To boot into Safe Mode on a Windows PC, you have several methods depending on your situation and Windows version:
Common Methods to Boot into Safe Mode
1. Using Startup Settings (Windows 10/11):
- Open the Start menu, select Power, then hold the Shift key and click Restart.
- The PC will restart to the Startup Settings menu.
- Press 4 or F4 to boot into Safe Mode, 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking, or 6 or F6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt
2. Using System Configuration (msconfig):
- Press Windows key + R , type
msconfig, and press Enter. - Go to the Boot tab.
- Check the Safe boot option and select the type of Safe Mode you want (Minimal, Alternate shell, Network).
- Click OK and restart your PC to boot into Safe Mode.
- To exit Safe Mode, uncheck the Safe boot option and restart
3. Using the F8 Key During Startup (mostly Windows 7 and some Windows 10/11):
- Restart your PC and repeatedly press F8 before the Windows logo appears.
- This opens the Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Use arrow keys to select Safe Mode and press Enter.
- Note: This method may not work on newer systems with fast boot enabled
4. If Windows Won't Start Normally:
- Turn on the PC and force shutdown by holding the power button during the Windows logo screen.
- Repeat this 3 times to trigger Automatic Repair mode.
- Select Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- Choose Safe Mode from the options after restart
Summary Table
Method| How to Access| Notes
---|---|---
Shift + Restart| Start Menu > Power > Shift + Restart| Works on Windows 10/11
msconfig Utility| Win + R > msconfig > Boot tab > Safe boot| Requires Windows
to be running
F8 Key During Startup| Press F8 repeatedly at boot| May not work on newer PCs
Forced Shutdown & Repair Mode| Power off during boot 3 times > Advanced
Options| For PCs that can't boot normally
These methods allow you to start Windows in Safe Mode, which loads a minimal set of drivers and services to help troubleshoot issues
