To start Windows 10 in Safe Mode, you typically either use the “Shift + Restart” method from inside Windows, or force Windows into its recovery environment and then choose Safe Mode from Startup Settings.

What Safe Mode Does

  • Safe Mode starts Windows with only the most essential drivers and services so you can diagnose crashes, malware, or driver problems.
  • Variants include Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking, and Safe Mode with Command Prompt, each adding just a bit more functionality when needed.

Method 1: Shift + Restart (When Windows Boots)

Use this when Windows still starts normally.

  1. Save work and close apps.
  2. Click Start → Power icon.
  1. Hold the Shift key on your keyboard and, while holding it, click Restart.
  1. On the blue screen, choose: Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
  1. After restart, a numbered list appears; press:
    • 4 for Safe Mode ,
    • 5 for Safe Mode with Networking ,
    • 6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

Method 2: From System Configuration (msconfig)

This is handy if you want Windows 10 to always boot into Safe Mode until you turn it off.

  1. Press Windows key + R to open Run.
  1. Type msconfig and press Enter.
  1. In the System Configuration window, open the Boot tab.
  1. Under Boot options, check Safe boot , choose Minimal (or Network if you need internet), then click OK.
  1. Click Restart when prompted; Windows will boot into Safe Mode next time.
  1. When finished troubleshooting, repeat the steps and uncheck Safe boot to return to normal startup.

Method 3: If Windows Won’t Start

When Windows keeps failing to boot, it usually triggers its own recovery mode, from which you can reach Safe Mode.

  • Turn on the PC, then hold the power button to force it off as Windows starts loading; repeat 2–3 times until you see “Preparing Automatic Repair” and then “Your PC did not start correctly.”
  • Select Advanced options → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
  • On the Startup Settings screen, press 4, 5, or 6 for the Safe Mode option you need.

Extra Notes and Tips

  • On Windows 10, the old habit of hitting F8 repeatedly at boot is usually disabled by default and often does nothing.
  • Safe Mode with Networking is useful if you need to download drivers, tools, or updates while troubleshooting.
  • Once your issue is fixed, always ensure Safe Mode–only settings (like msconfig’s Safe boot) are turned off so you don’t get stuck in Safe Mode.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.