Restarting Windows in Safe Mode: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Windows Safe Mode is one of the most useful troubleshooting features available in Windows 11 and Windows 10. When your computer starts normally, Windows loads many drivers, services, startup apps, and other components. If one of those components is causing a problem, it can sometimes make the PC freeze, crash, display errors, restart repeatedly, or become extremely slow.
Safe Mode starts Windows with only the essential drivers and services needed to run the operating system. This gives you a cleaner environment where you can investigate problems and remove software, drivers, or settings that may be causing trouble.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to restart Windows in Safe Mode, including what to do before entering Safe Mode, how to use Windows Settings, and what to do after Windows starts in Safe Mode.
When Should You Use Windows Safe Mode?
Safe Mode is a special Windows startup mode designed primarily for troubleshooting. Instead of loading everything that normally starts with Windows, Safe Mode loads a limited set of essential system files, drivers, and services.
For example, if Windows crashes after installing a graphics driver, you may be able to start the computer in Safe Mode and uninstall or roll back that driver. Similarly, if a recently installed application is causing Windows to malfunction, Safe Mode can give you an opportunity to remove it.
Windows provides several Safe Mode options. Safe Mode starts Windows with the basic components. Safe Mode with Networking also loads the network drivers and services required for internet and network access. There is also Safe Mode with Command Prompt, which starts Windows with a Command Prompt window instead of the normal Windows desktop.
For most beginners, regular Safe Mode is the best option to start with.
Restarting Windows in Safe Mode
There are several ways to restart Windows in Safe Mode. The easiest method for most users is through Windows Settings and the Advanced startup options.
Before you begin, save your work and close any open programs if possible. Your computer will restart during the process.
Step 1: Open Windows Settings
The first step is to open the Windows Settings app. You can do this without navigating through several menus.
Press Windows + I on your keyboard. The Settings window will open.
If you are using Windows 11, you will see several categories on the left side of the Settings window. If you are using Windows 10, the Settings interface looks different, but you can still access the recovery options.
If the keyboard shortcut does not work, click the Start button and select Settings from the Start menu.
Step 2: Open the Recovery Settings
Once Settings is open, you need to find the recovery options.
In Windows 11, click System on the left side and then select Recovery. This page contains several options related to recovering and troubleshooting Windows.
In Windows 10, select Update & Security, then click Recovery in the left-hand menu.
Look for a section called Advanced startup. This option allows Windows to restart into a special recovery environment where you can access additional troubleshooting tools.
Step 3: Select Advanced Startup
Under Advanced startup, look for the Restart now button.
Click Restart now.
Windows will warn you that the computer needs to restart. Make sure you have saved any important work before continuing.
When you click the button, Windows will close the normal desktop and restart into the Windows Recovery Environment. This screen may look different from the normal Windows interface, so don’t be concerned if you see a blue screen with several options.
Step 4: Open the Troubleshoot Menu
After your computer restarts, you should see the Choose an option screen.
Several options may appear. Look for Troubleshoot and click it.
The Troubleshoot section contains tools that can help you repair or diagnose Windows problems. Since our goal is to start Windows in Safe Mode, we need to access the advanced startup settings.
Be careful not to select options such as resetting the PC unless you specifically intend to do so. Safe Mode does not require you to reset or reinstall Windows.
Step 5: Open Advanced Options
On the Troubleshoot screen, select Advanced options.
You will now see additional recovery tools. Depending on your version of Windows and your computer configuration, you may see options such as Startup Repair, Startup Settings, System Restore, Command Prompt, or Uninstall Updates.
Select Startup Settings.
If you don’t immediately see Startup Settings, don’t panic. Some Windows recovery environments may display a slightly different selection of tools. In that situation, look for an option that allows you to access additional startup behavior or restart options.
Step 6: Restart Windows to Access Startup Settings
After selecting Startup Settings, Windows will explain that restarting the computer will allow you to change Windows startup behavior.
