How to Boot in Safe Mode Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ever had Windows 10 crash or behave oddly after installing a driver, app, or update? Safe Mode is your troubleshooting superhero. It loads only the essential components of Windows so you can isolate the cause of a problem without third-party software or drivers getting in the way.

Why boot into Safe Mode?

In this guide you’ll learn how to boot in Safe Mode Windows 10 using easy, reliable methods. We’ll cover multiple approaches (Settings, sign-in screen, msconfig, recovery media), how to choose Safe Mode with Networking or Command Prompt, and what to do once you’re inside Safe Mode. This is practical, hands-on advice written for beginners — we’ll keep it simple and actionable.

Note: Safe Mode won’t delete your files. It’s a repair environment — not a reset.

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Table of contents (quick jump)

1. What is Safe Mode? (and why it helps)

2. Types of Safe Mode: Minimal, Networking, Command Prompt

3. Before you begin: simple prep steps

4. Method A — Boot Safe Mode from Settings (fast & safe)

5. Method B — Boot Safe Mode from the sign-in screen (when locked out)

6. Method C — Use Shift + Restart (works from login or desktop)

7. Method D — Use System Configuration (msconfig) to force Safe Mode

8. Method E — Boot Safe Mode using Recovery Drive or Windows 10 USB

9. Method F — Force Safe Mode after multiple failed boots

10. How to use Safe Mode with Networking and Command Prompt

11. What to do while in Safe Mode — checklist for fixes

12. How to exit Safe Mode and boot normally

13. Troubleshooting Safe Mode issues (can’t boot, keyboard not working, etc.)

14. Preventive tips — reduce the need for Safe Mode

15. Conclusion — quick summary and next steps

16. FAQs (5 common questions)

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1. What is Safe Mode? (and why it helps)

Safe Mode starts Windows 10 with the minimum set of drivers and services needed to run. That means:

• No third-party startup programs

• Basic video driver (low resolution)

• Essential system services only

Why this helps: if a newly installed driver, app, or background process is causing crashes, Safe Mode prevents that code from loading — so you can uninstall the culprit, run scans, or roll back drivers safely.

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2. Types of Safe Mode

• Safe Mode (Minimal): Basic Safe Mode with essential drivers only. Use this when you suspect a driver or app.

• Safe Mode with Networking: Adds network drivers so you can access the internet — useful for downloading updates, drivers, or malware tools.

• Safe Mode with Command Prompt: Boots to a command prompt window (no desktop). Use this for advanced repairs with CLI tools.

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3. Before you begin: simple prep steps

1. Save any work and close apps if you’re currently logged in.

2. Have your administrator password ready — you may need it after reboot.

3. If using Safe Mode with Networking, connect an Ethernet cable if Wi-Fi is unreliable.

4. If you plan to reinstall drivers, download the drivers beforehand (or ensure you can access them from another device).

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4. Method A — Boot Safe Mode from Settings (fast & safe)

This is the simplest method when you can log in.

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.

2. Go to Update & Security → Recovery.

3. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.

4. After your PC restarts, choose Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.

5. When the Startup Settings menu appears, press the number or function key for your choice:

   • 4 or F4 — Enable Safe Mode

   • 5 or F5 — Enable Safe Mode with Networking

   • 6 or F6 — Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt

6. Windows will restart and boot into Safe Mode.

✅ Best when: you can sign in and prefer a straightforward UI path.

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5. Method B — Boot Safe Mode from the sign-in screen

Use this if you can’t fully sign in but can reach the login screen.

1. At the sign-in screen, hold Shift while clicking Power → Restart (bottom-right corner).

2. After restart, select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.

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

✅ Best when: you can’t log into your account normally but can access sign-in options.

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6. Method C — Use Shift + Restart (works from desktop or login)

This is a quick trick that forces the advanced startup environment.

1. Hold Shift, click Start → Power → Restart (or the sign-in screen Power menu).

2. After reboot, pick Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.

3. Select your Safe Mode choice (4, 5, or 6).

Tip: This is the same flow as Method A after the restart—Shift + Restart simply takes you there immediately.

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7. Method D — Use System Configuration (msconfig) to force Safe Mode

If you want Windows to always boot into Safe Mode until you change it back, use msconfig.

1. Press Windows key + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.

2. In System Configuration, open the Boot tab.

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

   • Minimal = Safe Mode

   • Network = Safe Mode with Networking

   • Alternate shell = Safe Mode with Command Prompt

4. Click OK, then choose Restart when prompted.

🔁 Important: After you finish troubleshooting, open msconfig again and uncheck Safe boot to return to normal booting.

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8. Method E — Boot Safe Mode using Recovery Drive or Windows 10 USB

Useful if Windows won’t boot or you can’t access the settings.

1. Create a Windows 10 recovery drive on another PC: search Create a recovery drive and follow the wizard.

2. Plug recovery USB into the problem PC and boot from it (press F12, Esc, or change BIOS boot order).

3. Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.

