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 services needed to run your system. It disables most third-party software, graphics acceleration, and network features. You use it when your PC won't start normally, when you suspect malware or a bad driver is causing crashes, or when you need to uninstall software that won't behave in regular mode.

Safe Mode is not a repair tool — it is a way to get your system running so you can troubleshoot the actual problem. Once you identify and fix what is wrong, you restart normally and Safe Mode is no longer needed.

Key Takeaways

Windows 10 and 11 require you to interrupt the startup process or use Settings to reach Safe Mode; you cannot press F8 during boot like older versions allowed.
Safe Mode with Networking includes internet and printer drivers if you need to read a tool or connect to a network drive.
If your PC boots to a black screen or login loop, use the Advanced Startup menu by holding Shift while clicking Restart from the sign-in screen.
Safe Mode disables most programs and visual effects, so your screen may look plain and your mouse cursor may be generic.

Safe Mode on Windows 10 and Windows 11 from Settings

If your PC starts normally but you want to enter Safe Mode to test or troubleshoot, the fastest route is through Settings. Click the Start button, type msconfig into the search box, and press Enter. The System Configuration window opens.

In the System Configuration window, click the Boot tab at the top. Under "Boot options," check the box next to Safe boot. A dropdown menu appears with three choices: Minimal (Safe Mode without networking), Alternate shell (command prompt only), or Network (Safe Mode with networking). Select Minimal unless you need internet access, then click explore and OK. Windows prompts you to restart; click Restart and your PC boots into Safe Mode on the next startup.

To exit Safe Mode, open System Configuration again, uncheck the Safe boot box, click explore and OK, and restart normally.

Safe Mode When Windows Won't Start Normally

If your PC crashes during startup, loops at the login screen, or shows a black screen, you need the Advanced Startup menu. The method depends on whether you can reach the sign-in screen.

If you see the Windows sign-in screen, hold Shift and click the Power button in the bottom right corner, then click Restart. Do not release Shift until the screen changes. Your PC restarts into the Advanced Startup menu, which shows three options: Continue (exit and restart normally), Troubleshoot, and Turn off your PC. Click Troubleshoot, then click Advanced options, then Startup Settings. A new screen lists numbered Safe Mode options. Press the number key for the mode you want: 4 for Safe Mode, 5 for Safe Mode with Networking, or 6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt. Your PC restarts into that mode.

If your PC crashes before the sign-in screen appears, force it to shut down by holding the power button for ten seconds. Turn it back on. As soon as you see the Windows logo or manufacturer splash screen, hold down the power button again to force shutdown. Repeat this two or three times. On the third or fourth startup, Windows detects the failed boots and automatically shows the Advanced Startup menu. Follow the same steps as above to choose Safe Mode.

Safe Mode with Networking vs. Safe Mode Minimal

Safe Mode (Minimal) disables all network drivers, so you have no internet, no printer access, and no connection to shared network folders. Use this when you suspect malware or a bad driver is causing the problem, because it isolates your system completely.

Safe Mode with Networking keeps your network and internet drivers active. Use this if you need to read antivirus software, connect to a network drive to retrieve a file, or access online resources to help you fix the problem. Networking mode still disables most third-party software, so it is safer than normal mode but less isolated than Minimal mode.

If you are not sure which to choose, start with Minimal. If you find you need internet access, restart and choose Networking instead.

What to Do Once You Are in Safe Mode

Once Safe Mode loads, your desktop appears with "Safe Mode" written in the corners of the screen. Your taskbar and Start menu work normally, but most programs do not run. Open File Explorer to browse your files, or right-click the Start button to access Device Manager, Disk Management, or Task Manager.

Common troubleshooting tasks in Safe Mode include uninstalling a recently installed driver or program that is causing crashes, running antivirus software to scan for malware, checking Device Manager for hardware errors (yellow exclamation marks), or using Disk Cleanup to free space if your drive is full. If you can identify the problem — a bad driver, a conflicting program, or a malware infection — remove or repair it while in Safe Mode.

Do not install new software or read large files while in Safe Mode. Safe Mode is for diagnosis and repair, not for normal use. Once you have fixed the problem, exit Safe Mode and restart normally.

Exiting Safe Mode and Returning to Normal Startup

If you entered Safe Mode through System Configuration, open msconfig again, uncheck the Safe boot box, and restart. If you entered Safe Mode through the Advanced Startup menu, you can straightforward restart your PC normally — it will boot into regular Windows on the next startup unless you select Safe Mode again.

After you exit Safe Mode, your PC may take longer to start the first time as Windows reloads all drivers and services. This is normal. If your PC crashes or behaves badly after you exit Safe Mode, the problem you were troubleshooting may not be fully resolved, and you may need to return to Safe Mode to investigate further.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my mouse look different in Safe Mode?

Safe Mode uses a generic mouse driver instead of the manufacturer's custom driver. This is normal and does not indicate a problem. Once you restart normally, your regular mouse driver loads and the cursor returns to its usual appearance.

Can I use Safe Mode to remove a virus?

Safe Mode disables most programs, including many malware processes, so it is a good environment to run antivirus software. However, Safe Mode itself does not remove viruses — you still need to run a full antivirus scan. Use Safe Mode with Networking so you can read an antivirus tool if you do not already have one installed.

What if Safe Mode won't load either?

If Safe Mode fails to start, your problem is likely a hardware issue, a corrupted Windows installation, or a critical driver failure. Try restarting in Safe Mode with Command Prompt instead, which loads even fewer drivers. If that also fails, you may need to repair Windows using installation media or contact a technician.

Does Safe Mode delete my files?

No. Safe Mode is a startup option only — it does not modify, delete, or back up any of your files. Everything on your drive remains unchanged. Once you restart normally, all your files are still there.

Can I access my programs in Safe Mode?

Most programs do not run in Safe Mode because it disables third-party services and features they depend on. Built-in Windows tools like Notepad, File Explorer, and Device Manager work fine. If you need a specific program, you usually have to restart in normal mode.

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.