Even though modern PCs are widely regarded as stable, they can still experience operating system issues and occasional malware intrusions. When problems arise, Safe Mode offers a minimal environment that helps diagnose and fix faults. The following guide explains what Safe Mode is and how to enable or disable it in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
What is Safe Mode?
Safe Mode starts Windows with a limited set of drivers and services sufficient to run essential functions. Users can adjust which components load, for example by including or excluding the Command Line or network drivers in the initial startup set. Safe Mode is a practical tool for diagnosing startup problems, removing stubborn software, and addressing overheating or performance issues by restricting background activity and traffic that could interfere with fixes.
How do I enable or disable Safe Mode in Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Safe Mode is entered from the recovery screen. Depending on the situation there are several routes to reach it. The following methods are the most common and reliable.
In Settings for Windows 10
To begin, open Settings from the Start menu or by using search. Then navigate to Update and Security. In Recovery, select the option to Restart now to reach the boot options and enable Safe Mode for troubleshooting tasks.
In Settings for Windows 11
On Windows 11, open Settings from the Start menu, choose System, and then click Recovery. Next to Advanced startup options, press Restart Now to boot into the recovery environment where Safe Mode can be chosen.
On the login screen
From the sign‑in screen, press and hold the Shift key while selecting Restart. This combination launches the recovery environment regardless of the Windows version installed on the device.
From a blank screen
If the computer is off, turn it on and off three times in quick succession using the power button. On the third boot, Windows will display the recovery screen. Click Advanced options to continue and then select Safe Mode from the available options.
Next steps
Select Troubleshoot, then Advanced options, and finally Startup Settings. If Startup Settings is not visible, choose View other recovery options. Then click Restart to reveal the list of boot options and pick Safe Mode.
After the proper option is selected and the system boots, it will run with a minimal set of services and drivers to allow troubleshooting without interference from third‑party software.
Now follow the on‑screen prompts to choose one of the Safe Mode variants. Use the corresponding number or function key to boot into Safe Mode with networking, Safe Mode with Command Prompt, or the standard Safe Mode, depending on the needs of the diagnostic task.
To exit Safe Mode and return to the normal Windows experience, simply restart the computer. If Safe Mode does not load as expected, other remedies will be explored below.
What should I do if Safe Mode won’t turn off?
In Safe Mode, press Windows key + R to open Run, or choose Start and search for System Configuration. Enter in the Run prompt the command msconfig and press Enter.
In System Configuration, switch to the Boot tab. Clear the Safe boot option, confirm the change with OK, and restart the computer to exit Safe Mode.
Windows 10 and 11 offer multiple routes to Safe Mode, which makes it easier to troubleshoot a variety of operating system problems. In addition to the methods described above, Safe Mode can be toggled via System Configuration by selecting or clearing the Safe Boot option without uninstalling anything.