Safe mode is a basic diagnostic and troubleshooting mode that launches the operating system in a basic state that uses a limited set of files and drivers. A computer that cannot start normally should be able to start in Safe Mode. If a problem does not happen in safe mode, this means that default settings and basic device drivers are not causing the issue. Learning how to boot in safe mode is a first step to troubleshooting a computer.
There are two versions of safe mode: Safe Mode and Safe Mode with Networking. Safe Mode with Networking adds the network drivers and services you will need to access the internet and other computers on your network.
This article will teach you how to start Windows 10 in safe mode from Settings, from the sign-in screen, or from a black or blank screen.
From settings
- Press Windows + I to open Settings. Alternatively, select the Start button, then select Settings.
- Select Update & Security > Recovery.
- Open Recovery Settings.
- Under Advanced startup, select Restart now.
- After your PC restarts to the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- After the restart, you will see a list of options. Select 4 to start your PC in Safe Mode. Or if you'll need to use the internet, select 5 for Safe Mode with Networking.
From the sign-in screen
If you cannot access your Settings to get into safe mode, restart your device from the Windows sign-in screen.
- On the Windows sign-in screen, press and hold the Shift key while you select Power > Restart.
- After your PC restarts to the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- After the restart, you will see a list of options. Select 4 to start your PC in Safe Mode. Or if you will need to use the internet, select 5 for Safe Mode with Networking.
From a black or blank screen
Before you enter safe mode, you will need to enter the Windows Recovery Environment (winRE). To do this, you will be required to turn your device off, then on for a total of 3 times each:
- Hold down the power button for 10 seconds to turn off your device.
- Press the power button again to turn on your device.
- On the first sign that Windows 10 has started (for example, some devices show the manufacturer’s logo when restarting) hold down the power button for 10 seconds to turn off your device.
- Press the power button again to turn on your device.
- When Windows restarts, hold down the power button for 10 seconds to turn off your device.
- Press the power button again to turn on your device.
- Let your device fully restart after that you will enter winRE.
Once you get into the winRE, follow these steps to take you to safe mode:
- After your PC restarts to the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- After the restart, you will see a list of options. Select 4 to start your PC in Safe Mode. Or if you'll need to use the internet, select 5 for Safe Mode with Networking.
