For instance, you can use Safe Mode to troubleshoot your computer when it is not booting correctly, problems with a network connection, application, or Windows Update stuck downloading updates. It is also a good environment to diagnose and fix graphics driver problems as well as to perform a virus scan to remove any malware, which otherwise will be impossible to fix when the operating system is running in normal mode. In the past, starting in Safe Mode was as easy as rebooting your device and pressing the “F8” key, but this is no longer the case with Windows 10. In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode using Command Prompt, Settings, power menu, and MSConfig.

How to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode using Power options How to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode using Settings How to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode using Command Prompt How to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode using MSConfig

How to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode using Power options

To start in Safe Mode with the Power menu, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, the device will start in the mode you specified allowing you to troubleshoot and fix virtually any problem on Windows 10. Windows 10 power menu Windows 10 startup settings Startup settings restart option

Enable Safe Mode. Enable Safe Mode with Networking. Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

Typically, depending on the problem, you will have to use option No. 4 (Enable Safe Mode). However, if you need to have access to the internet to update drivers or download a new antivirus definition to do a full virus scan, you can also select option No. 5 (Enable Safe Mode with Networking).

How to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode using Settings

To get into Safe Mode from Settings on Windows 10, use these steps: After you complete the steps, the computer will enter into the Safe Mode environment where you can troubleshoot and resolve system problems more easily. Advanced startup option Windows 10 startup settings Startup settings restart option

Enable Safe Mode. Enable Safe Mode with Networking. Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

Windows 10 startup settings options

How to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode using Command Prompt

To boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode with Command Prompt, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 will start in Safe Mode with the option that you specified. Windows 10 bcdedit command Windows 10 boot manager You can always exit the basic boot level using the same instructions, but on step No. 3, make sure to use this command  Bcdedit /set {bootmgr} displaybootmenu no.

How to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode using MSConfig

To start Windows 10 in Safe Mode using MSConfig, use these steps: The only caveat with this option is that Windows 10 will continue to boot into Safe Mode until you revert the changes. msconfig boot options After resolving the problem with the device, you can revert the changes using the same instructions, but on step No. 4, make sure to clear the Safe boot option. The steps outlined above will help you to enter the basic boot level on devices running Windows 10 as well as those running Windows 8.1. Also, there are a number of techniques to access the “Advanced startup” menu. You can refer to this previous guide to learn the different techniques to get to the Advanced startup menu in Windows 10. Update December 8, 2020: This guide was originally published in February 2016, and it has been updated for the latest version of Windows 10. All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.