How to Boot in Safe Mode on Windows 10 & 11 (2026 Guide)

Kona July 10, 2026


 

How to Boot in Safe Mode on Windows 10 & 11: The Complete, Step‑by‑Step Guide (2026)

If your PC won’t start normally, keeps crashing, or you suspect malware, booting into Safe Mode is often the first step to resolve the issue. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to boot in Safe Mode on Windows 10 and 11 using every common method, plus how to troubleshoot when Safe Mode won’t start and how to get back to normal boot afterward.

What Is Safe Mode and Why Use It?

Safe mode is a diagnostic startup mode in Windows that loads only essential drivers and services. It creates a minimal startup environment so you can:

  • Remove malware or viruses

  • Uninstall bad drivers or updates

  • Fix blue screens (BSOD), black screens, and startup loops

  • Run system tools like SFC, CHKDSK, and System Restore

Think of it as a “clean boot” troubleshooting mode where most third‑party software and non‑core drivers are disabled.

Safe Mode Types Explained

When you enter Safe Mode, Windows usually offers three main options:

  • Safe Mode (Minimal) – Loads basic drivers only; no network. Best for removing malware or testing core system stability.

  • Safe Mode with Networking – Same as above, but with network drivers so you can access the internet (useful for downloading tools or updates).

  • Safe Mode with Command Prompt – Starts Windows in Safe Mode and opens a Command Prompt instead of the normal desktop. Used by advanced users for command‑line repairs.

Choose the one that matches your goal (e.g., “with Networking” if you need online antivirus scans).

How to Boot in Safe Mode on Windows 11

Method 1: From Settings (Easiest for Most Users)

Use this if you can reach the desktop or at least the Settings app.

  1. Open Settings → System → Recovery.dell+1

  2. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.

  3. After reboot, choose Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.

  4. When the PC restarts again, press:

    • 4 or F4 for Safe Mode

    • 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking

    • 6 or F6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Your PC will then boot into the selected Safe Mode.

Method 2: From the Sign‑in / Lock Screen

Useful if you can’t log in but the lock screen loads.

  1. On the sign‑in screen, hold Shift and click the Power icon → Restart (keep holding Shift).

  2. Continue from step 3 in Method 1 (Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart).

Method 3: Using msconfig (System Configuration)

Good if you want Windows to keep booting into Safe Mode until you change it back.

  1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, press Enter.

  2. Go to the Boot tab.

  3. Under Boot options, check Safe boot and choose:

    • Minimal (normal Safe Mode)

    • Network (Safe Mode with Networking)

  4. Click OK → Restart.

    Important: After fixing your issue, return to msconfig and uncheck “Safe boot”, then restart to exit Safe Mode.

Method 4: Using Command Prompt (Advanced)

Use this if you’re comfortable with commands or following a tutorial.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

  2. To enable Safe Mode (Minimal), run:

    text
    bcdedit /set {default} safeboot minimal

  3. To enable Safe Mode with Networking:

    text
    bcdedit /set {default} safeboot network

  4. Restart your PC.

To exit Safe Mode later:

text
bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot

Then restart.

How to Boot in Safe Mode on Windows 10

The steps are almost identical to Windows 11.

From Settings

  1. Open Settings → Update & Security → Recovery.

  2. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.

  3. Then: Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.

  4. Press 4/5/6 (or F4/F5/F6) for your desired Safe Mode type.

From the Sign‑in Screen

  1. On the login screen, hold Shift → click Power → Restart.

  2. Continue as above via Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings.

Using msconfig or CMD

Same commands and steps as Windows 11:

  • msconfig → Boot tab → Safe boot

  • bcdedit /set {default} safeboot minimal or network

How to Boot in Safe Mode When Windows Won’t Start Normally

If Windows is stuck on a black screen, spinning dots, or automatic repair loop, try these:

Use Automatic Repair / Recovery Environment

  1. Force‑restart your PC 2–3 times during boot (hold the power button as soon as you see the logo).

  2. Windows should enter Automatic Repair → Advanced options.

  3. From there: Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart → choose Safe Mode.

Use a Windows Installation USB

If recovery doesn’t appear:

  1. Create a Windows 10/11 installation USB on another PC.

  2. Boot from the USB → Repair your computer → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings or Command Prompt.

