How to Boot into Safe Mode in Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to easily boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10 with our step-by-step guide. Troubleshoot issues, remove malware, and resolve driver problems like a pro

Introduction

Windows 10 is a versatile and powerful operating system that offers a variety of troubleshooting options to help you resolve issues that may arise during regular use. One of the most valuable tools in your arsenal is Safe Mode. Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode in Windows that allows you to start your computer with a minimal set of drivers and services, making it easier to identify and fix problems. In this blog post, we will walk you through the process of booting into Safe Mode on Windows 10.

Why Use Safe Mode?

Safe Mode is useful for several reasons:

1. Troubleshooting: It allows you to diagnose and fix issues that may be causing your computer to behave abnormally, such as system crashes, software conflicts, or driver problems.
2. Malware Removal: Safe Mode can be an effective way to remove malware and viruses that may be difficult to eliminate in regular mode since many malicious programs won’t load in Safe Mode.
3. Driver Issues: If you suspect that a recent driver update is causing problems, Safe Mode can help you determine if this is the case by running Windows with minimal drivers.
4. System Restore: Safe Mode is an ideal environment for running system restore or performing other recovery operations.

How to Boot into Safe Mode

There are several methods to boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10, and we will cover some of the most common ones:

1. Using System Configuration (msconfig):

• Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
• Type msconfig and press Enter.
• In the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab.
• Check the “Safe boot” option under Boot options.
• Choose either “Minimal” or “Network” (if you need network access) for Safe Mode.
• Click OK and then restart your computer. It will boot into Safe Mode.

1. Using Shift + Restart:

• Click the Start button and select the Power icon.
• Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard and click Restart.
• This will take you to the Advanced Startup options.
• Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.
• Click Restart, and on the Startup Settings screen, press the number corresponding to “Enable Safe Mode” (usually 4 or F4).

1. Using Recovery Settings:

• Open the Settings app (Win + I).
• Go to Update & Security > Recovery.
• Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
• Follow the on-screen instructions and select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings, then click Restart.
• Choose “Enable Safe Mode” (usually 4 or F4) from the list of options.

Exiting Safe Mode

Exiting Safe Mode is as simple as restarting your computer. Once you’ve resolved the issue or completed your troubleshooting, restart your computer in the usual way. Your PC will boot into regular mode.

Conclusion

Safe Mode is a valuable tool that can help you diagnose and fix various issues on your Windows 10 PC. Whether you’re troubleshooting system problems, dealing with malware, or resolving driver conflicts, Safe Mode provides a stable environment to work in. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily boot into Safe Mode and start the troubleshooting process. Keep in mind that Safe Mode is not a permanent solution but a means to an end in fixing issues on your computer.