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. It disables most third-party software, graphics acceleration, and network features. You use it when your PC won't start normally, when you suspect malware or a bad driver is causing crashes, or when you need to uninstall software that won't cooperate in regular mode.

Safe Mode is not a repair tool — it is a way to get your PC running so you can troubleshoot. Once you identify and fix the problem, you restart normally. There are three versions: Safe Mode (keyboard and mouse only), Safe Mode with Networking (adds internet access), and Safe Mode with Command Prompt (for advanced users). Most people need the first one.

Key Takeaways

On Windows 10 and 11, press the Windows key and I together, go to System, then Recovery, and click Restart under Advanced Startup.
On older Windows versions, restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly as it boots, before the Windows logo appears.
Safe Mode loads only essential drivers, so your screen may look different and some features will not work until you restart normally.
If your PC will not start at all, use a Windows installation disc or USB drive to access Safe Mode from the recovery menu.

Safe Mode on Windows 10 and Windows 11

The fastest way on modern Windows is through Settings. Press the Windows key and I at the same time to open Settings. Click System on the left sidebar, then scroll down and click Recovery. Under Advanced Startup, click Restart Now. Your PC will restart into a blue menu with white text.

From that menu, click Troubleshoot, then Advanced Options, then Startup Settings. Click Restart. Your PC will restart again and show a numbered list of startup options. Press 4 for Safe Mode, 5 for Safe Mode with Networking, or 6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt. The PC will load Safe Mode and you will see "Safe Mode" in the corners of your screen.

If you cannot reach Settings because your PC will not start, hold the power button for ten seconds to force a shutdown. Turn it back on and when ready start pressing F8 or F11 repeatedly until you see the Advanced Boot Options menu. This works on some Windows 10 machines but is less reliable than the Settings route.

Safe Mode on Windows 7 and Earlier

Restart your PC. As soon as you see the manufacturer logo (Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.), start pressing F8 repeatedly — do not wait for the Windows logo. If you wait too long, you will miss the window and have to restart again. The Advanced Boot Options menu will appear with a list of startup choices.

Use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking, or Safe Mode with Command Prompt, then press Enter. The PC will load with "Safe Mode" displayed in the corners of the screen. This method also works on some Windows 10 machines if the Settings route fails.

If F8 does not work, try F5 or Del during startup. Some older PCs use different keys. Check your PC's manual or the manufacturer website for the correct key.

What to Do Once You Are in Safe Mode

Safe Mode runs slowly because it is not using your graphics card or most drivers. This is normal. Open File Explorer and look for recently installed programs or files that might be causing problems. Go to Control Panel, then Programs, and look at the install dates of recent software.

If you suspect malware, run your antivirus program. Windows Defender is built in — open it from the taskbar or search for it. Run a full scan, which will take longer in Safe Mode but is more thorough because malware cannot hide behind other programs.

If a specific program is crashing your PC, uninstall it in Safe Mode. Go to Control Panel, Programs, Programs and Features, find the program, and click Uninstall. Restart normally afterward to see if the problem is solved.

Exiting Safe Mode

To return to normal Windows, straightforward restart your PC. It will boot normally without Safe Mode. You do not need to change any settings — Safe Mode is a one-time startup option, not a permanent change.

If you made changes in Safe Mode (like uninstalling a program or removing malware), those changes stay. Safe Mode itself does not persist after restart.

Safe Mode When Windows Will Not Start at All

If your PC will not start even to the login screen, you need a Windows installation disc or USB drive. Insert it and restart your PC. When prompted, press any key to boot from the disc or USB. You will see a Windows setup screen.

Click Repair Your Computer (or Troubleshoot on Windows 10/11), then Advanced Options, then Startup Settings. From there, you can access Safe Mode the same way as above. This route works when your hard drive has serious problems or Windows is too damaged to load normally.

If you do not have an installation disc, you can create a bootable USB drive on another PC using the Windows Media Creation Tool, available free from Microsoft's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my screen look different in Safe Mode?

Safe Mode disables your graphics driver and runs at a lower resolution. This is normal and temporary. Your screen will return to normal when you restart. The low resolution makes it easier to see what is happening if a bad driver is causing crashes.

Can I use the internet in Safe Mode?

Only if you choose Safe Mode with Networking during startup. Regular Safe Mode disables network drivers, so you cannot connect to Wi-Fi or ethernet. If you need internet to read an antivirus tool or driver, select Safe Mode with Networking instead.

Will Safe Mode delete my files?

No. Safe Mode only changes what loads at startup. Your files, documents, and photos remain untouched. Uninstalling a program in Safe Mode will remove that program but not your personal data.

What if Safe Mode does not fix my problem?

Safe Mode narrows down the cause — if your PC runs fine in Safe Mode but crashes in normal mode, the problem is a driver or third-party program, not Windows itself. If it still crashes in Safe Mode, the issue is likely hardware (hard drive, RAM, or motherboard) and you may need professional repair.

How long should a full antivirus scan take in Safe Mode?

Thirty minutes to several hours, depending on how much data you have. Safe Mode runs slower than normal, so scans take longer. Let it finish — stopping it early may miss infections. You can check the scan progress in your antivirus program's window.

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.