How to Start in Safe Mode and How to Turn It Off (Windows 10 and 11)

What is Safe Mode?

Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode that allows you to run a basic version of Windows without any non-essential files and drivers. If you think you have a virus or problem with your operating system, starting your computer in Safe Mode can help you troubleshoot and identify the issue.

If your device runs properly in Safe Mode, the issue with your system lies outside the core Windows operating system. Opening Windows in Safe Mode will activate only the basic files that are essential for Windows to function, which makes it easier to find and remove harmful malware like ransomware, keyloggers, and viruses without activating them.

Opening Windows in Safe Mode can also fix hard drive issues, an overheating computer, and help you improve your device’s performance.

Types of Safe Mode

There are several different ways to load Safe Mode depending on your needs:

• Safe Mode: The standard version of Safe Mode starts Windows using only the essential files and drivers.

• Safe Mode with Networking: This starts Windows in Safe Mode with network drivers and services so you can go online or access other devices on the same network.

• Safe Mode with Command Prompt: This version of safe mode uses Command Prompt as the user interface, which helps IT professionals and system admins troubleshoot issues.

What’s the difference between Safe Mode and normal startup?

Safe Mode is a bare-bones version of Windows that only loads the essential files and drivers. It is intended as a diagnostic tool in the event that Windows isn’t running properly.

Here’s what it looks like in more detail:

• Safe Mode loads only the basic drivers necessary for Windows to function.

• Most files do not load in Safe Mode, including autoexec.bat and config.sys files.

• Safe Mode loads in standard VGA graphics mode, which has lower resolution and a palette of only 16 colors. You will also see the words “Safe Mode” in the corners of the screen.

• In Safe Mode, Windows boots using a batch file (system.cb) instead of the regular system.ini file. This loads the virtual device drivers that allow Windows to communicate with the system hardware.

How do I start Windows 10 and 11 in Safe Mode?

Starting Windows 10 and 11 in Safe Mode is easy, and it can be done from several different starting points in case you are unable to log in or are just seeing a blank or black screen when you power up your device.

Note that if you have a Microsoft account, you’ll need to load network drivers when activating Safe Mode so that you can authenticate your account. Be sure to keep your password handy, as other authentication methods may not be accessible.

Let’s look at how to use Safe Mode.

Start Safe Mode from startup settings

How to activate Safe Mode in Windows 10 and 11 from your device’s settings.

1. Go to Start > Settings.

2. Click System (Update and Security in Windows 10) and select Recovery.
   

   

3. Find the Advanced startup option and click Restart now.

   

4. Once your computer restarts, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.

   

5. You can choose to enable Safe Mode (press 4 or F4), Safe Mode with Networking (press 5 or F5), or Safe Mode with Command Prompt (press 6 or F6).

   

Start Safe Mode from the sign-in screen

If you’re unable to log in or access your settings, you can enter Safe Mode from the Windows sign-in screen. Here’s how:

1. On the sign-in screen, hold down the Shift key while you press Power and Restart.

2. Once your computer restarts, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.

   

3. You can choose to enable Safe Mode (press 4 or F4), Safe Mode with Networking (press 5 or F5), or Safe Mode with Command Prompt (press 6 or F6).

   

Start Safe Mode from a blank screen

If you’re seeing nothing but a blank or black screen, you can still restart in Safe Mode — you will need to turn your device off and on a number of times for this process to work. Follow these steps:

1. Hold your PC’s power button for 10 seconds to turn your computer off.

2. Hit the power button again to turn your PC on.

3. Once it restarts, turn it off again.

4. Turn your PC back on.

5. As soon as it shows signs of restarting, turn it off again.

6. Turn it back on. You may need to select Advanced options. Your PC should now enter the Windows Recovery Environment (winRE).

7. Click Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings and hit Restart.

   

8. You can choose to enable Safe Mode (press 4 or F4), Safe Mode with Networking (press 5 or F5), or Safe Mode with Command Prompt (press 6 or F6).

   

How to turn off Safe Mode

To exit Safe Mode, click Start > Power > Restart. If that doesn’t turn off safe mode, follow these steps:

1. Right-click the start button and choose Task Manager from the list.

2. Select File > Run New Task.

3. Type in msconfig > click OK.

4. You’re now in System Configuration. Select the Boot tab and uncheck Safe boot.

5. Click Apply > OK > Restart.

That’s it. Your PC should now be running normally.

My device has booted in Safe Mode unexpectedly. What should I do?

Restart your Windows machine to exit Safe Mode. Once you’re out of Safe Mode, check your boot settings in case the boot options are saved to safe boot.

1. Hold the Windows + R keys simultaneously.

2. In the text box that appears, type msconfig and click OK.

   

3. Click the Boot tab at the top of the System Configuration window.

4. Uncheck the Safe boot box under Boot options.

   

5. Click Apply, then OK and restart your computer.

Maintain high performance with AVG TuneUp

Using Safe Mode is a nifty way to diagnose and fix issues on your device. But wouldn’t it be even better to get ahead of the game and keep your device running smoothly? Download AVG TuneUp to automatically perform regular cleanups on your PC to help fix issues and keep your computer running smoothly.