How to Boot into Safe Mode in Windows 10 and 11

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Safe Mode is a crucial troubleshooting feature in Windows 10 and 11. It starts your computer with a minimal set of drivers and services, which can help you diagnose and fix various issues. Whether you're dealing with a malfunctioning application, a problematic driver, or an unresponsive system, Safe Mode can often help you get to the bottom of the problem. In this guide, we'll walk you through the different methods to boot into Safe Mode in both Windows 10 and 11.
How to boot into safe mode in windows 10

Understanding Safe Mode

Before diving into the steps, it's important to understand what Safe Mode is. Safe Mode starts Windows with a basic set of drivers and services, which helps isolate issues that might be caused by third-party software or drivers. There are different types of Safe Mode:

  1. Safe Mode: Loads only the essential drivers and services.
  2. Safe Mode with Networking: Includes drivers and services needed for networking.
  3. Safe Mode with Command Prompt: Opens a Command Prompt window instead of the standard Windows desktop.

Booting into Safe Mode in Windows 10

Method 1: From Settings

  1. Open Settings: Click on the Start menu and select the gear icon to open the Settings app. Alternatively, you can press Windows + I to open Settings directly.
  2. Navigate to Recovery: In the Settings window, click on "Update & Security," then select "Recovery" from the left-hand menu.
  3. Restart to Advanced Startup: Under the "Advanced startup" section, click on "Restart now." Your PC will reboot into the Advanced Startup Options menu.
  4. Choose Safe Mode: Once in the Advanced Startup Options menu, select "Troubleshoot," then "Advanced options," and then "Startup Settings." Click on "Restart." After your PC restarts, you’ll see a list of options. Press 4 or F4 to start in Safe Mode, 5 or F5 to start in Safe Mode with Networking, or 6 or F6 to start in Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

Method 2: Using the Power Menu

  1. Open the Power Menu: Click on the Start menu, then the power icon, and hold down the Shift key while clicking "Restart." This will also take you to the Advanced Startup Options menu.
  2. Follow the Same Steps: From the Advanced Startup Options menu, follow the same procedure as outlined in Method 1 to select Safe Mode.

Method 3: Interrupt Normal Boot

  1. Force Shut Down: If Windows 10 isn’t booting correctly, you can force it into Safe Mode by interrupting the boot process. To do this, turn on your computer and as soon as you see the Windows logo, press and hold the power button until the PC turns off. Repeat this process twice. On the third restart, Windows will boot into the Advanced Startup Options menu.
  2. Choose Safe Mode: From here, follow the same steps as in Method 1 to enter Safe Mode.

Booting into Safe Mode in Windows 11

Method 1: From Settings

  1. Open Settings: Right-click the Start button and select "Settings" or press Windows + I.
  2. Go to Recovery: In the Settings window, click on "System" and then "Recovery."
  3. Restart to Advanced Startup: Under "Advanced startup," click "Restart now." This will reboot your PC into the Advanced Startup Options menu.
  4. Select Safe Mode: After your PC restarts, select "Troubleshoot," then "Advanced options," followed by "Startup Settings." Click on "Restart." You’ll then see options to start in Safe Mode (4 or F4), Safe Mode with Networking (5 or F5), or Safe Mode with Command Prompt (6 or F6).

Method 2: Using the Power Menu

  1. Open Power Menu: Click on the Start button, then the power icon. Hold down the Shift key while selecting "Restart" to access the Advanced Startup Options menu.
  2. Follow the Procedure: Once in the Advanced Startup Options menu, follow the same steps as in Method 1 to choose Safe Mode.

Method 3: From the Sign-in Screen

  1. Access Advanced Startup: On the Windows sign-in screen, hold down the Shift key while selecting "Restart" from the power icon.
  2. Choose Safe Mode: After your PC restarts, select "Troubleshoot," then "Advanced options," and "Startup Settings." Click "Restart," and then choose the desired Safe Mode option.

Conclusion

Booting into Safe Mode is an essential skill for troubleshooting Windows 10 and 11. Whether you’re facing issues with software, drivers, or system performance, Safe Mode provides a simplified environment to help diagnose and resolve problems. By following the methods outlined above, you can access Safe Mode and take the necessary steps to get your computer back in working order. If you encounter persistent issues even in Safe Mode, it may be time to consider further troubleshooting steps or seek professional assistance.



 

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