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LAST UPDATED: MARCH 30, 2023

How to Boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode

    How to Boot Windows 10  in Safe Mode

    The way through which you can detect and also troubleshoot your Windows 10 System issues is the Safe Mode. It is a boot option allowing users to boot their computers with limited services and apps.

    The safe mode boots the computer with a limited source or application and thus acts as a troubleshooting option for Windows.

    To fix any issue with Windows computers, the safe mode becomes a real key. You can detect the application on your PC that is triggering the problem, easily by booting your system into the Safe Mode.

    Here, in this article, we will tell you the different ways that allow Windows 10 to boot into safe mode.

    Ways To Start The Safe Mode

    Table of Contents

    1: Advanced Option

    • Move to the Settings app, then Update and Security, then Recovery. Click on the Restart now present under Advanced startup in the right pane of the Recovery screen given below.

    Advanced Option Windows Safe Mode

    • Windows will restart.

    • Then choose the Troubleshoot option.

    • Present under the Troubleshoot screen, press the Advanced options.

    • Click on Startup Settings:

    • You will then have to click on the Restart button from the Startup Settings window to change the Windows Startup option.

    • In the end, you need to press: F4 (for Safe Mode), F5 (for Safe Mode with Networking), and F6 (for Safe Mode with Command Prompt).
    • Finally, Windows 10 will boot into Safe Mode.

    2: Recovery Option

    You can also use the Recovery options present in the Settings app to open the Windows 10 Safe Mode.

    Recovery Option

    • Press Windows + I to open the settings window and click on the Update & Security.
    • Present on the left side of the Settings window press the Recovery option.
    • Then you need to click on the Restart now button under the Advanced startup section.
    • Now, as the computer reboots, follow the same steps as has been described in the second method of this guide.
    • To start into the Safe Mode, you have to press the F4 key.
    • To boot into "Safe Mode with Networking" you can press the F5 key from your keyboard.
    • Keep pressing F6 to access the “Safe Mode with Command Prompt.“ To access the "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" keep pressing F6.

    3: System Configuration Tool

    You can easily boot your system into the Safe Mode with the help of this method.

    • You can use the Run dialogue box to open the System Configuration Window.
    • To open the run dialogue box press Windows + R and you need to type msconfig and hit the Enter key or press OK.
    • Navigate to the Boot tab after opening the System Configuration. Select the "Safe boot" option in the Boot options section.

    System Configuration Tool

    • Then, click on the OK.
    • As you reboot your computer after this, you will see that your PC will automatically boot in the Safe mode.

    4: Use the “Shift + Restart” Combination

    You can use the Shift + Restart keys to get into the Safe Mode and this is how:

    • Click on the Power button after opening the Start menu.
    • Then click on Restart while pressing the Shift key.

    Shift + Restart Combination Safe Mode
    • From the Sign In Window, if you want to use the Shift + Restart key combination, you can click on the Power as you keep pressing down the Shift key and then tap Restart.

    • Now your Windows 10 system will show you different options to select as it reboots and you have to select the Troubleshoot option.
    • Choose Advanced Options from the Troubleshoot window.
    • Select Startup Settings from the Advanced options.

    • Now apply the changes by rebooting to your Windows 10 PC/Laptop

    • There are mainly three different options to boot into the safe mode.

    • Press the F4 key to simply enable “Safe Mode”.
    • Press the F5 key to turn on the “Safe Mode with Networking,”.
    • You have to press the F6 key in order to enable “Safe Mode with Command Prompt”.

    5: In Windows 10 Interrupt Normal Boot/Startup Process

    You need to interrupt Windows 10 normal booting process three times consecutively to activate the Automatic Repair mode, and the fourth time it will enter the repair mode by default.

    • You will see, as Windows 10 enters Automatic Repair mode, in the screen that displays your operating system is in "Preparing Automatic Repair".

    • Then you have to choose an account with the administrator permission and if not asked then you can just skip to the next step.

    Windows 10 Safe Mode

    • Windows 10 is doing an automatic diagnosis of your system so wait for a while.
    • Click on the "Advanced options" on the "Automatic Repair" screen.

    • Select Troubleshoot.

    • Then again, click on the Advanced option, then startup setting, and finally Restart
    • Now, to boot into minimum safe mode press F4,
      for “Safe Mode with Networking” press the F5 key or F6 for “Safe mode with command prompt”
      And in this way, you can start Windows 10 safe mode.

    Conclusion

    Starting Windows 10 in Safe Mode can be a helpful troubleshooting step when you encounter issues with your system. With the various methods described in this article, you can easily access Safe Mode and troubleshoot problems with your computer. Remember to exit Safe Mode once you have completed your troubleshooting, and if you continue to experience problems, seek the assistance of a qualified technician. By following these steps, you can effectively and safely diagnose and resolve issues with your Windows 10 computer.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. What is the purpose of booting Windows 10 in Safe Mode?

    Booting Windows 10 in Safe Mode is a useful troubleshooting tool that can help you diagnose and fix problems with your computer's operating system and software.

    2. What should I do if I can't boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode?

    If you can't boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode, there are a few things you can try. You can try booting from a Windows installation or recovery disk, using System Restore to roll back to a previous restore point, or running the System File Checker tool to repair damaged or corrupted system files.

    3. Can I access the internet in Safe Mode with Networking?

    Yes, Safe Mode with Networking allows you to access the internet and network resources. This can be helpful if you need to download and install software or drivers to fix your computer.

    4. Is it safe to use Safe Mode with Command Prompt?

    Using Safe Mode with Command Prompt can be a powerful tool for advanced users, but it should be used with caution. You can use Command Prompt to run system commands and perform advanced troubleshooting, but making changes to system files or settings can potentially cause more problems.

    Expert technical writer who simplifies complex technological concepts for lay audiences. Focused on providing insightful analysis and entertaining listicles on a wide variety of topics in the technology sector.
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