How to Restart Your PC Into 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. When you boot into Safe Mode, Windows skips most third-party software, startup programs, and non-essential drivers. This lets you troubleshoot problems caused by recently installed software, remove malware, or fix system issues without interference from background programs.

Use Safe Mode when your PC is running slowly, freezing, crashing on startup, or behaving strangely. It is also the right choice if you suspect malware, need to uninstall problematic software, or want to run system repair tools. Safe Mode with Networking adds internet access if you need to read drivers or updates while troubleshooting.

Key Takeaways

On Windows 10 and 11, hold Shift while clicking Restart from the power menu to access the boot options screen, then select Safe Mode.
If your PC will not start normally, restart it and press F8 or Shift+F8 repeatedly during the boot sequence to reach the Advanced Boot Options menu.
Safe Mode loads only essential drivers and disables most startup programs, making it easier to identify what is causing problems.
Safe Mode with Networking includes internet access so you can read drivers or malware removal tools while troubleshooting.
Exit Safe Mode by restarting your PC normally — Windows will return to its regular startup configuration automatically.

Reboot Into Safe Mode From the Settings Menu

The easiest method works when Windows starts normally. Click the Start button, then click the power icon in the bottom left corner. Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard, then click Restart. Do not release Shift until the screen changes — this forces Windows to show the boot options menu instead of restarting normally.

Your screen will go black, then display a blue menu with several options. Look for "Troubleshoot" and click it. Next, click "Advanced options," then "Startup Settings." Click the "Restart" button at the bottom right. Your PC will restart and show a numbered list of startup modes. Press the number key for the mode you want: press 4 for Safe Mode, or press 5 for Safe Mode with Networking (which includes internet access).

Reboot Into Safe Mode When Windows Will Not Start

If your PC will not boot into Windows normally, you can still reach Safe Mode. Restart your computer. As soon as you see the manufacturer's logo (Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.) or the Windows logo, begin pressing F8 or Shift+F8 repeatedly — press it many times per second. On some older systems, press F8 alone; on newer systems, try Shift+F8. You may need to try both.

If you see a menu appear with options like "Safe Mode," "Safe Mode with Networking," and "Safe Mode with Command Prompt," use the arrow keys to highlight your choice and press Enter. If the Advanced Boot Options menu does not appear, restart again and try pressing F8 earlier, right when the first logo appears. Timing varies by manufacturer, so you may need to restart and try again.

Using Safe Mode With Networking

Safe Mode with Networking is identical to regular Safe Mode except it loads the drivers needed for your internet connection. Choose this option if you need to read antivirus software, malware removal tools, or drivers while troubleshooting. Without networking, you cannot access the internet to get help or read fixes.

To select Safe Mode with Networking, follow the same steps as regular Safe Mode, but press 5 instead of 4 when the numbered startup modes list appears. Your desktop will look the same as Safe Mode, but your network connection will work. You can open a web browser and search for solutions or read tools.

What You Will See in Safe Mode

When Safe Mode loads, your desktop will look different from normal. The background is usually black or dark gray. You will see "Safe Mode" written in the four corners of your screen. The taskbar at the bottom works normally, but many programs will not be available — they straightforward will not appear in your Start menu or taskbar.

Only essential Windows programs and drivers are running. This means some features may not work: your printer might not respond, some USB devices might not be recognized, and graphics may look less sharp if Safe Mode is using a basic video driver. This is normal and temporary. Once you restart normally, everything returns to its regular state.

Troubleshooting When Safe Mode Will Not Load

If Safe Mode itself will not start, your PC may have a serious hardware or software problem. Try restarting and pressing F8 or Shift+F8 even earlier — some systems require you to press the key before any logo appears. If you have a Windows installation disc or USB drive, you can boot from that instead and use its repair tools.

If you do not have an installation disc, restart your PC and try pressing Delete, F2, or F12 during startup to enter the BIOS or boot menu (the key varies by manufacturer). Look for an option to boot from USB or CD. If you still cannot reach Safe Mode or the Advanced Boot Options menu, the hard drive or motherboard may be failing, and you may need to take the PC to a repair technician.

Exit Safe Mode and Return to Normal Startup

Safe Mode is temporary. To return to normal Windows startup, straightforward restart your PC. Click Start, click the power icon, and click Restart. Windows will boot normally with all your usual programs and drivers loaded. You do not need to change any settings — Safe Mode automatically turns off when you restart.

If you want to verify that you have exited Safe Mode, look at the desktop background and screen corners. In normal mode, you will not see "Safe Mode" written anywhere, and your background will return to your chosen image or color. All your usual programs will be available in the Start menu and taskbar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Safe Mode delete my files or programs?

No. Safe Mode only changes which programs run at startup — it does not delete or modify your files. When you restart normally, everything returns to how it was. However, if you intentionally uninstall a program while in Safe Mode, that program will be removed permanently, just as it would be in normal mode.

Can I use Safe Mode to remove a virus?

Safe Mode is useful for removing malware because many viruses do not run in Safe Mode. However, Safe Mode alone does not remove viruses. You should read and run antivirus or malware removal software while in Safe Mode with Networking. Programs like Malwarebytes or Windows Defender can scan and remove threats more effectively when fewer programs are running.

Why does my screen look different in Safe Mode?

Safe Mode uses basic video drivers instead of your graphics card's full drivers. This makes the screen resolution lower and colors may look different. This is normal and temporary. Your display will return to normal once you restart into regular Windows. The basic drivers are used so Safe Mode can load even if your graphics drivers are corrupted.

What if I cannot press Shift+Restart in time?

If you miss the timing, straightforward restart again and try once more. You must hold Shift down before clicking Restart and keep holding it until the blue menu appears. If you are having trouble, try restarting and pressing F8 or Shift+F8 during the boot sequence instead — this method does not require timing the Shift key.

Is it safe to stay in Safe Mode for a long time?

Safe Mode is safe to use, but it is meant for troubleshooting, not daily use. Some features will not work properly, and your PC may run slower. Once you have fixed the problem you were investigating, restart into normal mode. If you find that your PC runs better in Safe Mode, that is a sign that a startup program or driver is causing problems 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.