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 your system. It disables most third-party software, startup programs, and non-essential drivers. This lets you troubleshoot problems—like malware infections, driver conflicts, or software crashes—without interference from the programs that might be causing the issue.

Safe Mode is useful when your PC won't start normally, when you need to uninstall problematic software, when you suspect a virus or malware, or when you're trying to fix a driver issue. It's also the right choice if Windows is running so slowly that normal mode is unusable, or if you need to access system files that are locked by running programs.

There are three Safe Mode variants: Safe Mode (keyboard and mouse only, no network), Safe Mode with Networking (includes internet connection), and Safe Mode with Command Prompt (for advanced users). Most people use the first or second option.

Key Takeaways

Safe Mode starts Windows with only essential drivers and disables most programs, making it the right choice for troubleshooting malware, driver problems, or software conflicts.
On Windows 10 and 11, press the Windows key and I together, go to System, then Recovery, and click Restart under Advanced Startup Options.
If Windows won't start normally, restart your PC and press F8 or Shift+F8 repeatedly during the boot screen to reach the Advanced Boot Options menu.
Safe Mode with Networking includes your internet connection, which you need if you plan to read antivirus software or drivers while troubleshooting.
Your PC will run noticeably slower in Safe Mode because it's using minimal resources—this is normal and expected.

Starting Safe Mode from the Settings Menu (Windows 10 and 11)

The easiest way to enter Safe Mode on a working PC is through the Settings app. Press the Windows key and the letter I at the same time to open Settings. Click System on the left sidebar, then scroll down and click Recovery.

Under the "Recovery" section, you'll see Advanced Startup with a blue "Restart now" button. Click that button. Your PC will restart and show you a menu with several options. Click Troubleshoot, then Advanced Options, then Startup Settings. You'll see a list of startup options numbered 1 through 9. Press the number key that corresponds to the Safe Mode option you want: press 4 for Safe Mode, 5 for Safe Mode with Networking, or 6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt. Your PC will restart into Safe Mode.

This method works only if Windows starts normally. If your PC won't boot into Windows at all, use the method in the next section instead.

Starting Safe Mode When Windows Won't Boot Normally

If your PC won't start Windows normally, you'll need to interrupt the boot process. Restart your computer. As soon as you see the Windows logo or the manufacturer's splash screen, begin pressing F8 or Shift+F8 repeatedly—press it many times per second until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears. The timing is tight; if you miss it, restart and try again.

Once the Advanced Boot Options menu is on screen, you'll see a list of startup choices. Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to highlight the Safe Mode option you want, then press Enter. The most common choice is the first one, Safe Mode. Your PC will load Windows in Safe Mode.

If pressing F8 doesn't work on your PC, try restarting and holding down the Shift key while clicking the power button to shut down, then power on again. This sometimes forces the Advanced Boot Options menu to appear. On some newer PCs, especially those with fast startup enabled, you may need to restart from the login screen instead: click the power icon, hold Shift, and click Restart.

Using Safe Mode with Networking for Antivirus and Driver Downloads

Safe Mode with Networking is the version to choose if you need to read antivirus software, security patches, or device drivers while troubleshooting. It includes your network adapter and internet connection while still disabling third-party programs and non-essential drivers.

Once you're in Safe Mode with Networking, open your web browser and read the antivirus or malware removal tool you plan to use. Common free options include Malwarebytes, Windows Defender Offline, or Kaspersky Rescue Disk. Run the scan from Safe Mode, which prevents malware from protecting itself by running in the background. After the scan completes and any threats are removed, restart your PC normally.

If you're troubleshooting a driver problem, Safe Mode with Networking also lets you visit the manufacturer's website to read the correct driver version. However, many driver installation programs won't run in Safe Mode, so you may need to read the driver in Safe Mode but install it after restarting in normal mode.

What to Expect When Safe Mode Starts

When Safe Mode loads, you'll notice several differences from normal Windows. The words "Safe Mode" will appear in the corners of your screen. Your desktop background may be black or a solid color. You'll have fewer icons in the system tray (the area near the clock). Many programs you normally see in the taskbar won't be there.

Your PC will run noticeably slower than normal—this is expected and not a sign of a problem. Safe Mode uses minimal resources on purpose. Your mouse and keyboard will work normally. If you chose Safe Mode with Networking, your internet connection will be active; if you chose regular Safe Mode, you won't have network access.

You can use Safe Mode just like normal Windows: open File Explorer, run programs, uninstall software, or access system settings. The main limitation is that many modern programs won't run because their startup files are disabled. This is the whole point—you're working in a stripped-down environment to isolate and fix problems.

Exiting Safe Mode and Returning to Normal Startup

To leave Safe Mode and return to normal Windows, straightforward restart your PC. Press the Windows key and the X key together, click Shut down or sign out, then click Restart. Alternatively, click the Start button, click the power icon, and select Restart. Your PC will boot normally the next time.

If you made changes in Safe Mode—such as uninstalling software or removing malware—those changes will remain in effect when you restart. Safe Mode is temporary; it doesn't save any special settings or prevent normal programs from running again. Once you restart, Windows loads all your usual drivers and programs as it normally would.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is pressing F8 too late or too early during startup. The window to catch the Advanced Boot Options menu is only a few seconds long. If you miss it, restart and try again. On newer PCs with fast startup, F8 may not work at all—use the Settings method or the Shift+Restart method instead.

Another mistake is choosing regular Safe Mode when you need Safe Mode with Networking. If you realize mid-troubleshooting that you need internet access, don't try to enable it in Safe Mode—just restart and choose Safe Mode with Networking instead.

Don't assume that Safe Mode will fix every problem. If your PC crashes or freezes even in Safe Mode, the issue is likely a hardware problem (bad RAM, failing hard drive, or overheating) rather than a software conflict. In that case, Safe Mode troubleshooting won't help, and you may need hardware diagnostics or professional repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Safe Mode delete my files or programs?

No. Safe Mode only disables programs and drivers temporarily—it doesn't delete anything. When you restart normally, all your files and programs are still there. However, if you manually uninstall a program while in Safe Mode, that uninstall is permanent, just as it would be in normal mode.

Can I use Safe Mode to remove a virus?

Safe Mode is a good environment to run antivirus scans because malware can't protect itself by running in the background. However, Safe Mode alone doesn't remove viruses—you need to run antivirus software. Safe Mode with Networking is the best choice because you can read and run antivirus tools while connected to the internet.

Why is my PC so slow in Safe Mode?

Safe Mode intentionally uses minimal drivers and resources. This slowness is normal and expected. It's not a sign that something is wrong with your PC. Once you restart in normal mode, your PC will return to its usual speed.

What if F8 doesn't work on my PC?

Newer PCs with fast startup enabled often don't respond to F8. Instead, use the Settings method: press Windows+I, go to System > Recovery, click "Restart now" under Advanced Startup, then follow the on-screen menu to choose Safe Mode. Alternatively, restart from the login screen by holding Shift and clicking the power button.

Can I install programs or updates in Safe Mode?

Most modern programs and Windows updates won't install in Safe Mode because they require drivers and services that are disabled. You can read files in Safe Mode with Networking, but you'll usually need to restart in normal mode to complete installations. The exception is antivirus software and malware removal tools, which are designed to run 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.