How to start Windows 10 or 11 in Safe Mode to fix computer issues, and then exit later

Nearly every version of Windows has a Safe Mode feature. This lets you start your computer with just the basic files and drivers it needs to run. Most extra features will be disabled, and programs will run more slowly. By default, you won't even have internet access. But this mode lets you update your drivers safely and efficiently without encountering conflicts with third-party apps. 

Safe Mode isn't meant to be used every day. You'll use Safe Mode when your computer isn't working correctly — for example, when your Windows update is stuck — or when Windows won't start up at all. By only loading the essentials, it'll help you narrow down what's causing the problem, which can include the system itself or something you installed.

Here's how to boot in Safe Mode whether you have Windows 10 or Windows 11, and how to exit it when you're done.

How to boot in Safe Mode in Windows 11

There are a couple of easy ways to start Safe Mode in Windows 11. Here are the best and most common ones:

Using the Settings app

This method requires you to be able to get to the Windows 11 desktop and start the Settings app. If you can't get to the Settings app, see the next section instead. 

1. Click the Start icon and then click Settings. 

2. In the pane on the left, click System. 

3. On the System page, click Recovery. 

4. In the Recovery options section, to the right of Advanced startup, click Restart now. 

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5. When your computer restarts to the blue Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot, then Advanced options, and then Startup Settings. 

6. On the Startup Settings page, click Restart. 

7. After the computer restarts again, you'll see some options. Choose Safe Mode or, if you will need access to the internet, choose Safe Mode with Networking.

Using the Power icon

If you can't log into the desktop to start the Settings app, you can still launch Safe Mode using the Power icon on the sign-in screen. 

1. On the sign-in screen, press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard while you click the Power button and then Restart. 

2. When your computer restarts to the blue Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot, then Advanced options, and then Startup Settings. 

3. On the Startup Settings page, click Restart. 

4. After the computer restarts again, you'll see some options. Choose Safe Mode or, if you will need access to the internet, choose Safe Mode with Networking.

How to exit Safe Mode in Windows 11

There are two ways you can exit Safe Mode when you are done troubleshooting your computer.

The easiest method is simply to restart your computer. To do that, click Start, then Power, then Restart. Or press and hold the Power button on your PC. 

If you've restarted your computer but it remains in Safe Mode, do this:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run window.

2. In the text box, type msconfig and press Enter.

3. At the top of the System Configuration window, click the Boot tab.

4. Underneath Boot options, make sure that Safe boot is unchecked. Then click OK and restart your computer again.

How to boot in Safe Mode in Windows 10

There are many ways to enter Safe Mode in Windows 10 as well. Here are the three easiest:

Using the Power icon

If you're signed in:

1. Click the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner.

2. Hold down the Shift key, click the Power icon and then Restart.

3. Your computer will restart and open to a blue screen titled Choose an option. Select Troubleshoot, and then Advanced options.

4. Click Startup Settings, and then Restart. Your computer will turn off and on again.

5. Once the screen comes back, you'll be given a few options. Press 4 to start your computer in Safe Mode, or 5 to start Safe Mode with internet access.

Using the Settings app

1. Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I.

2. Click Update & Security, and then Recovery.

3. On this page, underneath Advanced startup, click Restart now.

4. Your computer will restart on the Choose an option screen. Here, click Troubleshoot, and then Advanced options.

5. Select Startup Settings and then Restart.

6. When your computer boots back up, you'll be given some startup options. Press 4 to start your computer in Safe Mode, or 5 to start Safe Mode with internet access.

Holding down the power button

This is the method to use if you can't boot into Windows normally.

1. Press your PC's power button to turn it on.

2. As soon as you see something appear on the screen — probably the manufacturer's logo — hold down the power button until the PC turns off again.

3. Do this two more times, and then turn your PC on. As it's starting, the words Preparing Automatic Repair will appear at the bottom of the screen. Let your PC go through this process — it should eventually boot into the Choose an option screen.

4. On this screen, select Troubleshoot, Advanced options, and then Startup Settings. When prompted, click Restart.

5. When the computer turns back on, press 4 to start your computer in Safe Mode, or 5 to start Safe Mode with internet access.

How to exit Safe Mode in Windows 10

As with Windows 11, the easiest way to get out of Safe Mode on Windows 10 is to just restart your computer. You can do this by holding down the power button, or by going through the Start menu.

If you've restarted your computer but it's still in Safe Mode, you should:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run menu.

2. In the text box, type msconfig and press Enter.

3. At the top of the System Configuration menu, click Boot.

4. Underneath Boot options, make sure that Safe boot is unchecked. Once it is, click OK and restart your computer again.

Advanced Safe Mode options for troubleshooting

There are two advanced versions of Safe Mode: 

1. Safe Mode with Networking. The networking option allows you to access the internet and other computers on your network while in Safe Mode.

2. Safe Mode with Command Prompt. The Command Prompt option will, after login, bring you to a command prompt window where you can conduct advanced troubleshooting.

Accessing either of these modes is accomplished by following one of the methods described above and then pressing 5 or 6 in the last step instead of 4.