how to restart computer in safe mode

Restarting a computer in Safe Mode depends mainly on your operating system (Windows 10/11, Windows 7/8, or macOS).

Quick Scoop

Safe Mode starts your system with only the essential drivers and services, which makes it perfect for troubleshooting crashes, viruses, and weird errors. Below are the most common, up‑to‑date ways people use today, including methods often shared in support articles and tech forums.

Windows 10 & Windows 11

Method 1: From Settings (when Windows works)

• Open Settings → Update & Security → Recovery.

• Under “Advanced startup,” click “Restart now.”

• After the blue screen menu appears: go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.

• On the Startup Settings screen, press:
  • 4 for Safe Mode,
  • 5 for Safe Mode with Networking (internet),
  • 6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

Method 2: Shift + Restart (from Start menu or sign‑in screen)

• Click the Power icon on the Start menu or at the sign‑in screen.

• Hold Shift and click Restart.

• Then choose: Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart → press 4 (or 5/6 as needed).

Method 3: System Configuration (msconfig)

• Press Windows + R → type msconfig → Enter.

• Go to the Boot tab → check “Safe boot” → choose Minimal or Network → OK, then Restart.

• When finished troubleshooting, go back into msconfig and uncheck “Safe boot,” then restart to return to normal mode.

Method 4: If Windows won’t start (recovery environment)

• Turn the PC on, then hold the power button to force it off as Windows starts loading. Repeat this 3 times to trigger Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

• In WinRE, go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart → press 4 (or 5/6).

Windows 7 and older

• Restart the computer.

• Before Windows starts loading, tap F8 repeatedly until you see the Advanced Boot Options menu.

• Use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking, then press Enter.

• To return to normal, just restart the PC as usual.

Alternatively:

• Press Windows + R → type msconfig → Enter.

• On the Boot tab, enable “Safe boot,” then restart.

• After you are done, open msconfig again and uncheck “Safe boot,” then restart.

macOS (recent versions)

• Shut down your Mac.

• Turn it on and immediately hold Shift until you see the login window, then log in (you may need to log in twice).

• To exit Safe Mode, restart normally without holding any keys.

Mini notes & troubleshooting tips

• In Safe Mode, some features (like high‑end graphics, some apps, and sometimes a PIN login) may not work; use your full account password if prompted.

• Use Safe Mode to:
  • Uninstall problematic apps or drivers.
  • Run antivirus scans.
  • Use System Restore or other repair tools.

Simple HTML table snippet (you can embed in a post)

html

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>System</th>
      <th>Quick Safe Mode Shortcut</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Windows 10/11</td>
      <td>Hold Shift + click Restart → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → 4</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Windows 7</td>
      <td>Restart → tap F8 → choose Safe Mode</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>macOS</td>
      <td>Restart → hold Shift until login screen</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

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