How Do I Start My PC in Safe Mode? A Simple, Conversational Guide Anyone Can Follow

Updated on November 21, 2025, by Xcitium

Have you ever had your computer freeze, slow down, or act strangely — and wondered how to fix it without making things worse? One of the most reliable ways to diagnose issues is by starting your PC in Safe Mode. If you’ve been searching “how do I start PC in safe mode”, you’re in the right place.

Safe Mode is like running Windows with only the essentials. It loads the basic drivers and services needed for your PC to operate, making it easier to troubleshoot problems like:

Crashes
Malware infections
Driver errors
Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)
Slow performance
Software conflicts

In this easy, friendly guide, we’ll walk through exactly how Safe Mode works, why it helps, and step-by-step instructions for starting Safe Mode on Windows 10 and 11 — even if your PC won’t boot normally.

Let’s break it all down.

What Is Safe Mode? (Simple Definition)

Safe Mode is a special troubleshooting state that starts Windows using only essential files and drivers.

Think of it as starting your car with just the engine running — no radio, no AC, no accessories.

This stripped-down version of Windows lets you:

Uninstall problem software
Remove malware
Fix driver issues
Run antivirus scans safely
Diagnose performance problems

There are two main types of Safe Mode:

✔ Safe Mode

Loads essential services only.

✔ Safe Mode with Networking

Same as Safe Mode, but with internet/network access.

Why Safe Mode Is Useful (And When to Use It)

If you’re wondering why Safe Mode is recommended so often, here’s what makes it so powerful:

✔ Isolates system problems

If your PC works fine in Safe Mode, the issue is likely caused by:

Drivers
Malware
Applications
Startup programs

✔ Helps remove stubborn malware

Malicious programs often can’t run in Safe Mode, making them easier to remove.

✔ Fixes startup and crash loops

Troubleshoot when Windows won’t boot normally.

✔ Allows driver uninstallation

If a driver caused BSOD or glitches, it can be safely removed.

✔ Improves performance for troubleshooting

Your PC runs faster without background services.

How to Start Your PC in Safe Mode (Windows 10 & 11)

Let’s walk through all the methods — from easiest to most advanced.

Method 1: Start Safe Mode from Windows Settings

This is the easiest method if your PC is still functional.

Step-by-Step:

Click Start Menu
Open Settings
Go to Update & Security
Select Recovery
Under Advanced startup, click Restart now
When the blue menu appears, click:
- Troubleshoot
- Advanced options
- Startup Settings
- Restart
Press the number that matches your choice:
- 4 — Safe Mode
- 5 — Safe Mode with Networking
- 6 — Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Your PC will restart in Safe Mode.

Method 2: Start Safe Mode Using Shift + Restart

Perfect if Windows is running but Settings won’t open.

Here’s how:

Hold Shift
Click Restart (from login screen or Start Menu)
Follow the same blue-screen menu:
- Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart
Choose Option 4, 5, or 6

Method 3: Start Safe Mode From the Login Screen

Helpful if you’re stuck at the sign-in screen.

Steps:

At the login screen, hold Shift
Click the Power icon
Select Restart
After reboot, go to:
- Troubleshoot
- Advanced options
- Startup Settings
- Restart
Select a Safe Mode option

Method 4: Start Safe Mode When PC Won’t Boot (Automatic Repair Screen)

If your PC is looping or failing to start:

Windows usually launches Automatic Repair automatically.

On the Automatic Repair screen, select Advanced options
Go to:
- Troubleshoot
- Advanced options
- Startup Settings
- Restart
Choose Safe Mode

Method 5: Force Windows Into Safe Mode (3 Failed Boot Attempts)

If your PC is stuck:

Power on
As soon as Windows begins loading, force shutdown
Repeat 3 times
Windows will show Preparing Automatic Repair
Follow Safe Mode menu

This method bypasses boot issues.

Method 6: Start Safe Mode Using System Configuration (msconfig)

Great for recurring troubleshooting.

Steps:

Press Windows + R
Type msconfig
Go to Boot tab
Check Safe boot
Choose:
- Minimal
- Networking
Click OK
Restart

To exit Safe Mode later, return and uncheck Safe boot.

What Safe Mode Looks Like

When Windows starts in Safe Mode:

Screen has black background
“Safe Mode” appears in corners
Drivers are minimal
Resolution may change

This is expected — and temporary.

Safe Mode vs Safe Mode with Networking

Here’s the difference:

Feature	Safe Mode	Safe Mode w/ Networking
Internet Access	❌ No	✔ Yes
Drivers Loaded	Minimal only	Minimal + Network
Best For	Malware, drivers	Online fixes, downloads

If you’re dealing with malware, avoid Networking unless necessary.

What to Do Once in Safe Mode

Here’s a quick checklist:

✔ Scan for Malware

Use trusted tools or your EDR platform.

✔ Uninstall Problem Apps

Go to Settings → Apps.

✔ Roll Back Drivers

Device Manager → Roll back or uninstall.

✔ Disable Startup Programs

Task Manager → Startup tab.

✔ Run System Restore

Fixes issues caused by updates or software.

✔ Run SFC and DISM

Useful for corrupted system files.

✔ Backup Important Files

If recovery is needed later.

🧩 Why Safe Mode Helps Against Malware & Cyber Threats

For cybersecurity professionals, Safe Mode offers:

✔ Lower attack surface

Malware struggles to run without full Windows services.

✔ Easier remediation

You can delete infected files safely.

✔ Compatibility with EDR and cleanup tools

Tools like Xcitium OpenEDR run smoothly.

✔ Prevents persistence mechanisms

Many rootkits & Trojans can’t load.

Safe Mode is a powerful part of incident response.

🧠 Common Issues Safe Mode Can Fix

Safe Mode is helpful for:

Blue screen errors
Driver conflicts
GPU/CPU overheating software
Buggy updates
Corrupt system files
Startup loops
Malware infections
Slow performance
Application crashes

🧩 How to Exit Safe Mode

When you’re done:

✔ Restart normally

✔ Uncheck “Safe boot” in msconfig

Windows will return to normal mode.

🎯 Conclusion: Safe Mode Is Your Best Friend for PC Troubleshooting

If you’ve been wondering “how do I start PC in safe mode”, now you know several simple methods to get your system running in this diagnostic environment. Whether you’re battling performance issues, malware, or a system crash, Safe Mode gives you the clean workspace you need to fix your computer safely.

It’s simple, effective, and incredibly useful for IT teams, cybersecurity specialists, and everyday users.

Protect Your System With Better Endpoint Security

Troubleshooting is helpful — but prevention is better.
Keep your system protected from malware, exploits, and cyber threats with Xcitium OpenEDR.

👉 Get started free: https://www.xcitium.com/request-demo/