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 operating system. It disables most third-party software, graphics enhancements, and network features. You boot into Safe Mode when your PC is crashing, running slowly due to malware, or refusing to start normally — it lets you troubleshoot without interference from problematic programs or drivers.

Safe Mode is not a permanent state. Once you restart your PC normally, you return to your regular setup. Think of it as a stripped-down version of Windows that lets you see whether a problem is caused by something you installed or by Windows itself.

You have three Safe Mode options: Safe Mode (keyboard and mouse only), Safe Mode with Networking (adds internet access), and Safe Mode with Command Prompt (for advanced users). Most people use the first or second option.

Key Takeaways

Safe Mode loads Windows with only essential drivers, letting you isolate whether a problem comes from third-party software or Windows itself.
On Windows 10 and 11, press the Windows key and R together, type msconfig, click the Boot tab, check Safe Mode, and restart.
If your PC will not start normally, hold Shift while clicking Restart from the sign-in screen to reach the recovery menu and select Safe Mode from there.
Safe Mode with Networking includes internet access; Safe Mode without it does not, so choose based on whether you need to read drivers or updates.
Once you finish troubleshooting, return to msconfig, uncheck Safe Mode, and restart to go back to normal startup.

Booting Safe Mode from a Working Windows PC

If your PC starts normally but you want to enter Safe Mode to troubleshoot, use the System Configuration tool. Press the Windows key and R at the same time to open the Run dialog. Type msconfig and press Enter.

In the System Configuration window, click the Boot tab at the top. Under Boot options, you will see a checkbox labeled Safe boot. Check that box. Below it, you will see three radio buttons: Minimal, Alternate shell, and Network. Select Minimal if you do not need internet, or Network if you do. Click explore, then OK.

Windows will ask whether you want to restart now or later. Click Restart to boot into Safe Mode when ready. Your PC will restart and load the Safe Mode desktop, which looks simpler than normal — you will see "Safe Mode" in the corners of the screen and a lower resolution display.

Booting Safe Mode from a PC That Will Not Start Normally

If Windows will not load at all, you need to reach the recovery menu before you can choose Safe Mode. On Windows 10 and 11, restart your PC. As soon as you see the sign-in screen (or before it appears), hold down the Shift key and click the Power button in the bottom right corner, then click Restart. Keep holding Shift until you see a blue screen with recovery options.

On that blue screen, click Troubleshoot, then Advanced options, then Startup Settings. You will see a list of startup options numbered 1 through 9. Press 4 for Safe Mode, 5 for Safe Mode with Networking, or 6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt. Your PC will restart and load into the mode you selected.

If you do not see these options, your PC may be stuck before Windows loads at all. In that case, turn off the PC completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. when ready start pressing F8 or F12 repeatedly (depending on your PC manufacturer — check your startup screen) until you see the Advanced Boot Options menu. From there, use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode and press Enter.

What to Do Once You Are in Safe Mode

Once Safe Mode loads, you can run troubleshooting tasks that third-party software might interfere with. Open Windows Defender (built-in antivirus) and run a full scan to check for malware. Go to Settings, then System, then About, and look for Windows Update to install any pending patches. You can also uninstall problematic programs: go to Settings, Apps, Apps and features, find the program, and click Uninstall.

If you need to read a driver or update while in Safe Mode with Networking, you can do that through your web browser. However, some websites and downloads may not work properly in Safe Mode because certain features are disabled. If you run into trouble, note what you need and return to normal mode to read it.

Do not leave your PC in Safe Mode permanently. It is meant for diagnosis and repair, not daily use. Once you have finished troubleshooting, return to normal startup mode.

Returning to Normal Startup Mode

To exit Safe Mode, open the Run dialog again (Windows key + R), type msconfig, and press Enter. Click the Boot tab, uncheck the Safe boot checkbox, click explore, then OK. Click Restart when prompted. Your PC will restart and load Windows normally.

If you booted into Safe Mode using the recovery menu (because Windows would not start), you do not need to do anything — once you restart from Safe Mode, you will return to normal startup automatically unless you choose Safe Mode again.

Safe Mode vs. Other Startup Options

Windows offers other diagnostic modes beyond Safe Mode. Clean Boot (also set in msconfig) loads Windows with only Microsoft services running, which is slightly different from Safe Mode and sometimes catches problems Safe Mode misses. Startup Repair (in the recovery menu) automatically fixes common Windows startup issues without you having to do anything. Reset This PC erases everything and reinstalls Windows, which is a last resort.

Start with Safe Mode for most problems. If Safe Mode does not help and your PC still will not start, try Startup Repair next. Only use Reset This PC if you have backed up your files and nothing else has worked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Safe Mode look different and run slower?

Safe Mode uses a generic graphics driver instead of your video card's full driver, which is why the screen looks lower-resolution. It also runs fewer background programs, so some things take longer to load. This is normal and temporary.

Can I use Safe Mode to remove a virus?

Safe Mode is a good place to run antivirus scans because malware often cannot run or hide as easily in Safe Mode. However, Safe Mode alone does not remove viruses — you still need antivirus software. Windows Defender (built-in) or a third-party scanner like Malwarebytes can both run in Safe Mode.

What if Safe Mode does not load either?

If Safe Mode fails to load, your PC likely has a hardware problem or a severely corrupted Windows installation. Try Startup Repair from the recovery menu first. If that does not work, you may need to reinstall Windows or contact a technician.

Do I lose files or settings in Safe Mode?

No. Safe Mode does not delete or change anything on your PC. It only hides third-party programs and drivers temporarily. Once you restart normally, everything returns to how it was.

Can I install software in Safe Mode?

Most installers will not work in Safe Mode because they need drivers and services that are disabled. If you need to install something, return to normal mode first. The exception is Windows updates, which can install in Safe 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.