  3. From Command Prompt, use bcdedit commands to enable Safe Mode.

What to Do After Booting into Safe Mode

Once in Safe Mode, focus on the root problem:

  • Remove malware

    • Run your installed antivirus or a dedicated scanner (e.g., Malwarebytes).

  • Uninstall bad drivers or updates

    • Settings → Apps → Installed apps (or “Programs and Features”) → uninstall recent updates or drivers.

    • Device Manager → right‑click problematic driver → Uninstall device.superuser+1

  • Run system repair tools

    • In Command Prompt (Admin):

      text
      sfc /scannow
chkdsk C: /f /r

    • Use System Restore from Advanced options to roll back to a known good point.

  • Test clean boot behavior

    • If the system is stable in Safe Mode but not normal mode, the issue is likely third‑party software or drivers. Use msconfig to disable startup items and services gradually.

How to Exit Safe Mode and Boot Normally

Many users get stuck here, so follow the correct method for how you entered Safe Mode.

If You Used Settings / Shift+Restart / Startup Settings

  • Simply restart your PC normally (Start → Power → Restart).

  • Windows should boot in normal mode automatically.

If You Used msconfig

  1. Open msconfig again.

  2. Go to the Boot tab.

  3. Uncheck “Safe boot”.

  4. Click OK → Restart.

If You Used bcdedit

Run in Admin Command Prompt:

text
bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot

Then restart.

If your PC keeps booting into Safe Mode, double‑check msconfig and BCD; sometimes both were modified.

Common FAQs About Booting in Safe Mode

Why doesn’t F8 work for Safe Mode on Windows 10/11?

Microsoft disabled the classic F8 advanced boot menu by default to speed up boot times. You must use Settings → Recovery → Advanced startup, Shift+Restart, msconfig, or bcdedit instead.

Will booting into Safe Mode delete my files?

No. Safe Mode does not delete your personal files. It only changes which drivers and services load during startup. Your documents, photos, and apps remain intact.

Can I use the internet in Safe Mode?

Only if you choose Safe Mode with Networking. Normal Safe Mode disables most network drivers, so browsers and online tools won’t work.

Why is my PC stuck in a Safe Mode loop?

Common causes:

  • Safe boot still enabled in msconfig

  • BCD still configured with safeboot

  • A driver or update forcing repeated failures, pushing Windows back into recovery

Fix by clearing Safe Boot in msconfig and/or running:

text
bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot

Then restart.

Is it safe to use Safe Mode for banking or browsing?

Safe Mode is mainly for troubleshooting, not daily use. Some security features and services may not run fully. Use it only as needed to fix issues, then return to normal mode.

Device‑Specific Tips (HP, Dell, Lenovo, Asus, Surface)

The Safe Mode steps are the same across brands, but a few notes help:

  • HP / Dell / Lenovo laptops: If the manufacturer logo screen hangs, force‑restart 2–3 times to trigger Automatic Repair, then use Advanced options → Startup Settings.

  • Surface devices: Hold Volume Up while pressing and releasing Power to enter recovery, then follow the Troubleshoot path to Startup Settings.

  • Custom/gaming PCs: If you have fast boot or custom UEFI settings, disabling Fast Boot in UEFI can make it easier to access recovery and boot options.

When Safe Mode Won’t Work at All

If you can’t enter Safe Mode or it crashes immediately:

  • Run Startup Repair from Advanced options.

  • Run System Restore to a point before the problem started.

  • Use Command Prompt in recovery to run:

    text
    sfc /scannow /offbootdir=C:\ /offwindir=C:\Windows
chkdsk C: /f /r

  • If all else fails, consider Reset this PC (keeping files) from the Recovery options, or seek professional repair.youtube+1

Quick Checklist: How to Boot in Safe Mode

Use this as a fast reference while troubleshooting:

  • Can you reach desktop or Settings? → Use Settings → Recovery → Advanced startup.

  • Stuck at login screen? → Use Shift + Restart from the Power menu.

  • Windows won’t start at all? → Force restart to trigger Automatic Repair → Advanced options → Startup Settings.

  • Want repeated Safe Mode boots? → Use msconfig or bcdedit.

  • Need to exit Safe Mode? → Undo msconfig/bcdedit changes, then restart normally.

Kona

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