Windows 10: Boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10

How to: Boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10

How to Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode


Safe mode starts Windows in a basic state, using a limited set of files and drivers. It can help you troubleshoot problems on your PC. For example, if the problem doesn't happen in safe mode, you'll know default settings and basic device drivers aren't causing the issue.

There are three different safe mode options:

• Enable Safe Mode: Starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services.
• Enable Safe Mode with Networking: Starts Windows in safe mode and includes the network drivers and services needed to access the Internet or other computers on your network.
• Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt: Starts Windows in safe mode with a Command Prompt window instead of the usual Windows interface. This option is intended for IT pros and system admins.

When you boot to Safe Mode, you will only be able to sign in with your password, and not with any other sign-in option (ex: PIN).

You will not be able to open Windows apps while in Safe Mode.





Starting with Passwordless sign-in journey by adding Windows Hello PIN sign-in support to Safe mode, so that you no longer have rely on your password when troubleshooting your device.





This tutorial will show you how to start Windows 10 in normal mode, Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking, and Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to start Windows in Safe Mode.

You will only be able to sign in using your account's password while in Safe Mode.



CONTENTS:

• Option One: Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode using Advanced Startup Options
• Option Two: Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode using System Configuration (msconfig)
• Option Three: Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode using Command Prompt

EXAMPLE: Windows 10 in Safe Mode











OPTION ONE [/i] Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode using Advanced Startup Options
1 Boot to advanced startup options.

2 Click/tap on Troubleshoot. (see screenshot below)



3 Click/tap on Advanced options. (see screenshot below)



4 Click/tap on Start Settings. (see screenshot below)



5 Click/tap on Restart. (see screenshot below)



6 When your computer restarts press the key below for what mode you would like to start Windows 10 in. (see screenshot below)
[table][tr][td]Key to Press[/td] [td]Mode[/td] [/tr] [tr][td]Enter[/td] [td]Normal Mode (default)[/td] [/tr] [tr][td]4 or F4[/td] [td]Safe Mode[/td] [/tr] [tr][td]5 or F5[/td] [td]Safe Mode with Networking[/td] [/tr] [tr][td]6 or F6[/td] [td]Safe Mode with Command Prompt[/td] [/tr] [/table]










OPTION TWO [/i] Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode using System Configuration (msconfig)
1 Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog, type msconfig, and click/tap on OK.

2 If prompted by UAC, click/tap on Yes.

3 Click/tap on the Boot tab in System Configuration, and do step 4, step 5, step 6, or step 7 below for what mode you would like to start Windows 10 in.

4. To Start Windows 10 in Normal Mode
This is the default setting.

A) Uncheck Safe boot under Boot options, check Make all boot settings permanent, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)



B) Click/tap on Yes, and go to step 8 below. (see screenshot below)



5. To Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode
A) Under Boot options, check Safe boot and select (dot) Minimal, click/tap on OK, and go to step 8 below. (see screenshot below)



6. To Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode with Networking
A) Under Boot options, check Safe boot and select (dot) Network, click/tap on OK, and go to step 8 below. (see screenshot below)



7. To Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode with Command Prompt
A) Under Boot options, check Safe boot and select (dot) Alternate shell, click/tap on OK, and go to step 8 below. (see screenshot below)



8 Click/tap on Restart to apply. (see screenshot below)








OPTION THREE [/i] Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode using Command Prompt
1 Open an command prompt at boot.

2 Type bcdedit in the command prompt, and press Enter.

3 Under the top Windows Boot Manager section, look to right of default, and make note of its identifier (ex: {current}). (see screenshots below)



4 Do step 5, step 6, step 7, or step 8 below for what mode you would like to start Windows 10 in.


5. To Start Windows 10 in Normal Mode
This is the default setting.

A) Type the command below into the command prompt, and press Enter.
bcdedit /deletevalue {identifier} safeboot

Substitute identifier in the command above with the actual identifier (ex: {current}) from step 3.

For example: bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safeboot

B) If you are currently in Safe Mode with Command Prompt, then you will also need to type the command below, and press Enter.
bcdedit /deletevalue {identifier} safebootalternateshell

Substitute identifier in the command above with the actual identifier (ex: {current}) from step 3.

For example: bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safebootalternateshell

C) Go to step 9 below.

6. To Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode
A) Type the command below into the command prompt, press Enter, and go to step 9 below.
bcdedit /set {identifier} safeboot minimal

Substitute identifier in the command above with the actual identifier (ex: {current}) from step 3.

For example: bcdedit /set {current} safeboot minimal


7. To Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode with Networking
A) Type the command below into the command prompt, press Enter, and go to step 9 below.
bcdedit /set {identifier} safeboot network

Substitute identifier in the command above with the actual identifier (ex: {current}) from step 3.

For example: bcdedit /set {current} safeboot network


8. To Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode with Command Prompt
A) Type the command below into the command prompt, and press Enter.
bcdedit /set {identifier} safeboot minimal

Substitute identifier in the command above with the actual identifier (ex: {current}) from step 3.

For example: bcdedit /set {current} safeboot minimal


B) Type the command below into the command prompt, press Enter, and go to step 9 below.
bcdedit /set {identifier} safebootalternateshell yes

Substitute identifier in the command above with the actual identifier (ex: {current}) from step 3.

