How to Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode While Booting: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ever had your Windows 10 PC crash, freeze, or refuse to start normally? That’s where Safe Mode comes to the rescue. If your computer is acting up — maybe it’s crashing after login, stuck in a restart loop, or infected with malware — knowing how to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode while booting can save your day (and your files!).

This guide walks you through every method to boot Windows 10 into Safe Mode — even if you can’t log in. You’ll learn what Safe Mode is, when to use it, and how to get your computer back up and running smoothly.

What Is Safe Mode in Windows 10?

Safe Mode is a special diagnostic startup environment that loads only essential system files and drivers — no unnecessary software, startup apps, or third-party programs.

Think of it like your PC’s “minimal mode.” It lets you troubleshoot and fix problems without interference from faulty apps, malware, or corrupted drivers.

When you boot into Safe Mode, Windows runs with:

• Basic video drivers (low resolution)

• Minimal background services

• No third-party startup programs

This makes it perfect for identifying and fixing system issues safely.

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2. Why You Might Need to Start in Safe Mode

Safe Mode is the go-to solution for many common PC problems. You might need it if:

• 🧩 Windows crashes or freezes after login

• 🔁 Your PC is stuck in a boot loop

• 🐞 Malware prevents normal startup

• ⚙️ Drivers or updates cause issues

• 🧱 You need to uninstall stubborn software

In short, if your system won’t start normally or keeps showing the dreaded blue screen of death (BSOD), booting in Safe Mode is your first line of defense.

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3. Different Types of Safe Mode Explained

Windows 10 offers three Safe Mode options. Here’s what they mean:

Choose the one that fits your issue — for example, use Safe Mode with Networking if you need internet access to download repair tools.

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4. How to Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode While Booting (Overview)

There are several ways to boot Windows 10 into Safe Mode before logging in. The main methods include:

1. Using F8 or Shift + F8 (legacy boot key)

2. Using the Shift + Restart option

3. Through Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)

4. Using msconfig (System Configuration tool)

5. Running commands in Command Prompt

6. Forcing Safe Mode after boot failure

Let’s go through each step-by-step.

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5. Method 1: Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode Using F8 or Shift + F8

In older Windows versions, pressing F8 during startup opened the Advanced Boot Options menu — but in Windows 10, it’s disabled by default because the OS boots too quickly.

However, on some systems (especially older ones), it may still work.

Steps:

1. Restart your PC.

2. Immediately press F8 repeatedly before the Windows logo appears.

3. If successful, you’ll see the Advanced Boot Options menu.

4. Use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking.

5. Press Enter to boot.

If this doesn’t work, don’t worry — there are more reliable methods below.

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6. Method 2: Boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode via Shift + Restart

This method works even when Windows loads normally.

Step-by-Step:

1. Click the Start menu → select Power icon.

2. Hold down the Shift key and click Restart.

3. Your PC will reboot into the Choose an option screen.

4. Select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.

5. After restart, you’ll see a list of options (1–9).

6. Press:

   • 4 to enable Safe Mode

   • 5 for Safe Mode with Networking

   • 6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt

✅ Pro Tip: You can also trigger this from the login screen — just click the Power icon, hold Shift, and select Restart.

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7. Method 3: Use Windows Recovery (if Windows won’t start)

If your system refuses to boot into Windows, you can access Safe Mode through the recovery environment.

Here’s how:

1. Turn on your PC and interrupt the boot process three times (press and hold the power button when the logo appears).

2. After the third failed attempt, Windows automatically launches WinRE (Windows Recovery Environment).

3. In the recovery menu, choose:

   • Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart

4. When your PC restarts, press 4, 5, or 6 to choose your Safe Mode type.

This method is especially useful if your computer won’t boot normally.

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8. Method 4: Start Windows 10 Safe Mode with System Configuration (msconfig)

You can pre-set your PC to always start in Safe Mode using msconfig — ideal if you can still access Windows.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.

