How to Restart Your PC in Safe Mode

What Safe Mode Does and When to Use It

Safe Mode starts Windows with only the bare minimum drivers and programs — no third-party software, no startup apps, no network drivers unless you choose them. It loads only what Windows needs to run. You use Safe Mode when your PC is crashing, freezing, or infected, because it strips away the software that is probably causing the problem. If your PC works fine in Safe Mode but crashes in normal mode, the culprit is something you installed or a driver that loads at startup.

Safe Mode also lets you uninstall programs that won't uninstall normally, delete files that are locked in regular Windows, or run antivirus scans without interference. It is not a permanent state — restarting normally brings you back to your usual setup.

Key Takeaways

Windows 10 and 11 restart into Safe Mode through Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced Startup, then Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings.
Safe Mode with Networking includes network drivers so you can read tools or connect to the internet; Safe Mode without Networking does not.
If your PC will not start normally, restart it three times during the boot process to trigger automatic recovery options that include Safe Mode.
Once in Safe Mode, restart normally through the Start menu to return to your usual Windows setup.

Restarting into Safe Mode from Windows Settings

On Windows 10 or 11, the standard route is through Settings. Open Settings (press Windows key + I), then go to System on the left sidebar. Click Recovery. Under Recovery options, you will see Advanced Startup — click Restart Now. Your PC will restart and show a blue menu with three options: Continue, Troubleshoot, and Reset This PC.

Click Troubleshoot, then Advanced Options, then Startup Settings. You will see a list of startup modes numbered 1 through 9. Press 4 for Safe Mode, or press 5 for Safe Mode with Networking (which includes internet drivers). Your PC restarts into Safe Mode. The desktop looks normal, but you will see "Safe Mode" in the corners and the taskbar is simpler.

This method works when Windows starts normally. If your PC crashes before it fully loads, use the forced restart method instead.

Forcing Safe Mode When Windows Won't Start

If your PC crashes or freezes before you can reach Settings, restart it by holding the power button for ten seconds until it shuts down completely. Turn it back on. As soon as you see the Windows logo or manufacturer logo, hold the power button again for ten seconds. Repeat this a third time. On the third restart, Windows detects the forced shutdowns and automatically shows the recovery menu with the same Troubleshoot and Startup Settings options described above.

This method is slower because you are waiting for the boot process to begin each time, but it works when the PC never reaches the desktop. Do not hold the power button during the restart itself — wait until you see the logo, then hold it.

Safe Mode with Networking vs. Safe Mode Without Networking

Safe Mode without Networking (option 4) removes all network drivers, so you cannot connect to the internet or your home network. Use this when you suspect a network driver is causing the crash, or when you want to work offline without distractions. Safe Mode with Networking (option 5) keeps your network drivers, so you can read antivirus tools, search for solutions, or connect to a printer on your network.

Most people choose Safe Mode with Networking because it gives you more options. The only reason to choose Safe Mode without Networking is if the network itself is part of the problem — for example, if a network driver update broke your system.

What to Do Once You Are in Safe Mode

Once Safe Mode loads, you can uninstall programs, delete files, run antivirus scans, or roll back driver updates. To uninstall a program, right-click the Start button, select Apps and Features, find the program, and click Uninstall. To roll back a driver, right-click the Start button, select Device Manager, find the device with a yellow warning icon, right-click it, and select Properties. Click the Driver tab, then Roll Back Driver if the button is available.

If you are running an antivirus scan, use Windows Defender (built in) or read a standalone tool like Malwarebytes if you have internet access. Scans run faster and more thoroughly in Safe Mode because fewer programs are competing for resources.

Take notes of what you do in Safe Mode so you remember what you changed. When you are finished, restart normally by clicking the Start button, Power, and Restart. Do not shut down and turn on manually — use Restart so Windows loads normally.

Troubleshooting If Safe Mode Will Not Load

If Safe Mode itself will not start, or if you see a black screen after selecting Safe Mode, the problem is usually a corrupted driver or a hardware failure. Try Safe Mode with Command Prompt (option 6 in Startup Settings) instead — it loads an even more minimal version with only a text interface. If that works, the graphics driver is likely the culprit.

If nothing works, your hard drive may be failing or Windows may be too corrupted to repair. At that point, you need to run Windows Startup Repair (available in the same Advanced Options menu) or consider a clean Windows installation. Both are beyond Safe Mode troubleshooting, but Safe Mode is always the first step to try.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Safe Mode to remove a virus?

Yes. Safe Mode stops most malware from running because it does not load startup programs. Run Windows Defender or read Malwarebytes in Safe Mode with Networking, then scan your system. Malware cannot hide or defend itself when the programs that load it are not running.

Will Safe Mode delete my files?

No. Safe Mode only changes what loads at startup — it does not touch your documents, photos, or installed programs. When you restart normally, everything is still there. Safe Mode is safe to use and safe to exit.

Why does my PC run fine in Safe Mode but crash in normal mode?

Something you installed — a program, a driver, or a browser extension — is causing the crash. In Safe Mode, that software does not load. Try uninstalling recent programs one at a time, or roll back driver updates in Device Manager. Restart normally after each change to see if the crash stops.

How long does Safe Mode take to start?

Safe Mode usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes to load, depending on your hard drive speed. It is slower than normal startup because Windows is checking every driver it loads. If it takes longer than five minutes, restart and try again.

Can I stay in Safe Mode permanently?

You can, but you should not. Safe Mode disables features like sound, full graphics, and network printing. It is meant for troubleshooting only. Once you fix the problem, restart normally.

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.