How to Boot Into Safe Mode on Windows 10

Windows 10 has a built-in Safe Mode feature that can help you troubleshoot and fix problems with your computer. When you boot your computer into Safe Mode, it starts with a minimal set of drivers and services, which can help you identify and resolve issues that may be preventing your computer from starting up or working correctly.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of booting your computer into Safe Mode on Windows 10.

Method 1: Using System Configuration

One of the easiest ways to boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10 is to use the System Configuration tool, also known as msconfig. Here’s how:

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type “msconfig” (without quotes) and press Enter.
  3. In the System Configuration window, click on the Boot tab.
  4. Under the Boot options section, select the Safe boot option and choose the type of Safe Mode you want to use (Minimal, Alternate shell, or Network).
  5. Click on Apply and then OK.
  6. A prompt will appear asking if you want to restart your computer. Click on Restart to boot your computer into Safe Mode.

Method 2: Using the Shift + Restart Method

Another way to boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10 is to use the Shift + Restart method. Here’s how:

  1. Click on the Start menu and select the Power icon.
  2. Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard and click on Restart.
  3. Your computer will restart and boot into the Advanced Startup Options screen.
  4. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.
  5. Click on the Restart button.
  6. When your computer restarts, you will see a list of startup options. Press the F4 key on your keyboard to boot into Safe Mode, or press F5 to boot into Safe Mode with Networking.

Method 3: Using the Settings App

If your computer is able to start normally, you can also use the Settings app to boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10. Here’s how:

  1. Click on the Start menu and select the Settings icon.
  2. Click on Update & Security.
  3. Click on Recovery.
  4. Under the Advanced startup section, click on Restart now.
  5. Your computer will restart and boot into the Advanced Startup Options screen.
  6. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.
  7. Click on the Restart button.
  8. When your computer restarts, you will see a list of startup options. Press the F4 key on your keyboard to boot into Safe Mode, or press F5 to boot into Safe Mode with Networking.

Using Safe Mode on Windows 10

Once you have booted your computer into Safe Mode, you can use it to troubleshoot and fix issues with your computer. Here are a few things you can do in Safe Mode:

  • Uninstall recently installed programs or updates that may be causing issues.
  • Scan your computer for viruses or malware.
  • Run a system file checker scan to check for and repair corrupted system files.
  • Update or reinstall device drivers that may be causing issues.
  • Restore your computer to a previous restore point.

To exit Safe Mode, simply restart your computer normally. If you used the System Configuration tool to enter Safe Mode, you will need to follow the same steps to exit Safe Mode and return to normal startup mode.

In conclusion, Safe Mode is a powerful tool that can help you troubleshoot and fix problems with your computer. Knowing how to boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10 can be a valuable skill that can save you time and frustration when dealing with computer issues.