2. In the System Configuration window, open the Boot tab.

3. Under Boot options, check Safe boot.

4. Choose your preferred mode:

   • Minimal → Standard Safe Mode

   • Network → Safe Mode with Networking

   • Alternate shell → Command Prompt mode

5. Click Apply → OK → Restart your computer.

Your PC will boot directly into Safe Mode every time until you uncheck Safe boot in msconfig.

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9. Method 5: Boot into Safe Mode via Command Prompt

If Windows is accessible, you can also force Safe Mode using Command Prompt.

Steps:

1. Search for Command Prompt, right-click, and choose Run as administrator.

2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   bcdedit /set {default} safeboot minimal


3. Close Command Prompt and restart your PC.

Your computer will now start in Safe Mode.
To revert to normal startup later, run this command:

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10. Method 6: Force Safe Mode When Windows Fails to Boot (Automatic Repair)

If your system fails to start multiple times, Windows automatically enters Automatic Repair mode.

Steps:

1. When Automatic Repair appears, click Advanced options.

2. Select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.

3. Choose your Safe Mode option (4, 5, or 6).

This is a great fallback method if Windows is completely unresponsive.

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11. How to Exit Safe Mode in Windows 10

Once you’ve fixed your issue, you’ll want to boot back to normal mode.

To exit Safe Mode:

1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.

2. Go to the Boot tab.

3. Uncheck Safe boot.

4. Click Apply → OK → Restart.

Your PC will now boot normally again.

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12. Troubleshooting Safe Mode Not Working

Sometimes, even Safe Mode can refuse to load. Here are common fixes:

If none of these work, you may need to repair your Windows installation using a bootable USB drive.

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13. What to Do Once You’re in Safe Mode

Safe Mode gives you a clean slate to diagnose and fix issues. Here’s what you can do:

• 🧹 Uninstall problematic software or drivers

• 🔍 Run antivirus scans

• ⚙️ Perform system restore

• 💽 Update or roll back drivers

• 🧰 Run troubleshooting tools (sfc, DISM, chkdsk)

• 🗑️ Delete temporary files or malware

Essentially, Safe Mode helps you perform maintenance tasks that normal mode might block.

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14. Safe Mode vs. Clean Boot — What’s the Difference?

People often confuse Safe Mode and Clean Boot. Here’s how they differ:

If your PC boots fine but behaves oddly, try a Clean Boot.
If it won’t boot at all, use Safe Mode.

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15. Common Problems Fixed by Safe Mode

Safe Mode can help resolve many frustrating PC problems, including:

• ❌ Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors

• 🐞 Malware or virus infections

• ⚠️ Driver incompatibilities

• 🔁 Boot loops or freezes

• 🚫 App conflicts or startup crashes

It’s one of the most powerful built-in repair tools in Windows 10.

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16. Conclusion: A Lifesaver for Windows Users

Safe Mode might feel like a hidden secret, but it’s actually one of the most powerful troubleshooting tools Windows 10 offers.

You’ve now learned how to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode while booting, using various methods — from pressing keys during startup to using recovery menus or commands.

Whether you’re fixing a stubborn driver, removing malware, or rescuing a system that refuses to load, Safe Mode gives you a secure, controlled environment to get your PC back to normal.

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17. FAQs About Safe Mode in Windows 10

1. How do I open Safe Mode in Windows 10 while booting?

Restart your PC and press Shift + F8 or use Shift + Restart → then select Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Safe Mode.

2. How do I start Windows 10 in Safe Mode if I can’t log in?

Force shutdown your PC three times to trigger Windows Recovery Environment, then choose Startup Settings → Safe Mode.

3. Can I access the internet in Safe Mode?

Yes, choose Safe Mode with Networking to load network drivers.

4. Does Safe Mode delete files?

No — Safe Mode only changes startup behavior. Your files remain safe.

5. Why can’t I get into Safe Mode with F8?

Windows 10 boots too quickly for F8 to register. Use the Shift + Restart or Recovery Environment method instead.

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🧩 Key Takeaways

In summary:
Safe Mode is your Windows emergency toolkit — it helps isolate issues, remove bad drivers, clean up malware, and repair startup errors. Learn these methods, and you’ll always be ready to fix your PC, no matter what goes wrong.