How to Exit Safe Mode on Windows and Mac

The fastest way to exit Safe Mode

The quickest method is to restart your computer normally. On Windows, open the Start menu, select the power icon, and choose Restart. On Mac, go to the Apple menu, select Shut Down, and then turn the computer back on. Your PC will boot into normal mode automatically unless Safe Mode is set to start every time.

If restarting does not work, Safe Mode may be locked by a setting in your system configuration. Windows stores this setting in the System Configuration utility, and Mac stores it in Recovery Mode. Both require you to access these tools before your computer fully starts.

Key Takeaways

A straightforward restart is the first step — most computers exit Safe Mode and return to normal operation on the next boot.
If Safe Mode persists after restart, you need to change the boot setting in System Configuration (Windows) or Recovery Mode (Mac).
Windows Safe Mode is controlled through msconfig, which you can open by typing it into the search bar and selecting the Boot tab.
Mac Safe Mode is controlled through Recovery Mode, accessed by restarting and holding Command + R until the Apple logo appears.
If you cannot access these tools, a factory reset or professional repair may be necessary, but this erases all data unless you back up first.

Exiting Safe Mode on Windows

Windows Safe Mode usually exits on its own after a restart. Shut down your computer completely, wait a few seconds, and power it back on. If the computer boots into Safe Mode again, the setting is locked in your system configuration and needs to be changed manually.

To change it, open the Start menu and type "msconfig" into the search bar. Click the System Configuration app when it appears. In the window that opens, select the Boot tab at the top. You will see a checkbox labeled "Safe boot" — uncheck it. Click explore, then OK. Your computer will ask if you want to restart now or later. Choose Restart Now, and your PC will boot into normal mode.

If you cannot find System Configuration or the Boot tab does not appear, your user account may not have administrator rights. Log in with an account that has full permissions, or contact the person who set up the computer.

Exiting Safe Mode on Mac

Mac Safe Mode exits after a normal restart in most cases. Shut down your Mac completely by going to the Apple menu and selecting Shut Down. Wait a few seconds, then power it back on. If it boots into Safe Mode again, you need to change the setting through Recovery Mode.

Restart your Mac and when ready hold down Command + R. Keep holding until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe. This opens Recovery Mode. Once the Recovery window appears, click Utilities in the menu bar, then select Terminal. In the Terminal window, type the command: nvram boot-args="" and press Enter. Close Terminal, then restart your Mac normally. It should boot into regular mode.

If you do not see the Utilities menu or Terminal does not respond, your Mac may have a firmware lock or other protection enabled. Restart and try again, or contact Apple Support for help.

What Safe Mode does and why it starts

Safe Mode loads only the essential drivers and programs your computer needs to run. It disables third-party software, startup programs, and some hardware features. This is useful when your computer has a virus, a bad driver, or a program that crashes on startup — Safe Mode lets you troubleshoot without those things interfering.

Safe Mode usually starts because your computer detected a problem during the last shutdown or startup. Windows may have crashed, or Mac may have detected a login issue. Once you restart normally, the computer assumes the problem is fixed and returns to regular mode. If the problem happens again, Safe Mode will start again on the next boot.

When Safe Mode gets stuck

Safe Mode can become stuck if the setting is manually turned on in System Configuration or Recovery Mode and not turned off. This sometimes happens after troubleshooting a virus or driver problem — the person who fixed it may have forgotten to switch it back. It can also happen if a startup program is corrupted and keeps triggering Safe Mode on every boot.

If restarting and using System Configuration (Windows) or Recovery Mode (Mac) do not work, the problem may be deeper. A corrupted system file, a hardware failure, or a security lock could prevent you from accessing these tools. At this point, you may need to perform a factory reset, which erases everything on your computer unless you back up your files first.

Backing up your files before a factory reset

If you are stuck in Safe Mode and cannot exit using the methods above, back up your important files before attempting a factory reset. On Windows, connect an external hard drive or USB drive and copy your Documents, Pictures, Desktop, and Downloads folders to it. On Mac, use Time Machine or manually copy your files to an external drive.

Once your files are backed up, you can perform a factory reset without losing them. On Windows, go to Settings, select System, then Recovery, and choose Reset this PC. On Mac, restart and hold Command + R, then select Reinstall macOS from the Recovery window. Both processes take an hour or more and will erase all programs and settings, so only do this if the other methods have not worked.

Preventing Safe Mode from starting again

After you exit Safe Mode, check your startup programs to make sure nothing is forcing Safe Mode to start on the next boot. On Windows, open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc, click the Startup tab, and disable any programs you do not recognize or need. On Mac, go to System Settings, select General, then Login Items, and remove any programs that should not start automatically.

If you recently installed antivirus software, a driver, or a system utility, uninstall it and restart. These programs sometimes conflict with your startup process and trigger Safe Mode repeatedly. If the problem started after a Windows or Mac update, restart a few times — sometimes the system needs multiple boots to finish installing updates properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my computer normally while in Safe Mode?

You can use Safe Mode, but many programs will not work. Internet may be slow or unavailable, printers may not connect, and games or specialized software will not run. Safe Mode is meant for troubleshooting, not daily use. Exit it as soon as possible.

What if my computer will not restart?

Hold the power button for 10 seconds until the computer shuts down completely. Wait 30 seconds, then power it back on. If it still will not respond, the battery or power supply may be failing. Try a different power outlet or have the hardware checked.

Does exiting Safe Mode delete my files?

No. Exiting Safe Mode only changes how your computer starts up. Your files, programs, and settings remain untouched. A factory reset would delete everything, but a normal exit from Safe Mode will not.

Why does Safe Mode keep coming back after I restart?

The setting is still enabled in System Configuration (Windows) or Recovery Mode (Mac). Follow the steps in the sections above to uncheck Safe Boot in msconfig or clear the boot arguments in Terminal. If you have already done this and it still returns, a startup program may be corrupted and forcing Safe Mode to restart.

Can I exit Safe Mode without restarting?

No. Safe Mode is a startup setting, so you must restart your computer to change it. You cannot exit Safe Mode while the computer is running — you can only change the setting and then restart.

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.