How to Boot Windows 10 into Safe Mode

Windows 10 Safe Mode starts Windows with a limited set of drivers and services. It is useful when you need to isolate a startup problem, remove a problematic driver, or check whether third-party software is causing an issue.

Windows 10 support note: Microsoft ended normal support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. These steps remain useful for maintaining an existing Windows 10 PC, but moving to a supported Windows release is recommended where possible.

Method 1: Use Shift + Restart

Open the Start menu or the sign-in screen.
Hold Shift and select Power > Restart.
In Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
After the PC restarts, choose one of these options:
- Press 4 or F4 for Safe Mode.
- Press 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.
- Press 6 or F6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

If device encryption or BitLocker is enabled, Windows may ask for the recovery key before it lets you use some recovery tools.

Method 2: Open Advanced startup from Windows 10 Settings

If Windows still starts normally:

Open Settings.
Go to Update & Security > Recovery.
Under Advanced startup, select Restart now.
Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
Choose the Safe Mode option you need.

If Windows will not start

Windows can enter WinRE automatically after repeated failed startup attempts. You can also boot from Windows installation or recovery media and choose Repair your computer instead of installing Windows.

From there, open Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings when that option is available.