How to Boot PC in Safe Mode (Windows 11 / 10 Guide 2025)

If your Windows PC suddenly refuses to behave—freezes at the logo, crashes with a Blue Screen Error (BSOD), or runs slower than your morning coffee drip—don’t panic. There’s a built-in rescue mode that’s been around since Windows 7: Safe Mode.

Safe Mode starts your operating system in a basic state, loading only essential system components, drivers, and services. Think of it as Windows’ minimal boot “quiet room,” where you can safely troubleshoot problems, remove malware, and fix software or driver issues without background noise.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to boot a PC in Safe Mode—from the Start Menu to the BIOS, the F8 key, or even the Command Prompt—on Windows 11, Windows 10, and older versions.

Discover how to boot PC in Safe Mode on Windows 11 and 10. Step-by-step methods using Settings, BIOS, F8 key, and Command Prompt to fix startup issues fast.

What Is Safe Mode and Why Does It Matter

When Safe Mode starts Windows, it launches only the basic device drivers—keyboard, mouse, display, and network if you enable Safe Mode with Networking. This limited set of processes isolates the problem, helping you identify what’s breaking your system performance.

Why You Might Use Safe Mode

Remove malware or viruses without interference from infected software.
Uninstall a program or driver that causes startup errors.
Repair system files after a failed Windows update.
Troubleshoot hardware conflicts or network adapter problems.
Recover data or perform System Restore safely.

Whether you’re on a Dell, HP, Lenovo, MSI, or custom-built desktop, Safe Mode works the same way—it’s baked into Microsoft Windows across versions.

Types of Safe Mode in Windows

Safe Mode	What Loads	Best Use Case
Safe Mode	Basic drivers only	General troubleshooting and malware removal
Safe Mode with Networking	Adds network drivers and Internet support	Download updates, drivers, or antivirus tools
Safe Mode with Command Prompt	Launches command prompt window instead of desktop	Advanced repairs or file recovery

How to Boot PC in Safe Mode on Windows 11 and 10

Method 1 – Using Settings (App)

Open the Settings app from the Start Menu or press Windows + I.
Go to System → Recovery.
Under Advanced Startup, click Restart now.
After the computer restarts, choose:
Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Restart.
When the Startup Settings menu appears, press one of these keys:
4 → Safe Mode
- 5 → Safe Mode with Networking
- 6 → Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Tip: If your keyboard isn’t responding, reconnect via USB or check your Bluetooth settings before restarting.

In most cases, this is the easiest method for new users to access Safe Mode. Once you start your computer, Windows will display an advanced options screen during recovery. From there, you can observe how Safe Mode enables Windows to load only minimal components. It’s helpful for those observing Windows behavior under limited conditions—especially if your system files or drivers are malfunctioning.

If the screen ever freezes in one of the four corners, don’t worry; that’s normal while Windows configures its recovery mode environment. Just give it a moment before pressing the corresponding number key to enter Safe Mode.

Method 2 – Via Shift + Restart (From Login Screen)

On the Login Screen, click the Power Icon in the lower-right corner.
Hold the Shift key and select Restart.
Your PC will enter the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Restart.
When the advanced options screen appears, select Startup Settings again to view all repair choices. Then choose Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking using the numbered keys shown on-screen.
Select Restart again when prompted, then press 4, 5, or 6 to boot.

This works even when Windows fails to load normally, great for laptops stuck on the Windows logo screen.

Method 3 – Using msconfig (System Configuration Utility)

Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
In the System Configuration window, open the Boot Tab.
Under Boot options, check Safe Boot and select:
Minimal – regular Safe Mode
- Network – Safe Mode with Networking
- Alternate Shell – Command Prompt Mode
Click OK → Restart.

After troubleshooting, return to msconfig and uncheck Safe Boot to go back to Normal Mode.

Method 4 – Using the F8 Key (Windows 7 and Some Legacy BIOS PCs)

Before Windows 8.1, pressing the F8 key right after the Windows logo appeared opened the Advanced Boot Options menu.

Turn on the computer.
Tap F8 repeatedly before the logo disappears.
Use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking, or Safe Mode with Command Prompt, then press Enter.

This method still works on older Windows 7 and some Windows 10 Legacy BIOS machines.

Method 5 – Booting to Safe Mode from BIOS or UEFI

If your PC won’t reach the login window or you get continuous restarts:

Power off the machine completely.
Power on and press your manufacturer’s key (F2, DEL, ESC, or F10) to open BIOS/UEFI Settings.
From the boot order menu, select USB or DVD installation media.
Boot into the Windows installer, select your language preferences, and click Next.
Select Repair your computer → Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Restart.
Press the appropriate number to start Safe Mode.

Alt text: “BIOS boot screen showing Safe Mode startup from USB installation media.”

Safe Mode Through Command Prompt

When Windows fails entirely, you can use the command prompt for Safe Mode:

Boot from Windows installation media (USB or DVD).
Select Repair your computer → Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Command Prompt.
In the prompt, type:

bcdedit /set {default} safeboot minimal

shutdown /r /t 0

Your PC restarts in Safe Mode.
To exit Safe Mode, open the Command Prompt Window again and enter:

bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot

Top 5 Helpful Tools While in Safe Mode

Tool	What It Does	Works in Safe Mode	Best for
Malwarebytes	Removes malware and spyware	✅	Security threats
CCleaner	Cleans temporary files and registry	✅	Performance boost
SFC/DISM (Windows Built-In)	Repairs system files	✅	System integrity
Driver Booster	Updates and repairs drivers	✅	Driver conflicts
Autoruns (Sysinternals)	Manages startup software	✅	Startup issues

Fixing System Issues in Safe Mode

Remove Malware and Viruses

Safe Mode disables most malicious processes, allowing you to run an antivirus application such as Malwarebytes or Windows Security.

