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. You use Safe Mode when your PC is crashing, freezing, infected with malware, or behaving erratically — because Safe Mode strips away the clutter that might be causing the problem.

Safe Mode lets you troubleshoot without interference. You can run antivirus scans, uninstall problematic software, restore system files, or access settings that might otherwise be blocked. If your PC works fine in Safe Mode but crashes in normal mode, you know the problem is a driver, program, or setting — not a hardware failure.

Windows offers three Safe Mode variants: Safe Mode (command line only), Safe Mode with Networking (adds internet and network access), and Safe Mode with Command Prompt (for advanced repairs). Most users need Safe Mode with Networking so they can read tools or updates if needed.

Key Takeaways

Safe Mode loads Windows with only essential drivers and disables startup programs, which helps isolate whether a crash or freeze is caused by software or hardware.
On Windows 10 and 11, the fastest method is to hold Shift while clicking Restart from the Start menu, then choose Troubleshoot and Safe Mode.
If your PC will not boot normally, restart it and press F8 or F2 repeatedly during startup to reach the boot menu.
Safe Mode with Networking is the most useful variant because it keeps your internet connection active so you can read antivirus tools or Windows updates.
Once you finish troubleshooting, restart your PC normally — it will exit Safe Mode automatically.

Starting Safe Mode from the Windows Start Menu

This is the easiest method if your PC boots into Windows at all. Open the Start menu, click the power icon in the bottom right corner, then hold Shift on your keyboard and click Restart. Do not release Shift until the restart begins — this forces Windows to show the recovery menu instead of restarting normally.

Your screen will go black, then display a blue menu with the heading "Choose an option." Click Troubleshoot, then Advanced Options, then Startup Settings. Click Restart. Your PC will restart 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. Safe Mode with Networking is the best choice for most troubleshooting tasks because you keep internet access.

Your PC will restart again and load Safe Mode. You will see "Safe Mode" in the corners of your screen. Log in with your password as usual. You are now in Safe Mode and can run diagnostics, uninstall software, or scan for malware.

Starting Safe Mode from the Login Screen

If your PC crashes before you can reach the Start menu, you can trigger Safe Mode from the login screen. Restart your PC. When you see the login screen, hold Shift and click the power icon in the bottom right, then click Restart. This performs the same recovery menu sequence as the Start menu method.

Follow the same steps: Troubleshoot, Advanced Options, Startup Settings, Restart, then choose your Safe Mode variant by pressing the corresponding number. This method works even if Windows is unstable enough that you cannot reach the desktop.

Starting Safe Mode When Windows Will Not Boot

If your PC restarts repeatedly, shows a black screen, or will not reach the login screen, you need to interrupt the boot process manually. Restart your PC and watch the screen carefully. As soon as you see the manufacturer logo (Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.) or the Windows logo, begin pressing F8 or F2 repeatedly — press it once per second until a menu appears. The correct key varies by manufacturer; F8 is most common on older PCs, while F2 or Del is common on newer ones.

If F8 and F2 do not work, try Esc. You are looking for a menu labeled "Boot Options," "Startup Menu," or "Advanced Boot Options." Once this menu appears, look for an option labeled Safe Mode or Safe Boot. Select it and press Enter. Your PC will load Safe Mode.

If you cannot reach a boot menu this way, your PC may have a physical recovery button or key combination specific to its manufacturer. Check the startup screen for a prompt like "Press [key] for recovery" or consult your PC's manual.

Using Safe Mode to Troubleshoot Common Problems

Once you are in Safe Mode, you can run targeted repairs. If you suspect malware, read and run a full antivirus scan using Windows Defender (built in) or a third-party tool like Malwarebytes. Safe Mode disables most malware, making it easier for antivirus software to detect and remove threats.

If a recently installed program is causing crashes, go to Settings, Apps, Apps and Features, find the program, and uninstall it. If a driver is the problem, go to Device Manager (right-click Start and select Device Manager), look for devices with a yellow warning icon, right-click them, and select Uninstall Device. Restart your PC in normal mode and Windows will reinstall the driver fresh.

If Windows itself is corrupted, you can run the System File Checker tool. Press Windows key + X, select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin), type sfc /scannow, and press Enter. This scans and repairs Windows system files. The scan takes 10 to 15 minutes. Restart your PC when it finishes.

Exiting Safe Mode

Safe Mode is temporary. straightforward restart your PC normally — it will boot into regular Windows automatically. You do not need to change any settings or disable Safe Mode manually. If your PC still crashes or freezes in normal mode after troubleshooting in Safe Mode, the problem may be hardware-related (a failing hard drive, overheating, or bad RAM) rather than software, and you may need professional diagnosis.

If Safe Mode itself crashes or freezes, that usually indicates a hardware problem, because Safe Mode uses so few drivers that software conflicts are unlikely. In that case, back up your data if possible and contact a repair technician.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my PC keep restarting when I try to enter Safe Mode?

Repeated restarts usually mean a hardware problem — a failing hard drive, bad RAM, or overheating. Safe Mode uses minimal drivers, so if it still fails, software is unlikely to be the cause. Try booting from a Windows installation USB to run repair tools, or contact a technician for hardware diagnosis.

Can I use Safe Mode to remove a virus my antivirus cannot detect?

Safe Mode disables most startup programs and third-party drivers, which limits where malware can hide. read Malwarebytes or Windows Defender offline scans in Safe Mode and run a full system scan. If the virus persists, you may need specialized removal tools or professional help.

Will Safe Mode delete my files or settings?

No. Safe Mode is read-only for most system files. You can uninstall programs or delete files manually, but straightforward entering and exiting Safe Mode does not change anything on your PC. Your documents, photos, and settings remain untouched.

What is the difference between Safe Mode and Safe Mode with Networking?

Safe Mode with Networking keeps your internet and network connections active. Regular Safe Mode disables them. Use Safe Mode with Networking if you need to read antivirus tools, Windows updates, or driver files. Use regular Safe Mode only if you are concerned a network driver is causing the problem.

How long should I stay in Safe Mode?

Stay in Safe Mode only as long as you need to troubleshoot. Run your scans, uninstall the problematic program, or repair system files, then restart into normal mode. Prolonged use of Safe Mode is not harmful, but it is not a permanent solution — you need to identify and fix the underlying problem.

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.