’ll notice the screen might look a bit different, possibly with “Safe Mode” written in the corners, and many of your usual desktop icons or background images might be missing. Don’t worry, this is normal and exactly what should happen. Your computer is now running with only the essential programs and drivers, making it ready for you to diagnose and resolve any issues you’re facing.
Tips for Starting in Safe Mode Windows 10
- Try the Shift+Restart trick for quick access: If your computer can still reach the login screen or desktop, hold down the Shift key while you click “Restart” in the Power options menu. This immediately takes you to the Advanced Startup Options screen, skipping a few steps.
- Know when to use Safe Mode with Networking: Most troubleshooting can be done in standard Safe Mode, but if you need to download drivers, scan for viruses with an online tool, or access online help, choose “Safe Mode with Networking” to keep your internet connection.
- Understand why Safe Mode is powerful: It disables third-party software and most drivers, which means if your problem goes away in Safe Mode, you know the issue is likely caused by one of those things, helping you narrow down the culprit.
- Always have a backup plan: Before trying to fix major computer issues, especially those requiring Safe Mode, always back up your important files. While Safe Mode is generally safe, troubleshooting can sometimes cause unexpected issues.
- Learn how to exit Safe Mode: To leave Safe Mode, simply restart your computer normally. Windows 10 is smart enough to boot back into its regular mode after a standard restart, unless there’s a serious underlying problem.
- Consider using System Restore points: If you enter Safe Mode and determine that a recent change caused your issue, you can use System Restore from Advanced Startup Options to restore your computer to an earlier state when it was working correctly.
What is Safe Mode, and why would I use it?
Safe Mode is a diagnostic startup mode for Windows that starts your computer with only the essential programs and services running. You would use it when your computer isn’t working right in its normal state, perhaps due to a virus, a bad driver, or a software conflict. It provides a clean environment to troubleshoot and fix these kinds of problems without interference from non-essential software.
How do I exit Safe Mode once I’m done?
Exiting Safe Mode is usually very straightforward. All you need to do is restart your computer normally. Once Windows 10 restarts, it should automatically boot back into its standard operating mode, with all your applications and drivers loaded as usual. You don’t need to do anything special to “turn off” Safe Mode after you’ve finished your troubleshooting.
What if my computer can’t even get to the desktop to access Settings?
If your computer is so messed up that it won’t even load to the desktop or login screen, you can often force it into the Advanced Startup Options. The trick is to interrupt the boot process three times. Turn on your PC, and as soon as you see the Windows logo, hold down the power button until it turns off. Repeat this two more times. On the third boot, Windows should automatically enter the recovery environment, where you can then follow the steps to get into Safe Mode.
Will starting in Safe Mode delete my files or permanently change my settings?
No, absolutely not. Starting your computer in Safe Mode is a temporary diagnostic step and will not delete any of your personal files, documents, pictures, or videos. It also won’t permanently change your system settings. When you exit Safe Mode, your computer should return to its previous state with all your settings intact. It’s a safe way to poke around and try to fix things without risking your data.
Can I still use the internet while in Safe Mode?
By default, the standard Safe Mode does not enable internet access. If you need to connect to the internet to download drivers, run online antivirus scans, or look up solutions, select “Safe Mode with Networking” when you’re presented with the numbered startup options. This version of Safe Mode loads the necessary network drivers to connect to the internet.
Summary of Starting in Safe Mode
- Open Settings.
- Go to Update & Security.
- Select Recovery.
- Click “Restart now” under Advanced startup.
- Choose Troubleshoot.
- Select Advanced options.
- Click Startup Settings.
- Restart computer again.
- Press number for desired Safe Mode option.
Conclusion
Getting comfortable with starting Windows 10 in Safe Mode is like having a secret weapon in your computer troubleshooting arsenal. It’s one of those essential skills that every Windows user should know, even if you hope you never have to use it. Think of it this way: your car has a “check engine” light that tells you something is wrong, but it doesn’t tell you what. Safe Mode is like taking your car to a special mechanic who can disable all the fancy electronics and gadgets, allowing them to focus solely on the engine’s core functions. If the engine runs fine without all the extra stuff, they know the problem isn’t the engine itself, but one of the accessories.
Similarly, when your Windows 10 computer is running slowly, crashing, or otherwise behaving erratically, Safe Mode provides a pristine environment for diagnosing the root cause. If your computer works perfectly in Safe Mode, you immediately know that the issue isn’t with Windows itself or your core hardware, but rather with a third-party application, a faulty driver, or perhaps a pesky virus. This narrows down your search significantly, saving you hours of frustration and potentially expensive repair bills. You can then systematically uninstall recently installed programs, update drivers, or run more thorough virus scans without interference.
Don’t let the idea of “advanced options” scare you away; the process, as we’ve walked through it, is quite straightforward once you know the steps. It’s designed to be accessible, even for those who aren’t tech gurus. Mastering this simple procedure empowers you to take control of your computer’s health, rather than feeling helpless when problems arise. So, the next time your PC starts throwing a tantrum, remember these steps. With Safe Mode, you’re not just restarting your computer; you’re restarting it with a plan, ready to tackle those digital gremlins head-on. Keep these instructions handy, and you’ll be well-equipped to keep your Windows 10 machine running smoothly for years to come.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.
Read his full bio here.
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