Press the f4 key for Enable Safe Mode. Safe Mode starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services. Press the f5 key for Enable Safe Mode with Networking. Safe Mode with Networking starts Windows in Safe Mode and allows access to the internet and to your network
Select Startup Settings. Select Restart. The computer restarts and enters the Startup Settings menu. Select 4 or F4 to start the computer in Safe Mode
Starting your Windows system in Safe Mode is a troubleshooting technique that allows the operating system to load with a limited number of files and drivers. If you encounter no issues in Safe Mode, it means that the default settings and basic device drivers are not the root cause of the problem. By running Windows in Safe Mode, you can identify the source of the problem and troubleshoot issues on your computer more effectively.
There are three different Safe Mode boot options available in the Advanced Boot Options.
- Safe Mode – When you start Windows in ‘Safe Mode’, it loads only the essential drivers and services necessary to run the operating system. This can be helpful in troubleshooting issues with your computer, as it can help you isolate the cause of the problem.
- Safe Mode with Networking – Safe Mode with Networking adds necessary network drivers and services for Internet access and device usage.
NOTE: Wireless (Wi-Fi) Internet connection is not supported in safe mode with networking.
- Safe Mode with Command Prompt – Command Prompt is used as the interface instead of the Graphical User Interface (GUI), similar to Safe Mode.
NOTE: The Windows installer service is disabled in Safe Mode and Safe Mode with Command Prompt, which prevents application installation and uninstallation.
Cause
Windows Safe Mode is a mode with reduced functionality. It disables many nonessential components such as sound, third-party drivers and services, and nonessential Windows services. This makes it easier to isolate problems. Corrupt software, drivers, or poorly configured software can prevent Windows from successfully booting into normal mode.Resolution
Boot into Safe Mode from Windows 11 or Windows 10
- Press the Windows + I on the keyboard to open Settings.
- If that does not work, click Start and then select Settings.
- Click Update & Security and on the left pane select Recovery.
- Under Advanced Startup, click Restart Now.
- After the computer restarts, on the Choose an Option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- After the computer restarts, a list of options appears. Select 4 or F4 to start the computer in Safe Mode. If you must use the Internet, select 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.
Learn how to boot into Safe Mode from the sign-in screen in Windows 10 and Windows 11
To restart your computer in Safe Mode, follow these steps:
1. Click on the Start menu and select the Power icon.
2. Hold down the Shift key and click on Restart.
3. Your computer will restart and you’ll see the Choose an Option screen. Click on Troubleshoot, then select Advanced Options and Startup Settings. 4. Click on Restart and you’ll see a list of options. Choose option 4 or press F4 to start the computer in Safe Mode. If you need to use the Internet, select option 5 or press F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.
To boot into Safe Mode outside of Windows 11 or 10, follow these steps:
When Windows 11 or Windows 10 fails to start for three consecutive times, the operating system will automatically boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). In case you need to boot Windows into Safe Mode from outside of the regular Windows environment, you can achieve this by accessing the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
To enter Safe Mode from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), follow these steps:
If you’re having issues with your computer, you can try starting it in Safe Mode. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Start your computer and wait for the Choose an option screen to appear.
2. Click on Troubleshoot.
3. At the Troubleshoot screen, choose Advanced Options.
4. Select Advanced Startup Options.
5. Click on Startup Settings.
6. Now, click on Restart.
7. Your computer will restart and enter the Startup Settings menu.
8. Choose option 4 or F4 to start your computer in Safe Mode. If you need to access the Internet, choose option 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.
