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How to Boot Into Safe Mode

Learn how to boot into Safe Mode on Windows from Settings, the sign-in screen, or recovery, plus troubleshooting, mistakes, and FAQs.

TechnologyEdited by Pramod Tiwari
2 min read

Quick Answer

To boot into Safe Mode on Windows, open Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup, restart, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings, restart again, then press the key for Safe Mode.

What You Need

  • Windows PC
  • Admin access if available
  • Saved work
  • BitLocker recovery key if required
  • Power adapter for laptops

Safety Precautions

  • Save work before restarting.
  • Have your BitLocker recovery key if the PC uses encryption.
  • Do not change unknown startup settings unless needed.
  • Use Safe Mode for troubleshooting, not normal daily use.
  • Back up important files before major repairs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Save your work

    Close files and apps before restarting.

  2. Step 2

    Open Recovery settings

    Go to Settings > System > Recovery.

  3. Step 3

    Use Advanced startup

    Choose Restart now under Advanced startup.

  4. Step 4

    Open troubleshooting tools

    Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.

  5. Step 5

    Restart again

    Click Restart on the Startup Settings screen.

  6. Step 6

    Choose Safe Mode

    Press the listed number for Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking.

  7. Step 7

    Troubleshoot and restart normally

    After repairs, restart the PC normally to exit Safe Mode.

Practical Example

Example: After a driver update causes crashes, you boot into Safe Mode, uninstall the driver, and restart normally.

Common Mistakes

  • Forgetting BitLocker recovery key
  • Choosing Safe Mode with Networking unnecessarily
  • Expecting all apps to work in Safe Mode
  • Making unrelated changes
  • Not restarting normally afterward
  • Ignoring hardware signs

Troubleshooting

Windows will not open settings

Hold Shift while clicking Restart from the sign-in screen or power menu.

PC asks for BitLocker key

Use your saved recovery key from your Microsoft account or organization.

No internet in Safe Mode

Choose Safe Mode with Networking if internet is required.

Problem still happens in Safe Mode

Consider hardware, malware, or deeper system repair and back up files.

FAQs

What is Safe Mode?

It starts Windows with minimal drivers and services for troubleshooting.

How do I exit Safe Mode?

Restart normally unless system configuration was changed to force Safe Mode.

Should I use Safe Mode with Networking?

Use it only if you need internet or network access while troubleshooting.

Can Safe Mode fix my PC by itself?

No. It helps you troubleshoot; you still need to identify and fix the cause.

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