Getting into Safe Mode in Windows 10 is easier than you might think. Whether you’re troubleshooting a problematic driver or dealing with pesky malware, Safe Mode can be your best friend. Follow these simple steps to boot your system in Safe Mode and tackle the issues head-on.
How to Get Into Safe Mode Windows 10
The following steps will guide you through the process of booting your Windows 10 computer into Safe Mode. Safe Mode starts your computer with a minimal set of drivers and services. This can help you troubleshoot and fix problems on your system.
Step 1: Open the Start Menu
Click on the Start Menu button at the bottom left corner of your screen.
Opening the Start Menu is the first step to accessing the settings needed to boot into Safe Mode. It’s your gateway to all things Windows.
Step 2: Go to Settings
Click on the “Settings” gear icon.
In the Settings menu, you can tweak and adjust various aspects of your system, including how it boots up.
Step 3: Navigate to Update & Security
Find and click on “Update & Security.”
This section contains options for updating Windows and securing your system. It also has the Recovery options you need.
Step 4: Click on Recovery
Under the Update & Security menu, select “Recovery.”
The Recovery menu provides a variety of options for restarting and repairing your computer. This includes booting into Safe Mode.
Step 5: Advanced Startup
Click on “Restart now” under the Advanced Startup section.
Your computer will reboot and present you with a blue screen offering several startup options, including troubleshooting tools.
Step 6: Troubleshoot
Select “Troubleshoot” from the blue screen options.
This will take you to a menu where you can access more advanced options for diagnosing your computer problems.
Step 7: Advanced Options
Click on “Advanced options.”
The Advanced Options menu offers several choices that can help you with more in-depth troubleshooting.
Step 8: Startup Settings
Select “Startup Settings.”
This menu presents various startup options, including enabling Safe Mode.
Step 9: Restart
Click “Restart.”
Your computer will restart again, and this time, you’ll see a list of options.
Step 10: Enable Safe Mode
Press “4” to enable Safe Mode, “5” to enable Safe Mode with Networking, or “6” to enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
Choose the option that best suits your needs. Safe Mode with Networking allows internet access, whereas Safe Mode with Command Prompt is for more advanced troubleshooting.
After you complete these steps, your computer will boot into Safe Mode. You’ll notice that the desktop looks different and that only essential programs and drivers are running.
Tips for How to Get Into Safe Mode Windows 10
- Access from Login Screen: If you can’t get into Windows, you can also access Safe Mode from the login screen by holding down the Shift key while selecting Restart.
- Quick Access with msconfig: Open the Run dialog (Windows + R), type “msconfig,” and go to the Boot tab to enable Safe Mode.
- System Configuration Tool: You can also use the System Configuration Tool for more permanent boot options into Safe Mode.
- Networking: If you need internet access, always choose “Safe Mode with Networking.”
- Command Prompt: Advanced users can opt for Safe Mode with Command Prompt to run specific troubleshooting commands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Safe Mode?
Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode that starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services.
Why use Safe Mode?
It helps diagnose and fix issues like driver conflicts, malware, and software problems.
How do I exit Safe Mode?
Simply restart your computer, and it will boot back into normal mode unless you’ve changed the boot settings.
Can I use Safe Mode for virus removal?
Yes, running antivirus scans in Safe Mode can be more effective as fewer processes are running.
How do I know I’m in Safe Mode?
The desktop background will be black, and you’ll see “Safe Mode” in the corners of the screen.
Summary
- Open the Start Menu.
- Go to Settings.
- Navigate to Update & Security.
- Click on Recovery.
- Advanced Startup.
- Troubleshoot.
- Advanced Options.
- Startup Settings.
- Restart.
- Enable Safe Mode.
Conclusion
Getting into Safe Mode Windows 10 is a powerful tool for troubleshooting various computer issues. Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn malware infection or trying to diagnose hardware problems, Safe Mode provides a streamlined environment that makes it easier to pinpoint and fix issues.
By following these steps, you can quickly and effectively boot into Safe Mode. This method ensures you’re not bogged down by unnecessary programs and drivers, allowing you to focus on solving the problem at hand.
For further reading, consider looking into more advanced troubleshooting techniques and tools that can be used alongside Safe Mode. And remember, Safe Mode is just one of many tools at your disposal. Stay curious and keep exploring other ways to optimize and troubleshoot your Windows 10 system.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.