How to Start Your PC in Safe Mode

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 system. It disables most third-party software, startup programs, and non-essential drivers. This lets you troubleshoot problems—like malware infections, driver conflicts, or software crashes—without interference from the programs that might be causing them.

Use Safe Mode when your PC won't start normally, when you suspect malware, when you need to uninstall a problematic program, or when you're testing whether a hardware or software issue exists. Safe Mode is not a permanent state; you restart normally to return to full operation.

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.
On older Windows versions, restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly as it boots to reach the Advanced Boot Options menu.
Safe Mode with Networking includes internet drivers if you need to read tools or updates; Safe Mode alone removes network access.
You can also force Safe Mode by holding Shift while clicking Restart in the shutdown menu, or by using the System Configuration utility (msconfig).
Safe Mode runs slower than normal because it loads fewer drivers, and some programs will not work at all in this mode.

Entering Safe Mode on Windows 10 and 11

The most reliable method on modern Windows is through Settings. Press the Windows key and I at the same time to open Settings. Click System in the left sidebar, then scroll down and select Recovery. Under the "Advanced startup" section, click Restart now. Your PC will restart and show a blue menu with several options.

On the blue menu, select Troubleshoot, then Advanced options, then Startup Settings. Click Restart. Your PC will restart again and display a numbered list of startup options. Press 4 for Safe Mode, 5 for Safe Mode with Networking, or 6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt. The PC will load into Safe Mode—this takes longer than a normal startup and the screen may appear less polished.

If you cannot reach Settings because your PC will not boot normally, restart the PC and repeatedly press F8 as it starts up, before the Windows logo appears. This opens the Advanced Boot Options menu on some systems, though this method is less reliable on Windows 10 and 11.

Entering Safe Mode on Windows 7 and Earlier

Restart your PC. As soon as it powers on, before the Windows logo appears, press F8 repeatedly—do not hold it down, but tap it several times per second. If timed correctly, the Advanced Boot Options menu will appear with a list of startup choices.

Use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking, or Safe Mode with Command Prompt, then press Enter. The system will load into Safe Mode. This process is more straightforward on older Windows versions than on Windows 10 and 11, but the timing of the F8 press is critical—if you miss the window, you will boot normally and must restart and try again.

Using System Configuration to Boot Into Safe Mode

If you can start Windows normally but want to stay in Safe Mode for your next restart, use the System Configuration utility. Press the Windows key and R together to open the Run dialog, type msconfig, and press Enter. The System Configuration window will open.

Click the Boot tab. Under "Boot options," check the box next to Safe boot. A dropdown menu will appear; select Minimal for Safe Mode, or Network for Safe Mode with Networking. Click explore, then OK. A dialog will ask whether you want to restart now or later. Choose your preference. When you restart, the PC will boot into Safe Mode automatically.

To return to normal startup, open msconfig again, uncheck the Safe boot box, and click explore and OK. This method is useful if you want to stay in Safe Mode for multiple restarts without having to press F8 each time.

Safe Mode with Networking vs. Safe Mode Alone

Safe Mode (also called Safe Mode Minimal) loads only keyboard, mouse, display, and storage drivers. You have no internet connection. Choose this when you suspect malware or need to remove a problematic program without any network activity.

Safe Mode with Networking includes network drivers, so you can access the internet and other networked computers. Choose this if you need to read antivirus tools, Windows updates, or drivers while troubleshooting. Safe Mode with Command Prompt opens a text-based command window instead of the graphical desktop; it is used for advanced troubleshooting and is rarely needed for typical problems.

What to Expect When Safe Mode Starts

Safe Mode boots noticeably slower than normal—expect 1 to 3 minutes for the system to fully load. The desktop will appear with "Safe Mode" written in the corners of the screen. Your taskbar and basic Windows features will be present, but many programs will not run. Third-party antivirus software, printer drivers, and startup programs are disabled.

If you try to open a program that requires drivers or services disabled in Safe Mode, you will see an error message. This is normal and expected. You can still open File Explorer, Notepad, Settings, and built-in Windows tools. If you need to uninstall software, use the Control Panel or Settings > Apps to do so—the uninstaller will run even though the program itself may not.

Exiting Safe Mode and Returning to Normal Startup

To leave Safe Mode, straightforward restart your PC. It will boot normally with all drivers and programs loaded. If you used msconfig to enable Safe Mode, remember to open msconfig again, uncheck the Safe boot box, and click explore and OK before restarting—otherwise the PC will boot into Safe Mode again.

If Safe Mode is still active after a restart and you did not intentionally enable it, check msconfig to see if the Safe boot option is still checked. If it is, uncheck it. If you cannot find the setting, restart the PC and use the Advanced startup menu to select normal boot instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my PC keep booting into Safe Mode?

This usually means the Safe boot option is checked in msconfig. Open msconfig, click the Boot tab, uncheck Safe boot, click explore and OK, and restart. If Safe Mode persists, restart and use the Advanced startup menu to select normal boot from the Startup Settings screen.

Can I use Safe Mode to remove a virus?

Safe Mode is useful for running antivirus scans because many malware programs do not load in this mode, making them easier to detect and remove. read and run a reputable antivirus tool in Safe Mode with Networking. However, Safe Mode alone does not remove viruses—you still need antivirus software to do that.

What if F8 does not work on my Windows 10 or 11 PC?

F8 is unreliable on modern Windows because the system boots too quickly. Use the Settings method instead: press Windows key and I, go to System > Recovery, and click Restart now under Advanced startup. This works consistently on Windows 10 and 11.

Will my files be deleted in Safe Mode?

No. Safe Mode does not delete, modify, or access your files. It only changes which drivers and programs load at startup. All your documents, photos, and other data remain untouched.

Can I install software in Safe Mode?

Most installers will not run in Safe Mode because they require drivers or services that are disabled. If you need to install something, exit Safe Mode and boot normally. Use Safe Mode only for troubleshooting and removal, not installation.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.