Safe Mode starts Windows with only the bare essentials running

Safe Mode is a diagnostic version of Windows that loads only the core files and drivers your computer needs to run. Everything else — third-party programs, startup items, and non-essential services — stays off. You use Safe Mode when Windows won't start normally, when a program is crashing repeatedly, or when you need to remove malware or a problematic driver.

Windows 10 gives you three Safe Mode options: basic Safe Mode (command line only), Safe Mode with Networking (adds internet and network access), and Safe Mode with Command Prompt (for advanced troubleshooting). The method you use to enter Safe Mode depends on whether Windows will start at all.

Key Takeaways

  • If Windows starts normally, hold Shift while clicking the restart button in the shutdown menu to reach the boot options screen.
  • If Windows won't start, restart your computer and press F8 or Shift+F8 repeatedly during the startup process to access the Advanced Boot Options menu.
  • From the boot menu, select "Troubleshoot," then "Advanced options," then "Startup Settings," and finally choose your Safe Mode version.
  • Safe Mode disables most programs and drivers, so some features like printers or internet may not work unless you choose Safe Mode with Networking.

Entering Safe Mode when Windows starts normally

If your computer boots into Windows without freezing or crashing, use the shutdown menu method. Click the Start button, then click the power icon in the lower left corner. Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard, then click "Restart" while still holding Shift. Do not release Shift until you see the blue "Choose an option" screen — this usually takes 10 to 15 seconds.

Once you reach the blue screen, click "Troubleshoot." Then click "Advanced options." Next, click "Startup Settings." A new screen will appear with nine numbered options. Click the "Restart" button at the bottom right. Your computer will restart and show a numbered list of Safe Mode choices. Press the number key that matches your choice: press 4 for Safe Mode, press 5 for Safe Mode with Networking, or press 6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt. Your computer will load into Safe Mode.

Entering Safe Mode when Windows won't start

If your computer restarts repeatedly, gets stuck on a loading screen, or shows error messages before Windows fully loads, you cannot use the shutdown menu method. Instead, turn off your computer completely. Wait five seconds, then turn it back on. As soon as you see the Windows logo or the manufacturer's logo, begin pressing the F8 key repeatedly — press it about once per second. On some computers, you may need to press Shift+F8 instead of F8 alone.

If you see the "Advanced Boot Options" menu with a list of Safe Mode choices, you have reached the right screen. Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to highlight "Safe Mode," "Safe Mode with Networking," or "Safe Mode with Command Prompt," then press Enter. Your computer will load into Safe Mode. If you do not see this menu after pressing F8 or Shift+F8, restart your computer and try again — the timing window is short, usually only two to three seconds.

If pressing F8 or Shift+F8 does not work, your computer may have a different boot key. Common alternatives are Delete, Esc, F2, F10, or F12 — the correct key is usually shown briefly on the startup screen. Restart your computer and watch the first screen carefully for a message like "Press F2 to enter Setup" or "Press Del for Boot Menu." Use that key instead of F8.

Understanding the three Safe Mode options

Safe Mode (option 4) loads Windows with only drivers for your keyboard, mouse, monitor, and hard drive. No network connection, no printer support, and no sound. Use this when you need to uninstall a problematic program or driver and do not need internet access.

Safe Mode with Networking (option 5) includes everything in basic Safe Mode plus network and internet drivers. Your internet connection will work, and you can download files or access network printers. Use this when you need to download a tool to remove malware or when you need to research an error message online.

Safe Mode with Command Prompt (option 6) loads a black command-line window instead of the normal Windows desktop. Advanced users use this to run diagnostic commands or scripts. If you are not comfortable with command-line tools, choose one of the other two options instead.

What to do once you are in Safe Mode

Once Safe Mode loads, your desktop will look mostly normal, but you will notice "Safe Mode" written in the corners of your screen. Open the program you need to use — usually File Explorer to navigate to a file, or Settings to uninstall a program. If you are removing a problematic program, go to Settings, click "Apps," click "Apps & features," find the program in the list, click it, and click "Uninstall."

If you are trying to remove malware, download and run a malware scanner like Malwarebytes or Windows Defender Offline. Safe Mode prevents most malware from running, making it easier for the scanner to detect and remove infections. Once you have finished your task, restart your computer normally — it will exit Safe Mode automatically and load Windows as usual.

Troubleshooting when Safe Mode won't load

If you press F8 or Shift+F8 and nothing happens, your computer may have a different boot sequence. Restart and try pressing Delete, Esc, or F2 instead — these keys usually open a boot menu where you can select "Safe Mode" or "Diagnostic Mode." If none of these keys work, consult your computer's manual or the manufacturer's website for the correct boot key.

If Safe Mode loads but immediately crashes or freezes, a hardware problem may be the cause rather than a software problem. Try restarting in Safe Mode again — sometimes a single crash is temporary. If it crashes every time, your hard drive, RAM, or motherboard may be failing. At this point, contact a repair technician or the computer manufacturer for diagnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my files be deleted or changed in Safe Mode?

No. Safe Mode only changes which programs and drivers load — it does not modify, delete, or move any of your files. Everything in your Documents, Desktop, and other folders remains exactly as it was. Once you exit Safe Mode and restart normally, all your files are still there.

Can I use my printer in Safe Mode?

Not in basic Safe Mode. Printers require special drivers that Safe Mode disables. If you need printer access, use Safe Mode with Networking instead — it loads printer drivers along with network support. Some printers may still not work if they use older or uncommon drivers.

Why does my internet not work in Safe Mode?

You chose basic Safe Mode, which disables network drivers. Restart your computer and enter Safe Mode with Networking instead. Press 5 at the startup options screen rather than 4. Your internet connection should work in Safe Mode with Networking.

How do I exit Safe Mode and go back to normal Windows?

Simply restart your computer. Click Start, click the power icon, and click "Restart." Windows will load normally without Safe Mode. You do not need to change any settings — Safe Mode is temporary and only lasts until you restart.

Is it safe to leave my computer in Safe Mode for a long time?

Safe Mode is designed for troubleshooting, not daily use. Many programs and features do not work in Safe Mode, and some background maintenance tasks do not run. Once you have finished troubleshooting, restart your computer to return to normal Windows.