Start the Computer with Windows 10 Safe Mode

David Darlington

Jan 15, 2024 • Filed to: Windows Computer Solutions • Proven solutions

There are many reasons why PC users would run their devices in Safe Mode. It's a common way to troubleshoot an issue within your device or computer. Moreover, it's also a good way to determine where the source of the problem is. In this article, we provide 8 ways you can run your Windows 10 device in Safe Mode.

Overview of Windows 10 safe mode

Safe Mode is Windows' diagnostic mode wherein it runs in its basic state. If an issue doesn't occur in Safe Mode, it means that the PC's drivers and settings are not the cause. In this mode, you'll figure out what problem interferes with your Windows' normal operation. While running Safe Mode, you'll still be able to use System Restore, Device Manager, Event Viewer, Command Prompt, Registry Editor, and System Information.

How to Enter Windows 10 Safe Mode

There are plenty of ways to start your computer in Safe Mode if you're using Windows 10. Here are 8 ways you can do so.

Instruction 1: Run Safe Mode From Settings

1. Open Settings by pressing the Window button + I or by just clicking on the Start button and clicking Settings.
2. Go to Update & Security, then Recovery.
3. In Advanced startup, click Restart now.
4. Once your PC reboots, click Troubleshoot, then Advanced options. Select Startup Settings then Restart.

Instruction 2: Go to Safe Mode from the Sign-in Screen

1. Click the Shift key on your keyboard while clicking on the Power button on the bottom right corner of the screen.
2. Once your PC restarts, click on Troubleshoot, then Advanced options.
3. Select Startup Settings then Restart.
4. After the reboot, select 4 or the F4 key on your keyboard to run in Safe Mode. If you choose to use Safe Mode with Networking, select 5 or F5 key.

Instruction 3: Access Safe Mode by Running Windows Recovery Environment

To be directed to the Windows Recovery Environment, you will need to interrupt Windows 10 during its boot process three times. The fourth time you do this, you will be directed to an Automatic Repair mode.

1. Go to the Windows Recovery Environment (winRE)by doing the following steps:

   Press on the power button to turn off your device.

   Press on the button again to turn on.

   Once Windows starts, press on the power button again for 10 seconds to turn it off. Then press it on again.

   Upon the reboot, hold on to the power button for 10 seconds to turn it off, then turn it on again.

   Because you've repeatedly turned on and off your PC, you will be redirected to winRE.

2. On the pop-up window, click on Troubleshoot, then Advanced options. Select Startup Settings, then Restart.
3. After the reboot, select 4 or the F4 key on your keyboard to run in Safe Mode. If you choose to use Safe Mode with Networking, select 5 or F5 key.

Instruction 4 - Use Shift + Restart on the Start Menu

1. On the Windows 10 sign-in screen, hold on the Shift key on your keyboard.
2. While pressing on the key, click on the Power button, then choose Restart on the pop-up menu.
3. Once your PC restarts, click on Troubleshoot, then Advanced options.
4. Select Startup Settings then Restart.
5. After the reboot, select 4 or the F4 key on your keyboard to run in Safe Mode. If you choose to use Safe Mode with Networking, select 5 or F5 key.

Instruction 5 - Install Windows 10 from a Drive and Use Command Prompt

1. Create a Windows 10 bootable installation media on any external storage media. You may also use an ISO file download.
2. Once you do this step, wait for the installation to load.
3. Select your preferred language and click on Next.
4. Click on Repair your computer at the bottom left of the menu.
5. Click on Troubleshoot, then Advanced options.
6. Select Command Prompt - Use the Command Prompt for advanced troubleshooting options.
7. Type in the following command on the prompt: bcdedit /set {default} safeboot minimal
8. Hit Enter and wait for it to tell you that "The operation completed successfully".
9. Exit Command Prompt and click on Continue.

Instruction 6 - Use Safe Mode by System Configuration Tool

1. In the Search bar, type in system configuration, you may also search for msconfig.
2. Select the Boot tab and under the Boot options, put a check beside Safe boot.
3. Click OK.
4. You will need to reboot your PC for you to see the result. After the restart, Windows 10 runs directly in Safe mode.

Instruction 7 - Use F8 or Shift + F8

1. Press on the F8 key or Shift + F8 on the keyboard when turning on Windows.
2. This redirects you to Advanced Boot Options Window, then choose to run Windows on Safe Mode.

Instruction 8 - Use Windows 10 Installation Disk

1. Reboot the system after inserting the disc.
2. Press any key on the keyboard to boot from the CD/DVD
3. Select the keyboard layout and choose to Repair your computer.
4. Go to Troubleshoot, then Advanced Options. Click on Startup Settings.
5. Restart.
6. Once the PC restarts and shows the Startup Settings screen, press the F4 button to run Safe Mode.

A safe Mode is an essential tool if you're running any Windows OS. If you ever encounter problems with your computer and don't know where to start, you may begin with running it on Safe Mode to diagnose the problem.