Uninstall Faulty Drivers or Software

Use Device Manager or Control Panel → Programs and Features to remove recent updates causing issues.

Repair System Files

Open Command Prompt, run:

sfc /scannow

Adjust Display and Network Settings

In Safe Mode, you can still open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change Adapter Settings to reset a network adapter or configure Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
For visual issues, adjust the screen resolution, color settings, and desktop background to confirm your GPU driver status.

Perform System Restore or Backups

Access Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → System Restore to roll back to a previous state where the PC worked properly.

These steps work on desktops, laptops, and other computers alike, so you can standardize your troubleshooting process across devices.

Safe Mode on Other Computers and Devices

While this guide focuses on Windows PCs, limited-startup modes exist on other computers and smart devices, too. If you use a tech care plan like Asurion or Home+ Coverage for TVs, tablets, headphones, or smart devices, support agents often rely on a similar “minimal boot” to isolate software vs. hardware issues. It’s another reason electronics protection is useful—when DIY Safe Mode fixes aren’t enough, professional coverage bridges the gap.

Brand-Specific Safe Mode Guides

HP Laptops (HP Pavilion, Omen, Spectre)

Press the Power Button, then hold Shift + Restart from the Start Menu.
Follow the Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings path.
Press 5 for Safe Mode with Networking.

Dell Computers

Turn on and tap F8 or Shift + F8 repeatedly until you see the Advanced Boot Options screen.
Select Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

Lenovo & ThinkPad Laptops

Hold Shift + Restart or press F11 while booting.
Go through Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings.
Choose the appropriate mode and press Enter.

MSI Desktops and Laptops

Reboot and press F3 to open the Recovery Environment.
Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Restart.

Safe Mode vs Normal Mode

Feature	Safe Mode	Normal Mode
Drivers Loaded	Basic	All installed drivers
Networking	Optional	Enabled
Startup Apps	Disabled	Active
Screen Resolution	Low (800×600)	Native
Performance	Limited	Full
Purpose	Troubleshooting	Daily use

How to Exit Safe Mode

When you’re done fixing issues:

Via msconfig: Open the System Configuration Utility, uncheck Safe Boot, and restart.
Via Command Prompt: bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot → press Enter.
Via Restart Button: Simply restart the computer from the Start Menu to return to normal.

Note: If your PC keeps booting into Safe Mode, open msconfig → Boot tab and make sure Safe Boot is unchecked, then restart.

Advanced Safe Mode Tips

Adjust keyboard and mouse settings if they malfunction.
Use WinRE (Windows Recovery Environment) to access hidden repair options.
Disconnect external devices causing startup conflicts.
For gaming PCs, Safe Mode can test GPU stability or roll back drivers after performance issues.
Always back up critical files and documents before tweaking drivers or system settings.

When observing Windows performance in Safe Mode, pay attention to mouse lag, display flicker, and changes in screen resolution. These signs help identify if device drivers are missing or corrupted. In most cases, Windows will automatically restore its default settings after you restart your computer in normal mode, so there’s no risk in exploring the interface or adjusting minor preferences.

FAQs

How do I boot into Safe Mode in Windows 11?

Open Settings → System → Recovery → Advanced Startup → Restart now. When the Startup Settings menu appears, choose Restart, then press 4 to enter Safe Mode. This method lets Windows 11 load safely using only basic device drivers.

What key opens Safe Mode in Windows 10 or 7?

Tap the F8 key right after you start your computer and before the Windows logo appears. The Advanced Boot Options menu will open, allowing you to choose Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking, or Command Prompt.

Can I use the Internet in Safe Mode?

Yes — select Safe Mode with Networking from the startup options. This mode enables network drivers so you can get an Internet connection, download updates, or access cloud files while troubleshooting.

How do I exit Safe Mode?

Open the System Configuration (msconfig) tool, uncheck Safe Boot, and restart your PC. You can also click Restart from the Start Menu to return to normal mode with full performance.

Is Safe Mode safe for my computer?

Absolutely. Safe Mode runs only Microsoft’s default services and system drivers, disabling third-party programs. It’s a protected environment that helps you troubleshoot problems without risking your files or data.

Conclusion – Your Windows Lifeline

Learning how to boot a PC in Safe Mode is like having a universal reset button for your computer. Whether you’re dealing with a virus, a faulty driver, or a failed update, Safe Mode brings your PC back to a stable state.

From the Start Menu to BIOS boot, from Windows 11 to Windows 7, every user should know this essential troubleshooting method. It’s the digital equivalent of taking a deep breath before fixing the problem. So, the next time your PC only boots in Safe Mode, remember—you’re already halfway to a solution.Join Sirius Power PCs and Instagram for latest updates.

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How to Boot PC in Safe Mode (Windows 11 / 10 Guide 2025)