Boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10  

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    Boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10

    Boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10

    How to Start Windows 10 into Safe Mode or Normal Mode
    Published by Category: Performance & Maintenance
    10 Feb 2024
    Designer Media Ltd

    How to Start Windows 10 into Safe Mode or Normal Mode


    Safe mode starts Windows in a basic state, using a limited set of files and drivers. It can help you troubleshoot problems on your PC. For example, if the problem doesn't happen in safe mode, you'll know default settings and basic device drivers aren't causing the issue.

    There are three different safe mode options:
    • Enable Safe Mode: Starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services.
    • Enable Safe Mode with Networking: Starts Windows in safe mode and includes the network drivers and services needed to access the Internet or other computers on your network.
    • Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt: Starts Windows in safe mode with a Command Prompt window instead of the usual Windows interface. This option is intended for IT pros and system admins.

    When you boot to Safe Mode, you will only be able to sign in with your PIN or password, and not with any other sign-in option (ex: Fingerprint or Face).

    Starting with Windows 10 build 18995, Microsoft is taking another step forward in the Passwordless sign-in journey by adding Windows Hello PIN sign-in support to Safe mode, so that you no longer have rely on your password when troubleshooting your device.

    This tutorial will show you how to boot Windows 10 into normal mode, Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking, and Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

    You will not be able to use multiple displays while in Safe Mode.


    Safe Mode will not be available in Advanced Startup if you deleted the Recovery partition.


    For a Windows 11 version of this tutorial, see:

    Boot to Safe Mode in Windows 11



    Contents

    • Option One: Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode or Normal Mode using Advanced Startup Options
    • Option Two: Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode or Normal Mode using System Configuration (msconfig)
    • Option Three: Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode or Normal Mode using Command Prompt



    EXAMPLE: Windows 10 in Safe Mode
    Boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10-windows_10_safe_mode.png Boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10-safe_mode_command_prompt.jpg






    OPTION ONE

    Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode or Normal Mode using Advanced Startup Options


    You can restart the computer to return to normal mode if you use this option to boot into Safe Mode.


    1 Boot to advanced startup options.

    2 Click/tap on Troubleshoot. (see screenshot below)

    Boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10-1-safe_mode_boot-options.jpg

    3 Click/tap on Advanced options. (see screenshot below)

    Boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10-2-safe_mode_boot-options.jpg

    4 Click/tap on Start Settings. (see screenshot below)

    Boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10-3-safe_mode_boot-options.jpg

    5 Click/tap on Restart. (see screenshot below)

    Boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10-4-safe_mode_boot-options.jpg

    6 When your computer restarts press the key below for what mode you would like to start Windows 10 in. (see screenshot below)

    Key to Press Mode
    Enter Normal Mode (default)
    4 or F4 Safe Mode
    5 or F5 Safe Mode with Networking
    6 or F6 Safe Mode with Command Prompt

    Boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10-5-safe_mode_boot-options.jpg







    OPTION TWO

    Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode or Normal Mode using System Configuration (msconfig)


    You must be signed in as an administrator to use this option.


    1 Press the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog, type msconfig into Run, and click/tap on OK.

    2 If prompted by UAC, click/tap on Yes.

    3 Click/tap on the Boot tab in System Configuration, and do step 4, step 5, step 6, or step 7 below for what mode you would like to start Windows 10 in.

     4. To Start Windows 10 in Normal Mode

    This is the default setting.

    A) Uncheck Safe boot under Boot options, check Make all boot settings permanent, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)

    Boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10-1-msconfig_normal_mode.jpg

    B) Click/tap on Yes, and go to step 8 below. (see screenshot below)

    Boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10-2-msconfig_normal_mode.jpg

     5. To Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode

    A) Under Boot options, check Safe boot and select (dot) Minimal, click/tap on OK, and go to step 8 below. (see screenshot below)

    Boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10-msconfig_safe_mode.jpg

     6. To Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode with Networking

    A) Under Boot options, check Safe boot and select (dot) Network, click/tap on OK, and go to step 8 below. (see screenshot below)

    Boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10-msconfig_safe_mode_networking.jpg

     7. To Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode with Command Prompt

    A) Under Boot options, check Safe boot and select (dot) Alternate shell, click/tap on OK, and go to step 8 below. (see screenshot below)

    Boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10-msconfig_safe_mode_command_prompt.jpg

    8 Click/tap on Restart to apply. (see screenshot below)

    Boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10-msconfig_normal_mode.jpg






    OPTION THREE

    Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode or Normal Mode using Command Prompt


    1 Open an elevated command prompt or command prompt at boot.

    You must be signed in as an administrator to open an elevated command prompt.

    You can open a command prompt at boot without being an administrator.


    2 Type bcdedit in the command prompt, and press Enter.

    3 Under the top Windows Boot Manager section, look to right of default, and make note of its identifier (ex: {current}). (see screenshots below)

    Boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10-identifier2.png

    4 Do step 5, step 6, step 7, or step 8 below for what mode you would like to start Windows 10 in.


     5. To Start Windows 10 in Normal Mode

    This is the default setting.

    A) Type the command below into the command prompt, and press Enter.

    bcdedit /deletevalue {identifier} safeboot

    Substitute identifier in the command above with the actual identifier (ex: {current}) from step 3.

