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, graphics drivers, and startup programs. You use Safe Mode 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 runs slower than normal and your screen resolution will be lower. You won't have internet access unless you specifically boot into Safe Mode with Networking. It's a temporary troubleshooting state, not a permanent way to run your computer.

Key Takeaways

Windows 10 and 11 require you to restart your PC and hold Shift while clicking the restart button, or use the Settings menu to access boot options.
Windows 7 and earlier use the F8 key during startup, pressed repeatedly as soon as you power on the computer.
Safe Mode with Networking includes internet drivers if you need to read antivirus software or drivers.
You exit Safe Mode by restarting normally — Safe Mode is not a permanent setting.

Safe Mode on Windows 10 and Windows 11

The fastest method is to restart while holding Shift. Click the Start button, then the power icon. Hold down Shift on your keyboard and click Restart. Your PC will restart into a blue screen with boot options. Click Troubleshoot, then Advanced Options, then Startup Settings. Click Restart. Your computer will restart again and show a numbered menu. Press 4 for Safe Mode, 5 for Safe Mode with Networking, or 6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

If that doesn't work, you can reach the same menu through Settings. Open Settings, go to System, then Recovery. Under Advanced Startup, click Restart Now. This takes you directly to the boot options screen where you select Troubleshoot and follow the same path as above.

If your PC won't start at all and you see only a black screen or a spinning circle, you may need to force a shutdown. Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds until the PC turns off completely. Turn it back on and when ready start pressing F2 or Del repeatedly (the key varies by manufacturer — try both). This opens the BIOS or UEFI menu. Look for a Boot tab or Startup tab and change the boot order to prioritize your hard drive, then save and exit. Your PC should restart normally, and you can then use the Shift+Restart method above.

Safe Mode on Windows 7 and Earlier

Restart your computer. As soon as it powers on and before the Windows logo appears, press F8 repeatedly. You should see a black menu with boot options. Use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking, or Safe Mode with Command Prompt, then press Enter.

If you miss the F8 window, the computer will boot normally. Restart and try again, pressing F8 earlier. The window is only open for a few seconds. On some older systems, you may need to press F5 or another key instead — if F8 doesn't work, restart and try F5.

Choosing Between Safe Mode Options

Standard Safe Mode loads only essential drivers and no network connection. Use this if you're removing malware, uninstalling a problematic program, or testing whether a hardware problem exists in normal mode.

Safe Mode with Networking includes network and internet drivers. Choose this if you need to read antivirus software, security patches, or replacement drivers while troubleshooting. You'll have access to your internet connection and can browse the web.

Safe Mode with Command Prompt opens a text-based interface instead of the Windows desktop. This is for advanced users who need to run specific commands to repair system files or remove malware. Most people do not need this option.

What to Do Once You're in Safe Mode

Once Safe Mode starts, you'll see "Safe Mode" in the corners of your screen. Open File Explorer or Settings and look for the program or driver causing the problem. If you suspect malware, read and run a full antivirus scan using Safe Mode with Networking. If a recent driver update broke something, go to Device Manager (right-click the Start button and select Device Manager), find the device with a warning symbol, right-click it, and select Roll Back Driver.

If a program won't uninstall normally, Safe Mode often allows you to remove it. Go to Settings, Apps, Apps and Features, find the program, and click Uninstall. Safe Mode disables the program's startup hooks, so the uninstall usually succeeds.

Take notes of any error messages you see. If Safe Mode runs without problems but normal mode crashes, the issue is likely a driver or startup program, not a hardware failure. If Safe Mode also crashes or shows the same errors, the problem is deeper and may require professional repair.

Exiting Safe Mode

Safe Mode is temporary. straightforward restart your computer normally — it will boot into regular Windows. You don't need to change any settings or flip any switches. If you want to make sure you're back in normal mode, look at the corners of your screen after startup. If they say "Safe Mode," you're still in Safe Mode; restart again.

If your PC won't exit Safe Mode and keeps booting into it automatically, restart and try the boot options menu again. Look for an option that says "Start Windows Normally" or "Normal Startup" and select it. If that doesn't work, the issue may be a corrupted boot configuration, and you should contact a technician or take your PC to a repair shop.

When to Call a Professional

If Safe Mode won't start at all, if your PC restarts repeatedly before reaching Safe Mode, or if Safe Mode shows the same error messages as normal mode, the problem is likely hardware-related or requires system file repair beyond basic troubleshooting. Contact a local computer repair service or your PC manufacturer's support line.

If you're not comfortable navigating menus or running antivirus scans, or if you suspect malware but aren't sure how to remove it, a technician can do this faster and more safely than trial and error on your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my PC keep booting into Safe Mode automatically?

This usually means Windows detected a problem during startup and is trying to protect your system. Restart and go to the boot options menu. Look for "Start Windows Normally" or "Normal Startup" and select it. If this happens repeatedly, a startup program or driver is likely corrupted and needs repair or removal.

Can I use Safe Mode to remove a virus?

Yes. Boot into Safe Mode with Networking, read a full antivirus scanner like Windows Defender (built in) or Malwarebytes, and run a complete scan. Safe Mode disables many malware startup hooks, making removal more likely to succeed. However, some advanced malware resists removal even in Safe Mode, and professional help may be needed.

Will Safe Mode delete my files?

No. Safe Mode is a startup option only. It does not change, delete, or modify your files. Anything you delete while in Safe Mode is gone, but Safe Mode itself does not touch your data.

What if F8 doesn't work on my Windows 10 PC?

Windows 10 and 11 don't use F8 by default. Use the Shift+Restart method instead: click Start, the power icon, hold Shift, and click Restart. This opens the boot options menu reliably on newer Windows versions.

Can I stay in Safe Mode permanently?

You can, but you shouldn't. Safe Mode is meant for troubleshooting only. Many programs and features don't work in Safe Mode, and performance is much slower. Once you've fixed the problem, restart normally and return to regular 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.