For example: bcdedit /set {current} safebootalternateshell yes


9 Restart the computer.

If you are currently in Safe Mode with Command Prompt, then you could type the command below and press Enter to instantly restart the computer.

shutdown /r /t 00



That's it,
Shawn


Related Tutorials

• How to Add Safe Mode to Desktop Context Menu in Windows 10
• How to Boot to Advanced Startup Options in Windows 10
• How to Enable or Disable Always Boot to Advanced Startup Settings in Windows 10
• How to Troubleshoot Windows 10 failure to boot using Recovery Environment
• How to Add Safe Mode to Boot Options in Windows 10
• How to Enable or Disable F8 Advanced Boot Options in Windows 10
• How to Run Startup Repair in Windows 10
• How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows 10 to Troubleshoot Software Conflicts
• How to Enable or Disable Automatic Repair in Windows 10
• How to Install and Uninstall Programs in Safe Mode in Windows 10

:)

 

How do I boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10?

Power on and off your computer three times

On the third time, your computer will boot into the Advanced Recovery environment

Click Advanced Options

Click Troubleshoot

Click Advanced Options

Click Startup settings

Click Restart

Press the number 4 on your keyboard

 

How do I boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10?

Hi,

Based on the details provided on this thread, to access safe mode, kindly refer to the article entitled
"Start your PC in safe mode in Windows 10".
Or better yet, you can boot from Windows 10 install media on a USB flash drive (or DVD) and access the Advanced options. To do this, follow these steps:

• 
  Insert the USB or flash drive to your PC and restart.
  
• 
  The
  Windows Setup
  screen will pop up, select
  language and click on
  Next.
  
• 
  Choose
  Repair your computer.
  
• 
  Select
  Troubleshoot.
  
• 
  Click on
  Advanced options
  
• 
  Choose
  Command Prompt
  and enter the following commands:
  
  • 
    bootrec /scanos
    
  • 
    bootrec /fixMBR
    
  • 
    bootrec /fixBoot
    
  • 
    bootrec /rebuildBCD
    
• 
  Restart PC and see if there are any changes.
  

Let us know how it goes.

Regards.

 

This is BS! There needs to be a way to boot directly into safe mode. F8 needs to be brought back. The automated trash we are presented with in the recovery mode is about as subtle as a hand grenade. It doesn't always work, and at times is useless to me. I want to be able to boot DIRECTLY into the safe mode, (Like all the other Windows before 8.) and see if I can find for myself EXACTLY what's wrong. Having to boot into windows to start the safe mode is self defeating. What??? If I cannot boot into windows at all I cannot get into the safe mode? REALY? If I cannot boot into Windows at all, I don't want to be forced into the automated recovery. Don't get me wrong; there are times when it can be useful, but I want an option.F8 is a tool I use(d) frequently. "There is no such thing as an overused tool." Burying Safe Mode (A frequently used tool) under a maze of menu options I feel was also not in the best interest of users everywhere.

Please, Please PLEASE, bring back F8.

 

Hello cblman, and welcome to Eight Forums.

If you like, you could also boot from a "recovery drive" or installation media with OPTION ONE to boot to Safe Mode.

Advanced Startup Options - Boot to in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums

 

All:

I agree with CBLEMAN!

Why is it programmers like to OBFUSCATE simple things?
I started with MS DOS!
How did we ever get through previous windows without this crap?

That Old Fart
(86)

 

Hi Brink,
It's good to hear from you!
I feel things have been made way to complicated. Taking away F8 seriously hampers me in the field. I would like to simplify things again, and ask that F8 be brought back in Windows 10. Safe Mode is a critical tool for me, at home and at work. F8 is an uncomplicated and easy way to access that tool. What do you feel the odds are of getting it back in 10?
There isn't anything I can do if it isn't brought back, and I'll just have to live with that. It would however be a disappointment to me, as well as being hampered by the removal of the functionality.

 

If you both like, you could disable the new advanced startup options to use the old "Windows Boot Manager" again that has the F8 option. The tutorial below is for Windows 8, but is the same for Windows 10.

Startup Options - Enable or Disable in Windows 8

 

oooo... Great stuff! Thanks.
I still feel F8 needs to be brought back, but this is something I can really use.
Thanks again Brink. Very helpful information.

 

Great stuff, as usual
but
isn't a bit early to release tutorials for W10 ? Only from the perspective that things could change until RTM, or you are certain that some things won't change ?

 

You're most welcome guys.

Nar, it's never to early to be releasing tutorials for Windows 10. Testers need help and info about it as well.

The fun part is having to keep them all updated after each build. LOL

 

One slight problem, thought I might try upgrading to windows 10 from 8.1. Downloaded via windows update.
Now it completed the install, however after login i just get a black screen. I can move mouse, and Carl-alt-delete and go back to login.

i figure it is probably an easy fix if I could get into safe mode or even into recovery. However I cannot crash the computer fast enough.
So I am stuck with a useless system at the moment. I think with a little work I can get it to crash.

Yes I was an idiot not to create boot media, but so did not expect this to happen. If it happened to me - then I am fairly sure it will happen to others. Easy access to recovery is the solution. The F8 was the fix in 95 , 98 ,ME (although nothing could fix that) ,Xp ect.

Please bring something back to make this easier for us.

 

Hello Casio, and welcome to Ten Forums. *Smile

If you like, you could advanced startup options.

 

i have re-installed 8.1 & now downloading 10 so i can make a multi-boot with recovery. Then i think i will try again with a fresh version of 10.

 

Maybe this is a simply dumb query but I have too say or rather ask why has the F8 option been taken away and attaching pics to replies in this forum is now quite convoluted whereas in 7 it was a very simple operation.

It sort of looks to me like it is means making the Windows experience a lot harder to get ones head around and I did post somewhere else no email notification of replies to ones post. If I could see a reason it might make it a tad easier to understand and not drive me away from this current version. It is sad really because it does seem to me and I am just a pleb and not overly savvy and 10 like 8 (which I disliked intensely) is not for us ordinary folk.

Seems like Microsoft is repairing an unbroken wheel*Rolleyes