How To Start Windows in Safe Mode
Safe Mode is an extremely useful tool found in most operating systems. In Windows, it starts the computer in a basic state, with just a limited set of available functions, files and drivers. In essence, Windows will be booted with the bare minimum of features necessary for its operation. This could allow users to identify the sources of any issues they may be experiencing more easily.
Safe Mode also is rather useful in the removal of stubborn and invasive applications or malware threats that may have already been able to establish persistence mechanisms on the system. On Windows, there are two versions - Safe Mode and Safe Mode with Networking. The latter simply adds the ability to access the Internet to the functionality available under Safe Mode. Users can access Safe Mode in multiple ways, which differ depending on their specific Windows version. Typically, to exit Safe Mode, all you need to do is restart the system.
Table of Contents
Safe Mode in Windows 11
From the Settings Menu:
- To open 'Settings,' press the Windows logo key + I on the keyboard. Alternatively, select the Start button and pick Settings (Cogwheel icon) from there.
- Select 'System' and then 'Recovery.'
- Under 'Recovery options' and next to 'Advanced startup,' select 'Restart now.'
- After restarting, the PC will display the 'Choose an option' screen. Here, pick 'Troubleshoot,' followed by 'Advanced options,' then 'Startup Settings,' and finally 'Restart.' Depending on the settings of the system, some users may be asked to provide their BitLocker recovery key.
- After the PC restarts again, select option 4 from the available list or press F4 on the keyboard. If you need Internet access in Safe Mode, select option 5 or press F5.
- The PC system will now start in the chosen Safe Mode.
Starting Safe Mode from the Sign-In Screen:
- When you see the Windows sign-in screen, press and hold the Shift key on the keyboard while you navigate to 'Power' and then pick 'Restart.' Some users may be asked to provide their BitLocker recovery key.
- The PC will restart and users will be presented with the 'Choose an option' screen.
- Select 'Troubleshoot,' followed by 'Advanced options,' then 'Startup Settings,' and finally 'Restart.' Some users may be asked to provide their BitLocker recovery key.
- After the PC system restart, choose 4 from the list of available options or press F4 on the keyboard. For Safe Mode with Networking, select 5 from the list of options or press F5.
Accessing Safe Mode from a Black or Blank Screen:
When users encounter PC issues that leave them on a black or blank screen, they will first need to enter the Windows Recovery Environment (winRE) before proceeding to Safe Mode. To enter winRE, do the following:
- Hold down the power button for 10 seconds to shut down the device.
- Turn on the system.
- When you see the first signs that Windows has started, shut down the system again by pressing the power button for 10 seconds.
- Start and turn off the system for the third time.
- The system should now restart into Automatic Repair. Select 'Advanced options' to access winRE.
- You should see the 'Choose an option' screen.
- Select 'Troubleshoot,' followed by 'Advanced options,' then 'Startup Settings,' and finally 'Restart.'
- After the system restarts, pick option 5 from the list or press F5 on the keyboard to select Safe Mode with Networking.
Safe Mode in Windows 10
From the Settings Menu:
- Press the Windows Logo Key + I or right-click the Start button and select 'Settings.'
- Select 'Update & Security, followed by 'Recovery.''
- Go to 'Advanced Settings' and pick 'Restart now.'
- After the system restarts, you should see the 'Choose an option' screen.
- Select 'Troubleshoot,' followed by 'Advanced options,' then 'Startup Settings,' and finally 'Restart.'
- After the PC restarts, select option 4 from the available list or press F4 on the keyboard. If you need Internet access in Safe Mode, select option 5 or press F5.
From the Sign-In Screen:
- When you see the Windows sign-in screen, press and hold the Shift key while simultaneously opening the 'Power' settings and selecting 'Restart.'
- After the PC restart, it should open the 'Choose an option' screen.
- Here, select 'Troubleshoot,' followed by 'Advanced options,' then 'Startup Settings,' and finally 'Restart.'
- After the system boots, you can choose number 4 of the available options or press F4 to start the PC in Safe Mode, or number 5/F5 to choose Safe Mode with Networking.
Windows 8
- Right-click 'All Applications.'
- Locate the 'Command Prompt' character, select it, and then right-click it. From the available options, pick 'Execute by system administrator.'
- In the Command Prompt window, type in the following command:
Bcdedit /set {bootmgr} displaybootmenu yes
- Once completed, restart the PC. During boot, press the F8 key on your keyboard to open the 'Startup Settings' screen.
- Here, you can pick the desired Safe Mode option by choosing options 4, 5, or 6 and pressing the corresponding number key. You can also you the F4, F5, or F6 on the keyboard.
Windows 7
- Restart the PC and during boot press and hold the F8 button on the keyboard. You have to press it before the Windows logo appears on the screen. On systems with multiple operating systems, select the one you wish to start in Safe Mode and then press F8.
- When you see the 'Advanced Boot Options' screen, select the Safe Mode version you wish by using the arrow keys on the keyboard. Press Enter when done.
- You may have to log in to the computer using an account with administrator rights.
Windows XP
- Start or restart the PC. While the system is booting, press and hold the F8 key on the keyboard. On some systems, you may need to repeatedly press F8 instead to avoid triggering a 'stuck key' warning message.
- The system should display the 'Windows Advanced Options' menu. Use the arrow key to navigate to the Safe Mode version you wish to start. Finally, press Enter.