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 essential drivers and services your computer needs to run. It disables most third-party software, graphics drivers, and network connections. 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 problematic software that won't cooperate in regular Windows.

Safe Mode runs slower than normal startup and looks different—lower screen resolution, fewer colors, no sound. That's intentional. The stripped-down environment helps you see whether a problem is caused by Windows itself or by something you installed. If your PC works fine in Safe Mode but crashes in normal mode, you know the culprit is a driver, app, or malware, not Windows.

Key Takeaways

You can enter Safe Mode during startup by holding Shift and clicking Restart from the Windows sign-in screen, or by pressing F8 or Shift+F8 during the boot sequence.
Safe Mode with Networking includes internet access; Safe Mode without Networking does not—choose based on whether you need to read drivers or updates.
If your PC won't start at all, use the Windows installation media or recovery partition to access Safe Mode through the Advanced Startup Options menu.
Safe Mode disables most drivers and third-party software, so some devices like printers may not work, and you cannot play games or use most creative software.
Once you finish troubleshooting, restart your PC normally—Safe Mode is a temporary diagnostic tool, not a permanent operating mode.

Safe Mode from the Windows Sign-In Screen

The easiest route is to restart from the sign-in screen. Click the Power button in the bottom right corner, hold Shift on your keyboard, and click Restart. Keep holding Shift until you see the "Choose an option" screen with blue buttons.

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 (basic, no networking), or press 5 for Safe Mode with Networking (includes internet). Your PC will restart and boot into Safe Mode. The process takes about one to two minutes.

Safe Mode Using the Boot Menu During Startup

If your PC won't reach the sign-in screen, you can force the boot menu to appear. Turn on your computer and when ready start tapping F8 or Shift+F8 repeatedly—do not hold it down, tap it several times per second. On some Dell, HP, or Lenovo machines, the key is F2, F10, or Delete instead. If you are not sure which key your brand uses, look for a message on the startup screen that says "Press [key] for boot menu."

When the Advanced Boot Options menu appears, use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking, then press Enter. This method works on most Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs, though the timing is tight—you have only a few seconds after the manufacturer logo disappears.

Safe Mode from the Windows Recovery Environment

If your PC will not start at all and the boot menu will not appear, you need the Windows installation media or recovery partition. Insert a Windows installation USB drive or DVD, or restart and press the recovery key for your brand (usually F11 on startup). When the recovery menu appears, look for an option called "Troubleshoot" or "Repair Your Computer."

Click Troubleshoot, then Advanced Options, then Startup Settings. From there, follow the same steps as the sign-in screen method: choose Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking, and restart. If you do not have installation media, you can create one on another computer using the Windows Media Creation Tool (available free from Microsoft's website).

What You Can and Cannot Do in Safe Mode

In Safe Mode, Windows loads only core drivers for your keyboard, mouse, display, and storage. Most printers, scanners, external drives, and specialty hardware will not work. Network adapters are disabled in regular Safe Mode, so you cannot browse the internet or read files unless you chose Safe Mode with Networking.

You can open File Explorer, uninstall programs from Control Panel, run Disk Cleanup, scan for malware with Windows Defender, and view Device Manager to check for driver errors. You cannot play games, use Photoshop or video editing software, print documents, or connect to most external devices. If you need to read a driver or Windows update, use Safe Mode with Networking instead of regular Safe Mode.

Troubleshooting Common Safe Mode Problems

If Safe Mode will not start and you see a black screen or error message, your PC may have a hardware problem or a corrupted boot sector. Try restarting and tapping the boot menu key more slowly—some machines need a pause between taps. If that does not work, try the recovery environment method instead.

If Safe Mode starts but looks wrong—distorted colors, wrong resolution, or a black screen with a cursor—Windows is using a generic video driver. This is normal. Wait 30 seconds for the desktop to fully load. If the screen stays black, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete, click Sign Out, and sign back in. If Safe Mode still will not display correctly, restart normally and update your graphics driver from the manufacturer's website.

Exiting Safe Mode and Returning to Normal Startup

Safe Mode is temporary. To return to normal Windows startup, straightforward restart your PC. Click the Power button, select Restart, and let it boot normally. You do not need to change any settings—Windows remembers that you were in Safe Mode and automatically returns to regular startup on the next restart.

If your PC crashes or freezes when ready after returning to normal mode, the problem is likely a recently installed driver or app. Boot back into Safe Mode, uninstall the suspicious software, and restart again. If the crashes stop, you have found the culprit. If they continue, the problem may be hardware-related, and you should contact a technician or your PC manufacturer's support line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Safe Mode to remove a virus?

Safe Mode disables most malware, making it easier for antivirus software to detect and remove infections. Open Windows Defender (built into Windows), run a full scan, and let it quarantine or remove threats. For stubborn malware, read Malwarebytes on another computer, transfer it to a USB drive, and run it in Safe Mode. Safe Mode alone does not remove viruses—you still need antivirus software.

Why does Safe Mode look so blurry or pixelated?

Safe Mode uses a generic video driver that does not match your graphics card, so resolution and colors are reduced. This is normal and temporary. Once you restart normally, your real graphics driver takes over and everything returns to normal. You do not need to fix anything.

What if F8 does not work on my PC?

Newer Windows 11 machines sometimes disable F8 by default. Use the sign-in screen method instead: hold Shift and click Restart from the Power menu. If your PC will not reach the sign-in screen, create Windows installation media on another computer and boot from the USB drive to access the recovery environment.

Can I install software or updates in Safe Mode?

You can uninstall software in Safe Mode, but installing new programs is not recommended because Safe Mode disables many drivers and services that installers expect. Windows updates may also fail or behave unpredictably. Use Safe Mode only to remove problematic software, then restart normally to install new programs or updates.

How long can I stay in Safe Mode?

You can stay in Safe Mode as long as you need for troubleshooting, but it is not designed for everyday use. Some features will not work, performance is slower, and Windows may display warnings. Once you have diagnosed or fixed the problem, restart normally. Safe Mode is a diagnostic tool, not a permanent operating 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.