How to start Windows in safe mode and how to get out of it (Windows 11 and 10)

If your computer hangs at startup, shows a blue screen or behaves oddly after a driver update or a program installation, safe mode is the first place to look. Safe mode starts Windows with only basic files and drivers; if the problem disappears there, the culprit is a program or driver added later, and you can remove it from safe mode.

The old method of pressing F8 at startup no longer works on most of today's PCs; safe mode is reached through the Startup Settings screen in the Windows Recovery Environment. In this guide we show how to get to that screen whether or not Windows starts, which option to choose, how to leave safe mode, and why safe boot turned on with msconfig does not switch itself off. The steps are the same on Windows 11 and Windows 10.

1. Decide which safe mode you need Safe mode starts Windows with only a basic set of files and drivers; if a problem does not show up there, the cause is not the default settings or basic drivers but a program or driver added later. Plain <strong>Safe Mode</strong> is enough to remove a faulty program or driver. Choose <strong>Safe Mode with Networking</strong> if you need to download a driver or a tool from the internet. Save your open documents, and if the drive is encrypted, have your BitLocker recovery key ready.
2. If Windows starts, use Advanced startup in Settings Open <strong>Settings > System > Recovery</strong>. Under <strong>Recovery options</strong>, select <strong>Restart now</strong> next to <strong>Advanced startup</strong>; if a confirmation box appears, select <strong>Restart now</strong> again. On Windows 10 the same page is under <strong>Settings > Update & Security > Recovery</strong>. Instead of a normal start, the PC comes up with the blue Windows Recovery Environment screen.
3. Shortcut: restart with the Shift key To reach the same screen without opening Settings, hold down <strong>Shift</strong> and select <strong>Start > Power > Restart</strong>. This also works from the power icon in the lower right of the sign-in screen, so you can get into the Recovery Environment even if you do not remember your password. Keep holding Shift until the screen changes.
4. If Windows will not start, force the Recovery Environment Turn the PC on and wait for the Windows or manufacturer logo. As soon as the logo appears, hold the power button until the PC shuts down. Turn it on again and interrupt it the same way once more. On the third start, leave it alone; Windows shows the <strong>Automatic Repair</strong> screen, where you select <strong>Advanced options</strong>.
5. Go to Startup Settings In the Recovery Environment, select <strong>Troubleshoot</strong>, then <strong>Advanced options</strong> and <strong>Startup Settings</strong>, then select <strong>Restart</strong>. If the device is encrypted, you may be asked for the BitLocker recovery key at this point, and you cannot continue without it. After the restart, the <strong>Startup Settings</strong> screen appears with a numbered list.
6. Press 4, 5 or 6 to pick safe mode Choose an option with a number key or the F1-F9 function keys: <strong>4</strong> or F4 is <strong>Enable Safe Mode</strong>, <strong>5</strong> or F5 is <strong>Safe Mode with Networking</strong>, <strong>6</strong> or F6 is <strong>Safe Mode with Command Prompt</strong>. Option 6 opens only a command window instead of the usual desktop; skip it unless you plan to work with commands. To back out and start Windows normally, press <strong>Enter</strong>.
7. Sign in to safe mode and look for the problem Sign in with your user account password. The desktop opens in low resolution with a black background and <strong>Safe Mode</strong> written in the corners; this is normal. If the problem does not appear here, try uninstalling the program you installed last from <strong>Settings > Apps</strong>, or rolling back the driver you updated last in <strong>Device Manager</strong>. If the problem persists even in safe mode, the cause lies deeper.
8. Leave safe mode When you are done, select <strong>Start > Power > Restart</strong>. Safe mode started from the Startup Settings screen is one-time only; the PC comes back to normal Windows on the next start by itself. If it still starts in safe mode after the restart, the msconfig setting in the next step has been left on.
9. Alternative: turn on safe boot with msconfig If Windows starts, you can also enter safe mode with the System Configuration tool. Press <strong>Windows + R</strong>, type <strong>msconfig</strong> and select <strong>OK</strong>. In the <strong>System Configuration</strong> window, go to the <strong>Boot</strong> tab and, under <strong>Boot options</strong>, select the <strong>Safe boot</strong> check box; if you need networking, choose <strong>Network</strong> below it. Select <strong>OK</strong> and then <strong>Restart</strong> in the box that appears. Here is the trap: this setting is not one-time, and the PC starts in safe mode every time until you remove it.
10. Remember to undo the msconfig setting When you are done in safe mode, open <strong>Windows + R</strong> > <strong>msconfig</strong> > the <strong>Boot</strong> tab again and clear the <strong>Safe boot</strong> check box. Select <strong>OK</strong> and then <strong>Restart</strong>. Simply restarting is not enough; as long as the box stays checked, every start is in safe mode. Once the PC opens with the normal desktop, you are done.

⚠ This guide is general information. Yudum cannot be held responsible for the outcome of following it; for official procedures always rely on the institution's own statement. Steps and fees change over time.

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