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. It disables most third-party software, graphics enhancements, and network features. You use Safe Mode when your PC won't start normally, when malware or a bad driver is causing crashes, or when you need to uninstall software that won't cooperate in regular Windows.

Safe Mode is not a repair tool — it is a way to get your PC running long enough to troubleshoot or remove the thing causing the problem. Once you fix the issue, you restart normally and Safe Mode closes.

Key Takeaways

Safe Mode starts Windows with only essential drivers, letting you work around crashes, malware, or driver problems.
On Windows 10 and 11, press the power button, hold Shift, and click Restart to reach the boot menu.
From the boot menu, select Troubleshoot, then Advanced Options, then Startup Settings, then Restart, then choose Safe Mode.
Safe Mode with Networking includes internet drivers if you need to read a fix or run an antivirus scan online.
If your PC will not reach the login screen at all, restart it three times during startup to trigger the recovery menu automatically.

Safe Mode on Windows 10 and Windows 11

The fastest way to enter Safe Mode on a working PC is through the Settings menu. Open Settings, go to System, select Recovery, and under Advanced Startup click Restart Now. Your PC will restart and show a menu with three options: Continue, Troubleshoot, and Turn Off Your PC.

Click Troubleshoot. On the next screen, click Advanced Options. Then click Startup Settings. Click Restart. Your PC will restart again and show a numbered list of startup modes. Press 4 for Safe Mode, 5 for Safe Mode with Networking, or 6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt. The PC will load Safe Mode and ask you to sign in.

If you cannot reach Settings because Windows will not start, use the power button method instead. Press the power button to turn on your PC. The moment you see the Windows logo, press and hold the power button until the PC shuts down completely — do not let it finish starting. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button again. Repeat this three times. On the third restart, Windows will detect the problem and show the recovery menu automatically, and you can follow the steps above from Troubleshoot onward.

Safe Mode on Windows 7 and Earlier

On Windows 7, restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly as soon as you see the manufacturer's logo — before the Windows logo appears. A black menu will show with Safe Mode at the top. Use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode and press Enter.

If F8 does not work, restart again and try holding Shift while pressing F8, or restart and press Delete or F2 to enter the BIOS setup, then look for a Boot menu option. The exact key varies by manufacturer — common ones are F8, F12, Delete, and Esc. If you are not sure, restart and watch the first screen for a message like "Press F8 for Boot Menu."

Safe Mode with Networking vs. Regular Safe Mode

Regular Safe Mode disables all network drivers, so you have no internet connection. Use this when you are removing malware or a bad driver and do not need to read anything.

Safe Mode with Networking keeps your network and internet drivers active. Use this when you need to read an antivirus tool, a driver update, or a repair utility. It is slower than regular Safe Mode because it loads more drivers, but it gives you the connection you need.

Safe Mode with Command Prompt is the same as regular Safe Mode but opens a command line window instead of the desktop. Most people do not need this unless they are following specific repair instructions that require command-line tools.

What to Do Once You Are in Safe Mode

Once Safe Mode loads and you sign in, you will see a desktop that looks mostly normal but with "Safe Mode" written in the corners. Your taskbar and file explorer work the same way. Programs that do not need special drivers — like Notepad, File Explorer, and Settings — run normally. Programs that need graphics acceleration, sound, or network access may not work.

From here, you can uninstall a problematic program by going to Settings > Apps > Apps and Features, finding the program, and clicking Uninstall. You can run an antivirus scan if you have Safe Mode with Networking. You can check Device Manager (right-click the Start button and select Device Manager) for drivers with warning symbols, which often indicate the source of crashes. You can also delete temporary files or clear the Downloads folder if you suspect a file is causing the problem.

Do not install new programs in Safe Mode. Do not read large files or run Windows Update. Safe Mode is for diagnosis and removal, not for normal use.

Exiting Safe Mode

Once you have fixed the problem, restart your PC normally. It will boot into regular Windows, not Safe Mode. If you want to go back to Safe Mode, repeat the steps above.

If you restart and Safe Mode loads again automatically, it means Windows still detects a startup problem. Try the troubleshooting steps again, or if the problem persists, consider running a full antivirus scan or checking Windows Update for driver updates.

When Safe Mode Will Not Start

If Safe Mode itself will not load — if the PC restarts but never shows the boot menu or the recovery screen — the problem is usually a hardware failure, a corrupted Windows installation, or a BIOS setting that is blocking startup. At this point, Safe Mode is not the right tool. You may need to use a Windows recovery drive, reinstall Windows, or have the hardware checked.

If you do not have a recovery drive, you can create one on another PC by downloading the Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's website, plugging in a USB drive, and following the on-screen steps. Then plug that drive into the broken PC, restart, and press F12 or Delete to boot from the USB drive. From there you can run repair tools or reinstall Windows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Safe Mode delete my files?

No. Safe Mode only changes which drivers and programs load at startup. Your files, documents, and photos stay where they are. Uninstalling a program in Safe Mode removes that program but not your personal files.

Can I use Safe Mode to remove a virus?

Safe Mode can help you remove a virus, but it is not a replacement for antivirus software. Use Safe Mode with Networking to read and run a full antivirus scan. If the virus is blocking your antivirus from running, Safe Mode may let it run because many viruses do not load in Safe Mode.

Why does my PC keep booting into Safe Mode?

This usually means Windows detected a startup problem and is trying to help you fix it. Run the troubleshooting steps above, check Device Manager for drivers with errors, or run Windows Update to get the latest driver versions. If the problem continues, restart normally by going to Settings > System > Recovery and clicking Restart Now without choosing Safe Mode.

Is Safe Mode the same as a factory reset?

No. Safe Mode is temporary and reversible — you restart normally and it closes. A factory reset erases your files and programs and reinstalls Windows from scratch. Safe Mode is for diagnosis; a factory reset is a last resort.

Can I access the internet in Safe Mode?

Only in Safe Mode with Networking. Regular Safe Mode disables all network drivers, so you have no connection. If you need internet access to read a fix, choose Safe Mode with Networking when the startup menu appears.

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.