How to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode

[JamieKavanagh]

Safe Mode is the gateway to a series of troubleshooting tools that can help fix issues or change protected files before the full operating system loads. It is very useful in a range of situations and has been around almost as long as Windows itself. If you need to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode, here’s how.

Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode
There are actually a few ways to do boot the OS into Safe Mode but I tend to use one of these two as they are the most straightforward.

1. Click on the Start Menu.
2. Hold down shift and click on Power
3. Then click Restart while still holding down shift.
4. Select Troubleshoot when the computer boots up.
5. Select Advanced options and then Startup Settings in the next window.
6. Hit Restart.
7. You will shortly be presented with an options screen labeled Startup Settings. Select the F-key to select your mode. Usually F4 for Safe Mode, F5 for Safe Mode with Networking or F6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

Or:

1. Type or paste ‘msconfig’ into the Search Windows box.
2. Select the Boot tab and enable ‘Safe boot’ from Boot options.
3. Click Apply and Windows will tell you it needs to reboot for the settings to take effect.
4. Hit Restart when you’re ready.
5. Select Troubleshoot when the computer boots up.
6. Select Advanced options and then Startup Settings in the next window.
7. Hit Restart.
8. You will be presented with an options screen labeled Startup Settings. Select the F-key to select your mode. Usually F4 for Safe Mode, F5 for Safe Mode with Networking or F6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

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