4. Select the Safe Mode option.

Or, if you have a Windows 10 installation USB, boot from it and choose Repair your computer → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings.

✅ Best when: Windows won’t start normally.

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9. Method F — Force Safe Mode after multiple failed boots

Windows will sometimes automatically enter recovery mode after several failed startups.

• Let the PC attempt to boot and force-shutdown it when it hangs (hold the power button) three times in a row.

• On the next start Windows should open Automatic Repair and let you choose Advanced options → Troubleshoot → Startup Settings → Restart.

⚠️ Use with caution: repeated hard shutdowns can risk file corruption, so use as a last resort.

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10. How to use Safe Mode with Networking and Command Prompt

• Safe Mode with Networking: Great for downloading tools (malware scanners, driver updates) or watching online guides while you repair. Be cautious: if malware is present, networking could expose it to updates or remote control — use only if necessary.

• Safe Mode with Command Prompt: Use this for advanced tasks like running sfc /scannow, chkdsk, bootrec, or editing registry via regedit (if you know what you’re doing).

Common commands to run in Safe Mode (Command Prompt as admin):

• sfc /scannow — scan and repair system files

• chkdsk C: /f /r — check hard drive health

• DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth — repair Windows image (may require networking)

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11. What to do while in Safe Mode — a troubleshooting checklist

1. Uninstall recent software or drivers that caused the issue (Settings → Apps or Device Manager).

2. Roll back drivers (Device Manager → right-click device → Properties → Driver tab → Roll Back Driver).

3. Run antivirus and anti-malware scans (Malwarebytes, Windows Defender Offline).

4. Run System File Checker: open admin Command Prompt → sfc /scannow.

5. Check Event Viewer for critical errors (Event Viewer → Windows Logs → System/Application).

6. Disable startup items that could cause issues (Task Manager → Startup).

7. Restore from System Restore point if available (Control Panel → Recovery → Open System Restore).

8. Back up important files if you plan to reset or reinstall Windows.

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12. How to exit Safe Mode and boot normally

If you used msconfig to set Safe Mode, uncheck Safe boot in System Configuration and restart. Otherwise, simply restart the PC — it should boot normally. If it keeps returning to Safe Mode, check msconfig or BIOS/UEFI settings for forced Safe Boot.

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13. Troubleshooting Safe Mode issues

• I can’t type my password in Safe Mode: Try the on-screen keyboard (Ease of Access icon) or ensure Num Lock / Caps Lock is set correctly.

• Keyboard or mouse not working in Safe Mode: Try a wired USB keyboard/mouse; wireless drivers may not load in minimal mode.

• Safe Mode won’t start: Use a recovery drive or installation media to access Advanced options.

• Network unavailable in Safe Mode with Networking: Check Ethernet cable or enable Wi-Fi drivers in Device Manager while in Safe Mode.

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14. Preventive tips — reduce the need for Safe Mode

• Keep Windows and drivers updated.

• Create a system restore point before major changes.

• Use a reputable antivirus and perform regular scans.

• Create a recovery drive and a Windows 10 installation USB.

• Maintain regular backups (File History, OneDrive, external drive).

• Use driver packages from hardware vendor websites instead of random third-party sites.

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15. Conclusion — quick summary and next steps

Safe Mode is a simple, powerful tool for diagnosing and fixing Windows 10 problems. Use the Settings method if you can sign in, the sign-in screen or Shift + Restart if you can’t, and a recovery drive or msconfig when those options aren’t available. Once in Safe Mode, focus on uninstalling recent changes, running scans, and repairing system files with sfc and DISM. After fixes, exit Safe Mode and monitor your PC to ensure the problem is resolved.

If you’d like, I can create a printable one-page checklist that shows each method and the top commands to run in Safe Mode — handy to keep on a USB recovery drive. Want that?

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What’s the safest way to get into Safe Mode if Windows won’t start?
A: Use a Windows 10 recovery drive or installation USB, boot from it, and navigate to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart. That’s safe and doesn’t touch your files.

Q2: Does Safe Mode delete my files?
A: No. Safe Mode only changes what starts with Windows. It doesn’t delete personal files or installed programs (unless you uninstall them while in Safe Mode).

Q3: Can I surf the web in Safe Mode?
A: Only in Safe Mode with Networking, which loads network drivers. Use it for trustworthy downloads only, and disconnect once you’re done if you suspect malware.

Q4: How do I run System File Checker (SFC) in Safe Mode?
A: Open an elevated Command Prompt (press Win + X, choose Command Prompt (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin)) and run sfc /scannow. Let it complete and follow any instructions.

Q5: My PC boots into Safe Mode every time — how do I stop that?
A: Open msconfig (Windows + R → msconfig), go to the Boot tab, and uncheck Safe boot. Restart and your PC should boot normally.

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Quick reference table — Safe Mode methods at a glance