To start Windows 10 in Safe Mode, open Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), then select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart. On the Startup Settings screen, choose option 4 for Safe Mode, 5 for Safe Mode with Networking, or 6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
What Safe Mode does
Safe Mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers. It can help you narrow down whether a problem is related to software or drivers that do not load in this basic environment. It is a diagnostic startup option, not a repair that fixes a damaged Windows installation by itself. Microsoft’s Windows startup settings guide describes the available startup options.
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Start Safe Mode from Windows Recovery Environment
- Open WinRE. If Windows still starts, use Advanced startup in Settings to enter the recovery environment. If Windows will not start, repeated failed starts may lead the device to WinRE, but the behavior depends on the device and its recovery configuration. See Microsoft’s recovery options guide for the available routes.
- Go to Startup Settings. In WinRE, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- Select a startup option. After the PC restarts to Startup Settings, use the number or function key shown on screen:
- 4 or F4: Enable Safe Mode.
- 5 or F5: Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
- 6 or F6: Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
Pressing Enter starts Windows normally.
- Enter a recovery key if prompted. An encrypted device may ask for its BitLocker recovery key before continuing. Microsoft says the key may be required for this recovery task. Check the account associated with the device or ask the organization that manages it if you do not know where the key is kept. Microsoft’s device encryption guide explains device encryption.
Choose the Safe Mode variant you need
| Option | Use it when |
|---|---|
| Safe Mode | You want the basic, limited Windows environment for troubleshooting. |
| Safe Mode with Networking | You need network or internet access while troubleshooting. |
| Safe Mode with Command Prompt | You need a command prompt instead of the usual Windows interface. |
Exit Safe Mode if Windows keeps starting in it
A normal restart should take the PC out of Safe Mode. If Windows continues to start there, press Windows key + R, type msconfig, and press Enter. Open the Boot tab, clear Safe boot, select Apply and OK, then restart.
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Safe Mode loads Windows in a limited state so you can troubleshoot. Startup Repair is a separate WinRE tool that diagnoses and attempts to fix certain problems that prevent Windows from starting. Choose the tool that matches the problem; recovery, reset, and reinstall options are separate workflows and can have different effects, including possible data loss.
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