Accessing Windows Safe Mode

Posted on by Scott Sekinger

Windows Safe Mode is a Windows mode that allows to diagnose you to troubleshoot problems with our PC. There are different ways to boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10 /11. You can access Windows Safe Mode by using one of the following methods.

Method 1: Use Keyboard shortcut to enter Windows Safe mode

  1. Click the Start button or press the Windows key to open the Start menu.
  2. Click on the power button icon (Windows 10) or press the Windows key + X and select “Shut down or sign out,” then choose “Restart” (Windows 11).
  3. After clicking on Restart hold down the Shift key on your keyboard until the PC restarts.” This will trigger a restart the PC at the Advanced Startup Options screen
  4. When your computer restarts and the Advanced Startup Options menu appears, select “Troubleshoot.”
  5. In the Troubleshoot menu, select “Advanced options.”
  6. Now, choose “Startup Settings.”
  7. Click “Restart” to restart your computer again.
  8. When your computer restarts this time, you will see a list of options. Press the number corresponding to the Safe Mode option you want (e.g., 4 for Safe Mode).
  9. Your computer will now boot into Safe Mode.

Method 2: Using the Settings menu (Windows 10 and Windows 11)

  1. Click the Start button or press the Windows key to open the Start menu.
  2. Click on the gear icon (⚙️) to open the Settings app.
  3. For Windows 10: In the Settings window, select “Update & Security.” For Windows 11: In the Settings window, select “System.”
  4. In the left pane (Windows 10) or the main System settings (Windows 11), select “Recovery.”
  5. Scroll down to the “Advanced startup” section and click “Restart now.” This will restart your computer and take you to the Advanced Startup Options menu.
  6. When your computer restarts and the Advanced Startup Options menu appears, select “Troubleshoot.”
  7. In the Troubleshoot menu, select “Advanced options.”
  8. Now, choose “Startup Settings.”
  9. Click “Restart” to restart your computer again.
  10. When your computer restarts this time, you will see a list of options. Press the number corresponding to the Safe Mode option you want (e.g., 4 for Safe Mode).
  11. Your computer will now boot into Safe Mode.

Method 3: MSConfig

Go to Start your PC in safe mode in Windows – Microsoft Support to learn how to use MSConfig to boot into Safe Mode.

Method 4: Recovery Drive

You can use a recovery drive to bootup into Safe Mode. Checkout Create a recovery drive – Microsoft Support to learn how.

Method 5: Shutdown Command

  1. Press Windows +R
  2. Type shutdown -o -r, and press enter. This will cause the PC to restart.
  3. Once the PC restarts go into the Troubleshoot menu, select “Advanced options.”
  4. Now, choose “Startup Settings.”
  5. Click “Restart” to restart your computer again.
  6. When your computer restarts this time, you will see a list of options. Press the number corresponding to the Safe Mode option you want (e.g., 4 for Safe Mode).
  7. Your computer will now boot into Safe Mode.

Method 6: Enable F8

  1. Enter cmd in the search box .
  2. Select the “Run as administrator” option.
  3. Enter bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy at the prompt.

Conclusion

I hope you find this article useful. Methods 1 and 5 are my favorite.

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