How to Get Into Safe Mode Windows 10: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Updated on January 5, 2026, by Xcitium

When Windows 10 refuses to boot properly, runs painfully slow, or shows signs of malware, most users ask the same urgent question: how to get into Safe Mode Windows 10 without making things worse.

Safe Mode is one of the most powerful built-in troubleshooting tools in Windows. It allows your system to start with only essential drivers and services, making it easier to diagnose problems, remove malware, or undo system changes. In this guide, you’ll learn how to get into Safe Mode Windows 10 using every available method—whether your PC starts normally or is completely stuck.

What Is Safe Mode in Windows 10?

Safe Mode is a diagnostic startup mode that loads Windows with minimal drivers, services, and background processes. It strips the system down to the essentials, helping you identify what’s causing crashes, boot failures, or performance issues.

When learning how to get into Safe Mode Windows 10, it’s important to know that Safe Mode is designed to:

Remove malware
Fix driver conflicts
Uninstall problematic updates
Diagnose startup issues
Restore system stability

For cybersecurity teams, Safe Mode is often the first line of defense during incident response.

Why You May Need Safe Mode in Windows 10

Many problems simply can’t be fixed while Windows is running normally.

Common reasons to use Safe Mode include:

Windows stuck in a boot loop
Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)
Malware or ransomware infection
Faulty drivers
Failed Windows updates
Severe performance issues

Understanding how to get into Safe Mode Windows 10 ensures you can recover your system quickly and safely.

Types of Safe Mode in Windows 10

Before jumping into the steps, it helps to know the different Safe Mode options.

1. Safe Mode

Loads Windows with basic drivers and no internet access.

2. Safe Mode with Networking

Includes network drivers, allowing internet and LAN access.

3. Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Loads a command-line interface instead of the desktop.

Each option serves a specific troubleshooting purpose.

How to Get Into Safe Mode Windows 10 (When Windows Is Working)

If Windows still boots normally, this is the easiest method.

Method 1: Use Settings

Click Start → Settings
Go to Update & Security
Select Recovery
Under Advanced startup, click Restart now
Choose Troubleshoot
Click Advanced options
Select Startup Settings
Click Restart
Press:
- 4 for Safe Mode
- 5 for Safe Mode with Networking
- 6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt

This is the most reliable way to access Safe Mode when Windows still responds.

How to Get Into Safe Mode Windows 10 Using System Configuration (msconfig)

This method is useful for repeat troubleshooting.

Method 2: Use msconfig

Press Windows + R
Type msconfig and press Enter
Open the Boot tab
Check Safe boot
Choose Minimal or Network
Click Apply → OK
Restart your PC

⚠️ Important: Disable Safe boot after troubleshooting to return to normal startup.

How to Get Into Safe Mode Windows 10 From the Sign-In Screen

If Windows loads but won’t fully log in, this method works well.

Method 3: Shift + Restart

On the login screen, click Power
Hold Shift
Select Restart
Follow:
- Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings
Choose the Safe Mode option you need

This approach is especially helpful after failed updates or login issues.

How to Get Into Safe Mode Windows 10 When Windows Won’t Boot

If Windows fails to start entirely, don’t panic—Safe Mode is still accessible.

Method 4: Automatic Repair

Power on your PC
Force shutdown during boot (hold power button)
Repeat this 2–3 times
Windows will enter Automatic Repair
Select:
- Advanced options → Troubleshoot → Startup Settings
Restart and select Safe Mode

This method triggers recovery mode automatically.

How to Get Into Safe Mode Windows 10 Using a Bootable USB

For severe boot failures, external media helps.

Method 5: Windows Installation Media

Insert Windows 10 installation USB/DVD
Boot from the media
Click Repair your computer
Choose:
- Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings
Restart and select Safe Mode

This is ideal when system files are corrupted.

How to Get Into Safe Mode Windows 10 Using Command Prompt

Advanced users and IT teams often prefer command-line control.

Method 6: Command Prompt

Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Run:

bcdedit /set {default} safeboot minimal
Restart your PC

To exit Safe Mode later:

This method is popular in enterprise environments.

Safe Mode with Networking: When to Use It

Safe Mode with Networking allows limited internet access.

Use it when you need to:

Download drivers
Update security tools
Remove cloud-based malware
Access remote support

For cybersecurity professionals, this option balances isolation and connectivity.

What You Can Do in Safe Mode

Once you know how to get into Safe Mode Windows 10, here’s how to use it effectively.

Common Safe Mode Tasks

Run antivirus scans
Remove malware
Uninstall faulty drivers
Roll back updates
Perform System Restore
Diagnose startup programs

Safe Mode gives you control without interference.

Safe Mode and Malware Removal

Safe Mode is especially effective against malware.

Why?

Malicious services don’t start
Startup scripts are disabled
Attackers lose persistence
Security tools work better

This is why learning how to get into Safe Mode Windows 10 is critical for cyber incident response.

Common Problems Fixed Using Safe Mode

Safe Mode resolves many Windows issues.

Problems Safe Mode Can Fix

Endless reboot loops
Black screen after login
Driver conflicts
Corrupt updates
Suspicious system behavior

It’s one of the fastest recovery tools available.

When Safe Mode Doesn’t Work

Sometimes Safe Mode itself fails.

Possible Causes

Corrupt boot configuration
Damaged system files
Firmware issues
Advanced malware

In these cases, recovery tools or professional security solutions are required.

How to Exit Safe Mode Windows 10

After troubleshooting, exit Safe Mode properly.

Steps to Exit

Open msconfig
Go to Boot
Uncheck Safe boot
Restart

This returns your system to normal operation.

Best Practices for Using Safe Mode Safely

Follow these best practices:

Back up important data
Avoid random driver installs
Don’t disable security permanently
Monitor system behavior after reboot
Update Windows once stable

Safe Mode is powerful—but should be used carefully.

Safe Mode for IT Managers and Businesses

For IT teams, Safe Mode supports:

Endpoint troubleshooting
Incident containment
Malware remediation
System recovery

Knowing how to get into Safe Mode Windows 10 reduces downtime and business risk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I get into Safe Mode Windows 10 if the screen is black?

Use forced restarts to trigger Automatic Repair, then select Safe Mode.

2. Does Safe Mode delete files?

No. Safe Mode does not remove personal files.

3. Can malware run in Safe Mode?

Most malware cannot, which is why Safe Mode is effective for cleanup.

4. Is Safe Mode available on all Windows 10 PCs?

Yes, on all standard Windows 10 installations.

5. Should businesses use Safe Mode for security incidents?

Yes. It’s a critical first step in incident response.

Final Thoughts: Why Knowing How to Get Into Safe Mode Windows 10 Matters

System failures and cyber threats can strike at any time. Knowing how to get into Safe Mode Windows 10 gives you immediate control when things go wrong. It’s one of the most valuable troubleshooting skills for home users and enterprise IT teams alike.

Safe Mode helps you recover faster, remove threats safely, and restore system stability with confidence.

Protect Windows Endpoints Beyond Safe Mode

Safe Mode helps during recovery—but prevention is even better. For real-time threat containment, zero-trust protection, and advanced endpoint security:

👉 See how Xcitium protects Windows systems proactively
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