Summary of How to Start Computer in Safe Mode
- How do I start Windows 10 in Safe Mode?
- How do I turn on Safe Mode on Windows 10?
- Do you press F8 or F12 for Safe Mode?
- How do I force startup in Safe Mode?
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To enter Safe Mode in Windows 10, the easiest way is to hold the Shift key while clicking Restart from the sign-in screen or Start Menu, then navigate through Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart, and press 4 or F4 for basic Safe Mode (or 5/F5 for Safe Mode with Networking). This process accesses the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to select your desired startup option.
Method 1: From the Sign-in/Start Screen (Recommended)
This video demonstrates how to enter Safe Mode using the Shift + Restart method:
44s
Gary Explains
YouTube · Nov 14, 2025
Shift + Restart: On the sign-in screen or Start Menu ( by clicking the user icon and choosing sign out), hold down the Shift key, then click the Power icon, and select Restart.
Choose an Option: Your PC will restart to the “Choose an option” screen (WinRE).
Troubleshoot: Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.
Restart Again: Click Restart.
Select Safe Mode: After the next restart, a list of options appears. Press 4 or F4 for Safe Mode, or 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking (if you need internet).
Method 2: From Settings (If You Can Log In)
This video shows how to access Safe Mode from the Windows Settings menu:
1m
Dave’s Tech Rescue
YouTube · Mar 19, 2019
Open Settings: Press Windows key + I or go to Start > Settings.
Navigate: Click Update & Security > Recovery.
Advanced Startup: Under “Advanced startup,” click Restart now.
Follow Steps 2-5: Once in the “Choose an option” screen, follow steps 2-5 from Method 1 above.
Method 3: Using MSConfig (For Persistent Safe Mode)
This video explains how to use the MSConfig tool to boot into Safe Mode:
34s
Gary Explains
YouTube · Nov 14, 2025
Run Command: Press Windows key + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
Boot Tab: Go to the Boot tab.
Enable Safe Boot: Check the Safe boot box and click Apply, then OK, and then Restart.
To Exit: Repeat steps 1-2 and uncheck the “Safe boot” option to return to normal mode, then restart.
Related Links
can someone help me get to safe mode on windows 10? – Reddit
Dec 25, 2022 — Press and hold the Shift key while you select Power > Restart . After your PC restarts to the Choose an option screen,
Reddit ·
r/pcmasterrace
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How to Start Computer in Safe Mode
From Windows Setting Menu
- Press Windows + I key or select Settings from the Start menu;
- Select Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now;
- After your PC restarts, select Troubleshoot;
- Choose ‘Advanced options’;
- Choose ‘Startup Settings’;
- Click ‘Restart’;
- After your PC restarts, you’ll see a list of options. Choose ‘Enable Safe Mode’ option;
You may be asked to enter your BitLocker recovery key.
From Black Screen
- If the PC is not starting normally after several tries it should automatically display the ‘Recovery’ option.
- Choose ‘See advanced repair options’ and then follow the steps described above.
This option forces Windows to boot into Safe Mode every time you restart your PC. To restart Windows in normal mode, disable the option.
- Open The System Configuration Tool by pressing the Windows + R keys on your keyboard and typing ‘msconfig’, then press ‘Enter’;
- Choose ‘Boot’ and tick ‘Safe boot’;
- Add the type of the Safe Mode;
- Press ‘Ok’.