What Safe Mode Does and When to Use It
Safe Mode is a diagnostic startup option that loads Windows with only the bare minimum drivers and programs needed to run your computer. It disables most third-party software, startup programs, and non-essential drivers, which makes it useful for troubleshooting problems caused by recently installed software, malware, or driver conflicts.
Safe Mode is the right choice when your PC won't start normally, when you suspect a program or driver is causing crashes, when you need to remove malware or problematic software, or when you're trying to diagnose whether a problem is caused by Windows itself or something you've installed. It is not a permanent mode—your computer returns to normal startup the next time you restart.
Key Takeaways
- On Windows 10 and 11, press the Windows key and I together to open Settings, then navigate to System > Recovery and select Restart Now under Advanced Startup Options.
- If your PC won't start normally, hold Shift while clicking the restart button on the login screen, or restart and repeatedly press F8 or Delete during startup.
- Safe Mode with Networking includes internet access; Safe Mode without Networking does not—choose based on whether you need to read drivers or updates.
- You can also access Safe Mode through the System Configuration utility (msconfig) if Windows starts normally enough to open it.
- Your computer will run slower in Safe Mode because it is using fewer drivers and programs, which is normal and expected.
Starting Safe Mode from Settings (Windows 10 and 11)
If your PC starts normally, the fastest way to reach Safe Mode is through the Settings app. Press the Windows key and the letter I at the same time to open Settings. On the left side, click System, then scroll down and click Recovery.
Under the "Advanced startup" section, click the blue button labeled Restart Now. Your computer will restart and show a blue screen with several options. Click Troubleshoot, then Advanced options, then Startup Settings. Click Restart at the bottom. When your computer restarts again, you will see a numbered list of startup options. Press the number key for the Safe Mode option you want: press 4 for Safe Mode, press 5 for Safe Mode with Networking, or press 6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
Starting Safe Mode When Windows Won't Start Normally
If your PC won't start into Windows at all, you have two methods. The first is to restart your computer and repeatedly press the F8 key before the Windows logo appears. Keep pressing F8 every half-second until you see the Advanced Boot Options menu. Use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking, or Safe Mode with Command Prompt, then press Enter.
The second method works on the login screen: if Windows starts but you cannot log in or get past the login screen, hold down the Shift key, click the Power button in the bottom right corner, and click Restart while still holding Shift. This will take you to the Advanced Startup Options screen described above. On some newer PCs, pressing F8 does not work—if that happens, use the Shift-restart method instead.
Using System Configuration to Enter Safe Mode
If Windows starts normally but you want to boot into Safe Mode the next time you restart, you can use the System Configuration utility. Press the Windows key and R together to open the Run dialog, type msconfig, and press Enter. Click the Boot tab at the top of the window.
Under "Boot options," check the box next to Safe boot. A dropdown menu will appear—select Minimal for Safe Mode without networking, or Network for Safe Mode with networking. Click explore, then OK. When you restart your computer, it will boot into Safe Mode. To return to normal startup, open msconfig again, uncheck the Safe boot box, and click OK.
Safe Mode with Networking vs. Safe Mode Without Networking
Safe Mode with Networking includes drivers for your network card and internet connection, so you can read files, browse the web, and access shared folders on your network. Choose this option if you need to read a driver update, antivirus software, or other files to fix your problem.
Safe Mode without Networking disables network drivers entirely, which means no internet access and no connection to network printers or shared drives. Choose this option if you suspect a network driver or internet-connected program is causing the problem, or if you want the most minimal startup possible. Safe Mode with Command Prompt is a text-based version used mainly by advanced users for specific troubleshooting tasks.
What to Expect When Safe Mode Starts
When Safe Mode loads, you will see "Safe Mode" printed in the corners of your screen and a lower resolution display than normal. Your mouse and keyboard will work, but your computer will run noticeably slower because it is using fewer drivers. Programs you normally see in the system tray (the area near the clock) will not appear. Startup programs will not run. This is all normal and expected.
You can open File Explorer, use built-in Windows programs, and uninstall software just as you would in normal mode. If you need to remove a problematic program, go to Settings > Apps > Apps and features, find the program, and click Uninstall. If you need to check for malware, you can run Windows Defender or another antivirus program. When you are finished troubleshooting, straightforward restart your computer and it will return to normal startup mode.
Troubleshooting If Safe Mode Won't Start
If Safe Mode does not appear as an option or your computer will not boot into it, your hard drive may be damaged or Windows may be corrupted. Try restarting your computer and pressing Delete or F2 instead of F8—some computers use different keys to enter the boot menu. Once in the boot menu, look for an option to boot from a USB drive or recovery media.
If you have a Windows installation USB or recovery drive, you can boot from it and use the repair tools inside. If you do not have one, you may need to take your computer to a repair technician. Before that, try the Shift-restart method one more time: hold Shift, click the Power button on the login screen, and click Restart. If that does not work either, the problem is likely beyond Safe Mode troubleshooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my computer so slow in Safe Mode?
Safe Mode loads only essential drivers and disables most programs, so your computer has fewer resources available. This slowness is normal and temporary—it returns to normal speed once you restart into regular mode. The reduced performance is actually useful because it helps isolate whether a third-party program or driver is causing problems.
Can I use Safe Mode to remove a virus?
Yes, Safe Mode is a good environment for removing malware because many viruses and malware programs do not run in Safe Mode. You can open Windows Defender or another antivirus program and run a full scan. However, Safe Mode is not a replacement for proper antivirus software—if you suspect a serious infection, consider running a scan from a bootable antivirus USB drive as well.
Will Safe Mode delete my files or settings?
No. Safe Mode does not delete, modify, or reset anything on your computer. It only changes which drivers and programs load at startup. Your files, documents, photos, and settings remain exactly as they are. Once you restart normally, everything returns to your usual setup.
What if F8 does not work on my computer?
Newer Windows 10 and 11 PCs often do not respond to F8. Use the Shift-restart method instead: hold Shift, click the Power button on the login screen, and click Restart. This will take you to the Advanced Startup Options screen where you can select Safe Mode.
Can I stay in Safe Mode permanently?
You can configure your computer to boot into Safe Mode every time you restart by using msconfig, but this is not recommended for everyday use. Safe Mode is meant for troubleshooting only. Once you have fixed the problem, uncheck the Safe boot option in msconfig so your computer returns to normal startup.