    For example: bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safeboot

    B) If you are currently in Safe Mode with Command Prompt, then you will also need to type the command below, and press Enter.

    bcdedit /deletevalue {identifier} safebootalternateshell

    Substitute identifier in the command above with the actual identifier (ex: {current}) from step 3.

    For example: bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safebootalternateshell

    C) Go to step 9 below.


     6. To Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode

    A) Type the command below into the command prompt, press Enter, and go to step 9 below.

    bcdedit /set {identifier} safeboot minimal

    Substitute identifier in the command above with the actual identifier (ex: {current}) from step 3.

    For example: bcdedit /set {current} safeboot minimal


     7. To Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode with Networking

    A) Type the command below into the command prompt, press Enter, and go to step 9 below.

    bcdedit /set {identifier} safeboot network

    Substitute identifier in the command above with the actual identifier (ex: {current}) from step 3.

    For example: bcdedit /set {current} safeboot network


     8. To Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode with Command Prompt

    A) Type the command below into the command prompt, and press Enter.

    bcdedit /set {identifier} safeboot minimal

    Substitute identifier in the command above with the actual identifier (ex: {current}) from step 3.

    For example: bcdedit /set {current} safeboot minimal


    B) Type the command below into the command prompt, press Enter, and go to step 9 below.

    bcdedit /set {identifier} safebootalternateshell yes

    Substitute identifier in the command above with the actual identifier (ex: {current}) from step 3.

    For example: bcdedit /set {current} safebootalternateshell yes


    9 Restart the computer.

    If you are currently in Safe Mode with Command Prompt, then you could type the command below and press Enter to instantly restart the computer.

    shutdown /r /t 00



    That's it,
    Shawn Brink






  1. Posts : 78
    Vista/Win7/Win8/Win10 x86/x64
       #1

    Okay good, thanks, made my notes and saved link and .mht

    I like Option Three

    darn, Shawn can I have more than 60 seconds to edit my post without having it showing edit please, thanks.
    Last edited by endeavor; 08 Oct 2014 at 09:22.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 19
    XP, 7, 8, 10
       #2

    Where is F8?!!!


    This is BS! There needs to be a way to boot directly into safe mode. F8 needs to be brought back. The automated trash we are presented with in the recovery mode is about as subtle as a hand grenade. It doesn't always work, and at times is useless to me. I want to be able to boot DIRECTLY into the safe mode, (Like all the other Windows before 8.) and see if I can find for myself EXACTLY what's wrong. Having to boot into windows to start the safe mode is self defeating. What??? If I cannot boot into windows at all I cannot get into the safe mode? REALY? If I cannot boot into Windows at all, I don't want to be forced into the automated recovery. Don't get me wrong; there are times when it can be useful, but I want an option.F8 is a tool I use(d) frequently. "There is no such thing as an overused tool." Burying Safe Mode (A frequently used tool) under a maze of menu options I feel was also not in the best interest of users everywhere.

    Please, Please PLEASE, bring back F8.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 68,543
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Hello cblman, and welcome to Eight Forums.

    If you like, you could also boot from a "recovery drive" or installation media with OPTION ONE to boot to Safe Mode.

    Advanced Startup Options - Boot to in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 171
    Win 10-
       #4

    All:

    I agree with CBLEMAN!

    Why is it programmers like to OBFUSCATE simple things?
    I started with MS DOS!
    How did we ever get through previous windows without this crap?

    That Old Fart
    Tully (86)
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 19
    XP, 7, 8, 10
       #5

    Brink said:
    Hello cblman, and welcome to Eight Forums.

    If you like, you could also boot from a "recovery drive" or installation media with OPTION ONE to boot to Safe Mode.

    Advanced Startup Options - Boot to in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums
    Hi Brink,
    It's good to hear from you!
    I feel things have been made way to complicated. Taking away F8 seriously hampers me in the field. I would like to simplify things again, and ask that F8 be brought back in Windows 10. Safe Mode is a critical tool for me, at home and at work. F8 is an uncomplicated and easy way to access that tool. What do you feel the odds are of getting it back in 10?
    There isn't anything I can do if it isn't brought back, and I'll just have to live with that. It would however be a disappointment to me, as well as being hampered by the removal of the functionality.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 68,543
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #6

    If you both like, you could disable the new advanced startup options to use the old "Windows Boot Manager" again that has the F8 option. The tutorial below is for Windows 8, but is the same for Windows 10.

    Startup Options - Enable or Disable in Windows 8
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 19
    XP, 7, 8, 10
       #7

    Brink said:
    If you both like, you could disable the new advanced startup options to use the old "Windows Boot Manager" again that has the F8 option. The tutorial below is for Windows 8, but is the same for Windows 10.

    Startup Options - Enable or Disable in Windows 8

    oooo... Great stuff! Thanks.
    I still feel F8 needs to be brought back, but this is something I can really use.
    Thanks again Brink. Very helpful information.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 98
    Windows 10 Pro
       #8

    Great stuff, as usual
    but
    isn't a bit early to release tutorials for W10 ? Only from the perspective that things could change until RTM, or you are certain that some things won't change ?
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 68,543
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #9

    You're most welcome guys.

    Nar, it's never to early to be releasing tutorials for Windows 10. Testers need help and info about it as well.

    The fun part is having to keep them all updated after each build. LOL
      My Computers


 

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