October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run ScanOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
Redmond desk2 min

How to Fix Windows 10 Stuck in Safe Mode

Restart Windows 10 to leave Safe Mode. If it keeps returning, clear Safe boot in System Configuration; use WinRE if you cannot reach the desktop.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Restart your PC first. If Windows 10 keeps starting in Safe Mode, turn off the persistent Safe boot setting in System Configuration: press Windows key + R, enter msconfig, open the Boot tab, clear Safe boot, then restart.

Exit Safe Mode with a restart

Save any open work and restart Windows. Microsoft says a restart should normally return the device to normal mode. If Windows starts normally, you do not need to change any settings. Microsoft’s Windows Startup Settings guidance describes this as the usual way to exit Safe Mode.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

What if Windows keeps booting in Safe Mode?

A persistent Safe Mode startup can happen when Safe boot remains selected in System Configuration. Clear that option and restart:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  1. Press Windows key + R to open Run.
  2. Type msconfig, then select OK.
  3. In System Configuration, open the Boot tab.
  4. Under Boot options, clear the Safe boot checkbox.
  5. Select Apply and OK if those buttons are available, then restart the PC.

Change only the Safe boot checkbox for this fix. System Configuration includes other advanced startup settings, and changing unrelated options can create additional boot problems.

#1 Best Overall
Ralix Reinstall USB Compatible with Windows 10 All Versions 32/64 bit. Recover, Restore, Repair Boot USB, and Install to Factory Default Will Fix PC Easy!
  • Comprehensive Solution: This Windows 10 reinstall DVD provides a complete solution for resolving various system issues, including crashes, malware infections, boot failures, and performance slowdowns. Repair, Recover, Restore, and Reinstall any version of Windows.
  • USB will work on any type of computer (make or model). Creates a new copy of Windows! DOES NOT INCLUDE product key.
  • Windows not starting up? NT Loader missing? Repair Windows Boot Manager (BOOTMGR), NTLDR, and so much more with this DVD. Clean Installation: Allows you to perform a fresh installation of Windows 11 64-bit, effectively wiping the system and starting from a clean slate.
  • Step by Step instructions on how to fix Windows 10 issues. Whether it be broken, viruses, running slow, or corrupted our disc will serve you well
  • Please remember that this DVD does not come with a KEY CODE. You will need to obtain a Windows Key Code in order to use the reinstall option

If Windows will not start or you cannot reach the desktop

Use Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to access Startup Settings. On an encrypted device, have the BitLocker recovery key available; Windows may ask for it before allowing recovery operations.

  1. From WinRE, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.
  2. Select Restart.
  3. When the startup options appear, choose an option to start Windows normally, or press Enter to continue to Windows.

If Windows still cannot start, try Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair. Startup Repair checks for certain startup issues, including missing or damaged system files and boot-configuration problems, and attempts repairs. It is intended for startup trouble—not as the first response when Windows starts successfully but keeps returning to Safe Mode. See Microsoft’s Startup Repair guidance.

Choose other recovery options carefully

If Startup Repair does not resolve a startup failure, the right next step depends on what changed and whether Windows can start. Prefer the least disruptive option that fits the problem, and back up important files first where possible. Microsoft warns that some recovery choices can result in data loss. Microsoft’s recovery-options guide explains the available approaches.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  • System Restore: Can roll back system files and settings without affecting personal files.
  • Reinstalling Windows: More disruptive; the result for personal files depends on the reinstall option you choose.

Do not force the PC off repeatedly as a routine way to enter recovery. Use available Windows recovery entry points, or follow the device manufacturer’s or your organization’s guidance. If the PC is managed by an employer or school and recovery does not solve the problem, contact its IT department.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Windows 10 support status

As of October 14, 2025, standard Windows 10 support has ended. Microsoft says free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes ended on that date; Windows 10 PCs can continue to work. Support arrangements can vary, so check Microsoft’s current guidance for your device and region. Microsoft’s Startup Settings page notes the end of standard support and recommends moving to Windows 11.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.