How to Activate Safe Mode in Windows 10

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Do you need to troubleshoot your computer? It is sometimes necessary to boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode in order to isolate processes or drivers that may be causing problems. When in Safe Mode, Windows 10 does not load all the processes, drivers, and apps that it normally would. Instead, only essential processes and drivers are loaded. This wikiHow article teaches you how to activate Safe Mode in Windows 10 in a variety of ways.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using the Power Icon

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  1. You can click the Start menu icon or press the Win key.
    • If you're not signed in, you can do this from the sign-in screen using the Power icon there.
  2. It's the key on the left or right side of your keyboard that's below the Enter key or Caps Lock key.
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  3. Keep holding the Shift button down as your computer shuts down.
    • The screen will change to a blue screen with a few different options.
  4. The Troubleshoot tile is the last option in the list next to an icon of some tools. Once you click that, you'll need to click Advanced Options to see more.
  5. Your computer will then restart and show you a blue screen with more options.
  6. If you press 4 , your computer will start in Safe Mode. If you press 5 , your computer will start in Safe Mode with internet access.
    • If pressing 4 or 5 doesn't work, press F4 or F5 instead.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using Settings

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  1. You can do that by pressing Win + I or by opening the Start menu and clicking the gear icon.
  2. You'll see this next to an icon of an oval made out of arrows.
  3. It's in the panel on the left side of your screen.
  4. You'll see this under the "Advanced startup" header.
    • The screen will change to a blue screen with a few different options as your computer restarts.
  5. The Troubleshoot tile is the last option in the list next to an icon of some tools. Once you click that, you'll need to click Advanced Options to see more.
  6. Your computer will then restart and show you a blue screen with more options.
  7. If you press 4 , your computer will start in Safe Mode. If you press 5 , your computer will start in Safe Mode with internet access.
    • If pressing 4 or 5 doesn't work, press F4 or F5 instead.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Restarting From a Blank or Black Screen

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  1. Your computer will shut down.
  2. Pressing this again will prompt your computer to turn on.
  3. You can prompt your computer to turn off as soon as you see the startup logo.
  4. This will turn your computer back on.
  5. You can prompt your computer to turn off as soon as you see the startup logo.
  6. This will turn your computer back on in winRE.
  7. The Troubleshoot tile is the last option in the list next to an icon of some tools. Once you click that, you'll need to click Advanced Options to see more.
  8. Your computer will then restart and show you a blue screen with more options.
  9. If you press 4 , your computer will start in Safe Mode. If you press 5 , your computer will start in Safe Mode with internet access.
    • If pressing 4 or 5 doesn't work, press F4 or F5 instead. [1]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I turn off Safe Mode in Windows 10?
    GaiusG
    Community Answer
    When you are done with whatever you have been doing in Safe Mode, simply restart the PC and it will boot in the usual way.
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    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 6
  • Question
    How do I turn on safe mode with the Gandcrab Ransomware on my PC?
    Community Answer
    Use safe mode with command prompt, also you must boot into safe mode from the recovery options menu.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 2
  • Question
    So, I did that first thing in msconfig properly, but it still gives me the blue screen after I have done this - why might that be?
    Warrick Cleet
    Community Answer
    This may be because some of your hardware is dead, such as a graphics card being broken. Try scanning the QR code that the bluescreen provides you.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • Restarting your computer again should exit Safe Mode, but if that's not the case, press Win + R , type msconfig and click OK . Once that opens, click the Boot tab and clear the box next to Safe boot and click OK again.
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      • If Safe Mode isn't working for you, try using Command Prompt within Safe Mode.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/start-your-pc-in-safe-mode-in-windows-92c27cff-db89-8644-1ce4-b3e5e56fe234#WindowsVersion=Windows_10

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open the Start menu.
      3. Press and hold Shift .
      4. Select Restart .
      5. Click Troubleshoot and Advanced Options .
      6. Click Startup Settings and Restart .
      7. Press 4 or 5 .

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