how to restart in safe mode windows 10

2 min read 07-09-2024

When your Windows 10 computer is acting up, one of the first things you might want to do is restart it in Safe Mode. Think of Safe Mode as a way to let your computer breathe. It starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services, helping you troubleshoot and resolve issues without interference from additional software. In this article, we'll guide you through the simple steps to restart your Windows 10 machine in Safe Mode.

Why Use Safe Mode?

Before we dive into the steps, let's take a moment to understand why Safe Mode is beneficial:

Troubleshooting: Safe Mode can help you identify problems by running Windows with basic functionality.
Virus and Malware Removal: Many viruses and malware programs can't operate in Safe Mode, allowing you to eliminate them more easily.
Driver Issues: If a recent driver update is causing problems, Safe Mode can help you roll back or uninstall it.

How to Restart in Safe Mode

Method 1: Using Settings

Open Settings: Click on the Start Menu and select the gear icon to open Settings.
Update & Security: Select Update & Security from the options available.
Recovery: Click on the Recovery tab in the left sidebar.
Advanced Startup: Under the Advanced Startup section, click on Restart now. This will take you to a blue screen menu.
Troubleshoot: From the options presented, choose Troubleshoot.
Advanced options: Select Advanced options.
Startup Settings: Click on Startup Settings.
Restart: Press the Restart button.
Choose Safe Mode: After your computer restarts, you'll see a list of options. Press 4 or F4 to start your computer in Safe Mode. If you need to use the internet, press 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.

Method 2: Using the Power Menu

If you can't access your computer normally, you can force Safe Mode using the Power menu.

Access the Power Menu: On the sign-in screen, hold the Shift key while you click on the Power icon in the lower right corner and select Restart.
Follow Steps 5-9 from Method 1 to navigate to Safe Mode.

Method 3: Using System Configuration

You can also set your computer to boot in Safe Mode through System Configuration (msconfig).

Open Run: Press Win + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog.
Type msconfig: Type msconfig and hit Enter.
Boot Tab: In the System Configuration window, click on the Boot tab.
Safe Boot: Under Boot options, check the box for Safe boot and select the type of Safe Mode you want (Minimal, Alternate Shell, or Active Directory Repair).
Apply and Restart: Click Apply, then OK, and restart your computer. It will boot into Safe Mode automatically.

Exiting Safe Mode

To exit Safe Mode and return to normal operation, simply restart your computer. If you used the System Configuration method, ensure to go back to msconfig and uncheck the Safe boot option.

Conclusion

Restarting your Windows 10 computer in Safe Mode can provide a fresh start, allowing you to identify and fix various issues. Whether using the Settings menu, Power menu, or System Configuration, the process is straightforward.

For more tips on troubleshooting Windows problems, check out our articles on Windows 10 Performance Tips and How to Remove Viruses from Your Computer.

Remember, Safe Mode is a safe haven for your PC, so don’t hesitate to utilize it whenever necessary!