How to Boot into Safe Mode in Windows

Summary: This article provides step-by-step instructions on how to boot into safe mode in Windows 11 or Windows 10.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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Instructions

Note: Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. See our Microsoft Windows 10 End of Support Announcement for more information.

How to boot into Safe Mode with Networking

Duration: 0:50
Closed captions: English only

Safe Mode starts Windows with only the basics. It helps you fix problems when Windows won’t start normally.

Table of Contents:

  1. If Windows will not start
    • Option 1: Use the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
    • Option 2: Use a Windows installation USB drive
  2. Start Safe Mode from inside Windows
    • Option 1: Use Settings
    • Option 2: Use the Shift + Restart shortcut
    • Option 3: Use System Configuration (msconfig)

If Windows will not start

Use these steps when your PC keeps restarting, freezes, or never reaches the desktop.

Option 1: Use the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)

Note: Windows usually opens WinRE automatically after several failed boot attempts.
  1. Turn on your PC.
  2. As soon as you see the Windows logo, press and hold the power button until the PC turns off.
  3. Repeat this process two more times.
  4. On the third restart, Windows should show Preparing Automatic Repair and then a Recovery screen.
  5. When WinRE appears, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart
  6. After the PC restarts, press:
    • 4 for Safe Mode
    • 5 for Safe Mode with Networking
    • 6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Option 2: Use a Windows installation USB drive

Note: Use this if WinRE will not load. You can create installation media using another working PC.
  1. Insert your Windows USB installation media.
  2. Turn on your PC and immediately press the F12 key to open the Boot Menu.
  3. Select the USB drive and press Enter.
  4. When the Windows Setup screen appears, select:
    1. Your language
    2. Next
    3. Repair your computer
  5. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt
  6. In Command Prompt, type the following and press Enter after each line:
    bcdedit /set {default} safeboot minimal
shutdown /r /t 0
  7. Your PC restarts in Safe Mode.
  8. When finished, open Command Prompt again in the same way and run:
    bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot
Note: Remember to remove the safeboot setting when you’re done, or Windows will keep starting in Safe Mode.

Start Windows in Safe Mode From Inside Windows

Use these steps if your computer still works well enough to reach the desktop.

Option 1: Use Settings

  1. Select Start > Settings.
  2. Choose Update & Security.
  3. Select Recovery.
  4. Under Advanced startup, select Restart now.
  5. When WinRE appears, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart
  6. Press 4, 5, or 6 to choose your Safe Mode option.

Option 2: Use the Shift + Restart Shortcut

  1. Hold down Shift.
  2. While holding Shift, select Start → Power → Restart.
  3. Keep holding Shift until WinRE opens.
  4. When WinRE appears, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart
  5. Choose your Safe Mode option using keys 4–6.

Option 3: Use System Configuration (msconfig)

  1. Press Windows + R.
  2. Type msconfig and press Enter.
  3. Open the Boot tab.
  4. Under Boot options, select Safe boot.
  5. Choose Minimal.
  6. Select OK, then Restart.
Note: To turn Safe Mode off, repeat the steps and clear the Safe boot check box.

Affected Products

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Article Properties
Article Number: 000124344
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 25 Feb 2026
Version:  34
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