How to Start Windows in Safe Mode

How to start Windows in Safe Mode

If you need to diagnose startup or driver problems, you can boot Windows into Safe Mode several ways depending on whether you can sign in or not. The most common approaches are using Settings > Recovery > Advanced startup, holding Shift while you Restart to open the recovery environment, using the System Configuration tool (msconfig) to force a Safe Boot, or loading the recovery environment from media.

Which method to choose

Pick a method based on what you can access now:

If you can sign in and prefer a temporary boot choice: use Settings > Advanced startup or Shift+Restart.
If you want to force every boot into Safe Mode until you change it back: use msconfig.
If Windows will not reach the login screen: use WinRE by interrupting startup or booting from recovery media.

Method 1 — Advanced startup from Settings (recommended when signed in)

This is straightforward on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Open Settings and go to Update & Security (or System > Recovery on Windows 11).
Under Recovery, choose Advanced startup then Restart now.
After the PC restarts to the recovery environment, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
When the Startup Settings menu appears, choose the option for Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking (usually shown as an option on-screen or by pressing a number key such as 4 or 5).

Safe Mode with Networking loads the network drivers so you can access the internet for downloads or remote help; use it only when necessary for diagnosis.

Method 2 — Shift + Restart (fast way from the lock/login screen)

If you are at the sign-in screen or have the Start menu available, hold Shift while you choose Restart from the power menu. The system restarts into the recovery environment where you follow Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart and then pick a Safe Mode option.

Method 3 — Use msconfig to force Safe Mode (persistent until changed)

Msconfig is useful when you want Windows to always boot into Safe Mode until you turn it off.

Press Windows+R, type msconfig and press Enter to open System Configuration.
Go to the Boot tab, check Safe boot, and choose a subtype: Minimal for regular Safe Mode or Network for Safe Mode with Networking.
Click OK and then Restart to boot into Safe Mode. When you are finished with troubleshooting, reopen msconfig and uncheck Safe boot to return to normal booting.

Note: Do not forget to revert msconfig when done; leaving Safe boot set will cause Safe Mode on every startup.

Method 4 — If Windows will not start: use WinRE or recovery media

If the PC cannot reach the sign-in screen, you have two options: force the recovery environment to appear, or boot from a USB recovery drive or installation media.

Force the recovery environment

Interrupt the normal boot process repeatedly—power off the PC while Windows tries to start—until the recovery environment (WinRE) appears. From there choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart, then select a Safe Mode option.

Boot from recovery media

Create or use a recovery USB and boot from it. For instructions on creating the media, see Create and use a Windows recovery drive. You may need to change the boot order in BIOS/UEFI; see How to boot to BIOS/UEFI on a Windows PC for guidance. Once you boot the recovery media, select Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart and pick the Safe Mode option you need.

Step-by-step decision process (quick flow)

Can you sign in normally? If yes, choose Settings > Recovery or use Shift+Restart.
Do you need network access in Safe Mode? Choose Safe Mode with Networking or msconfig with Network selected.
Is Windows not starting at all? Try forced WinRE by interrupting startup or boot from a USB recovery drive.
After fixing the problem, revert any persistent msconfig changes and reboot normally.

Checklist before you boot into Safe Mode

Save open work and close applications—Safe Mode restarts and closes programs.
Have administrator credentials ready; some fixes require admin rights.
Create a recovery drive or note how to boot into BIOS/UEFI in case you need to use USB media: How to boot to BIOS/UEFI on a Windows PC.
If you plan to download drivers or tools, make sure you use Safe Mode with Networking and that you trust the sources.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Leaving msconfig's Safe boot enabled after you finish troubleshooting. Always reopen msconfig and uncheck Safe boot.
Expecting full networking in Safe Mode with Networking. It provides limited drivers—some network services may not run.
Pressing F8 on modern Windows expecting the legacy menu. Most recent Windows versions route Safe Mode through WinRE rather than F8; use the methods above instead.
Booting recovery media without knowing how to return to the internal drive. Have your BIOS/UEFI boot menu or recovery drive instructions saved.

Worked example: enable Safe Mode with Networking via msconfig

Sign in to Windows with an admin account.
Press Windows+R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
In System Configuration, open the Boot tab and check Safe boot, then choose Network.
Choose OK and Restart. Windows boots into Safe Mode with Networking. Run network-enabled diagnostic tools or download drivers.
When finished, open msconfig again, uncheck Safe boot, and restart to return to normal operation.

When Safe Mode does not resolve the issue

If Safe Mode does not allow you to fix the problem, try using System Restore from the recovery environment. For guidance on that step, see Use System Restore to fix Windows startup problems. If System Restore and Safe Mode fail to help, collecting logs or using installation media to perform repair or reset operations may be necessary.

Safe Mode is a diagnostic environment that reduces variables and helps identify faulty drivers or startup items. Choose the method above that matches your current access and risk tolerance, and remember to revert persistent settings such as msconfig's Safe boot when troubleshooting is complete.