Troubleshooting Windows 10/11: Six Ways to Boot into Safe Mode
Safe Mode is a powerful tool for diagnosing and resolving Windows 10/11 PC issues. This guide outlines six methods to access Safe Mode, catering to different scenarios.
Methods for Accessing Safe Mode (When you can normally log into Windows):
Method 1: System Configuration
- Open the System Configuration tool (search for "msconfig" and press Enter).
- Navigate to the "Boot" tab.
- Check the "Safe boot" box. Select your preferred Safe Mode type (Minimal, Alternate shell, Active Directory repair, or Network).
- Click "OK" and restart your computer.
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Method 2: Advanced Startup
- Search for "msconfig" and press Enter.
- Click "Restart now" under "Advanced Startup."
- In the recovery mode, select "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Startup Settings" > "Restart."
- Choose option 4 (or press F4) for Safe Mode.
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Method 3: Shift Restart
- Hold down the Shift key while clicking the "Restart" button.
- In the Advanced Boot Options menu, select "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Startup Settings" > "Restart."
- Choose option 5 (or press F5) for Safe Mode with Networking.
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Method 4: Run Command
- Press Win R.
- Type
shutdown /o /r
and press Enter.
- Your PC will restart into the Advanced Boot Options menu, from where you can select Safe Mode.
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Methods for Accessing Safe Mode (When you cannot normally boot Windows):
Method 5: Command Prompt at Boot
- Boot from your Windows 10/11 installation media.
- Open the Command Prompt.
- Type
bcdedit /set {default} safeboot minimal
and press Enter.
- Close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.
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Method 6: Fresh Boot
- Repeatedly power cycle your PC (hold the power button for 10 seconds, then restart). This should trigger the Automatic Repair.
- In the Automatic Repair environment, navigate to "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Startup Settings" > "Restart."
- Select Safe Mode.
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Exiting Safe Mode: Restart your computer or use shutdown /r /t 00
in the command prompt (Method 5). For methods 1-4, you can also reverse the steps to disable Safe Boot within System Configuration. The preferred method is generally System Configuration for its ease of use and on-demand control.
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