Click Restart.
Your computer will restart again. This time, instead of immediately loading the Windows desktop, you will see a numbered list of startup options.
This screen is important because you need to select the correct Safe Mode option.
Step 7: Select Safe Mode
After the restart, you will see the Startup Settings screen with several numbered choices.
Look for Enable Safe Mode. On most systems, this option is associated with the 4 key or F4 key.
Press 4 or F4 on your keyboard.
Windows will now start in Safe Mode.
You may notice that the screen looks different. The desktop may have a lower resolution, fewer visual effects, and the words Safe Mode may appear in the corners of the screen. This is normal.
Don’t assume something has gone wrong simply because Windows looks different. The purpose of Safe Mode is to start Windows with a limited set of components.
Step 8: Use Safe Mode to Troubleshoot the Problem
Once Windows starts in Safe Mode, you can begin troubleshooting the issue that caused you to enter Safe Mode.
For example, if the problem started after installing a program, open Settings > Apps and uninstall the recently installed application.
If you suspect a device driver, open Device Manager and check the relevant hardware. You may be able to update, roll back, or uninstall a driver, depending on the problem.
You can also check whether a particular startup application is causing Windows to malfunction. Since Safe Mode prevents many normal startup programs from loading, a problem that disappears in Safe Mode may point toward a third-party application, driver, or service.
Avoid making unnecessary changes while troubleshooting. If you are unsure what a particular Windows component does, don’t remove it simply because it appears unfamiliar.
Step 9: Restart Windows Normally
After you’ve finished troubleshooting, you normally don’t need to repeat the entire Safe Mode process to leave it.
Click Start, select the Power button, and choose Restart.
Windows should start normally.
If Windows continues starting in Safe Mode after the restart, press Windows + R to open the Run dialog. Type msconfig and press Enter.
In System Configuration, select the Boot tab. If Safe Boot is checked, clear that option, click Apply, and then click OK. Restart the computer.
Windows should then return to its normal startup mode.
FAQs
Can I enter Safe Mode if Windows won’t start normally?
Yes. If Windows cannot start normally, you can often reach the Windows Recovery Environment automatically after repeated failed startup attempts. You can also use Windows installation or recovery media in certain situations. From the recovery environment, select the appropriate troubleshooting and startup options to reach Safe Mode.
Does Safe Mode delete my files?
No. Safe Mode does not delete your personal files. It simply starts Windows using a limited collection of drivers and services. However, you should always back up important files before performing major troubleshooting or system changes.
Can I access the internet in Safe Mode?
Regular Safe Mode generally does not load the network drivers required for internet access. If you need internet or network connectivity for troubleshooting, choose Safe Mode with Networking from the Startup Settings screen. This option is usually associated with the 5 or F5 key.
What is Safe Mode with Networking?
Safe Mode with Networking works similarly to regular Safe Mode but also loads the necessary networking components. This can be useful if you need to download a driver, access a network resource, or perform online troubleshooting.
Why does my screen look different in Safe Mode?
Windows intentionally uses a limited configuration in Safe Mode. You may notice a lower screen resolution, fewer visual effects, and other differences. These changes are normal and help Windows start with fewer drivers and services.
Can I uninstall a program in Safe Mode?
Yes, in many cases, you can uninstall software while Windows is running in Safe Mode. This can be particularly useful if a recently installed application is preventing Windows from operating correctly during a normal startup.
Can I update or remove drivers in Safe Mode?
Yes. Device Manager remains available in Safe Mode, allowing you to troubleshoot certain driver problems. Depending on the driver and issue, you may be able to roll back, update, disable, or uninstall a problematic driver.
How do I know whether Safe Mode is working?
When Windows successfully starts in Safe Mode, you will usually notice Safe Mode displayed on the desktop, and Windows will have a simplified appearance.
You may also notice that some applications and services normally available during a regular startup are missing.