3 Ways to Boot/Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode in 2020

Safe Mode begins Windows (Windows 10) in the basic state, using a small number of files, drivers and other functions. If the problem does not happen in safe mode, this means that the problem is not being caused by default settings and the fundamental computer drivers. So, in this feature, I will show you 3 different ways to boot or start Windows 10 in Safe mode in 2020.

You Might Also Like: How to Enable Group Policy Editor in Windows 10 Home

What is Safe Mode in Windows 10?

Safe Mode is a way to run your computer or mobile device that helps you to fix issues with your operating system. Unlike normal operating mode, Safe Mode only loads the applications that you really need, either ignoring (or running at low resolution) any third-party programs or drivers that you may have installed. It has been a standard of Windows operating systems since 1995.

When to boot in Safe Mode

As a diagnostic tool, you typically only need to boot to Safe Mode if you want to troubleshoot a system or computer problem. This can be especially handy if you’ve exhausted other methods of fixing common problems with Windows 10. If you encounter the problem you’ve experienced when you’re in Safe Mode, you’ll know there’s a problem with your device’s default settings and drivers. If you can’t replicate the issue in Safe Mode, then you can safely assume that the fault is with non-essential software and applications on your device.

Meanwhile, As few features are loaded, booting in Windows Safe Mode allows you to fix common issues-such as malware issues and unstable hardware drivers-without risking your entire system or network. Another way you’d boot in Safe Mode is if you’ve detected dangerous third-party apps. This is because the mode allows you to reach the Control Panel and uninstall the program without allowing it to start automatically, which could further corrupt or harm your computer or Windows device.

3 Ways to Boot or Restart Windows 10 in Safe Mode

There are different ways to boot safe mode in Windows 10. If your computer loads the sign-in screen, you can boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode and also you can boot from Start Menu and Windows settings as well. So here, I am going to explain these three methods.

Method 1. Boot Safe Mode in Windows 10 From the Sign-in Screen

Step 1. Restart your computer.

Step 2. Press and hold the SHIFT key on the keyboard. With this key still pressed, click the Power button and, in the menu that opens, click Restart.

Step 3. Windows will restart, select Troubleshoot.

Step 4. Select Advanced options.

Step 5. On the Advanced options screen, select Startup Settings.

Step 6. Windows 10 says that you can restart your device to change advanced boot options, including enabling Safe Mode. Press Restart.

Step 7. After Windows 10 restarts one more time, you can choose which boot options you want to be enabled. To get into Safe Mode, you have three different options:

• Enable Safe Mode: In this mode, the operating system is started with the bare minimum of installed drivers and only the main Windows functions are used. Press 4 to enable it.
• Enable Safe Mode with Networking: In this mode, also the network drivers are started. Press 5.
• Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt: In this mode, the operating system is started in text mode. This mode requires knowledge of computer commands and is, therefore, more suitable for professional users. Press 6.

Step 8. Windows 10 is now starting in Safe Mode. The Safe Mode text will be displayed across all four corners.

Method 2. Boot Safe Mode in Windows 10 From the Windows Settings 

If you can log in to Windows 10, another way to boot into Safe Mode is from the Windows Settings.

Step 1. Press Win + I to open the Settings app.

Step 2. Select Update & Security.

Step 3. On the left side of the Settings window, click Recovery. On the right side of the app, in the Advanced startup section, click or tap the Restart now button.

Step 4. Select Troubleshoot.

Step 5. Select Advanced options. On the Advanced options screen, select Startup Settings then click Restart.

Step 6. After Windows 10 restarts one more time, you can choose which boot options you want to be enabled. To get into Safe Mode, you have three different options:

• Enable Safe Mode: In this mode, the operating system is started with the bare minimum of installed drivers and only the main Windows functions are used. Press 4 to start it.
• Enable Safe Mode with Networking: In this mode, also the network drivers are started. Press 5.
• Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt: In this mode, the operating system is started in text mode. This mode requires knowledge of computer commands and is, therefore, more suitable for professional users. Press 6.

Step 7. Windows 10 is now starting in Safe Mode.

Method 3. Boot Safe Mode in Windows 10 From the Start Menu

Another way of getting into Safe Mode in Windows 10 is to use the options found on the Start Menu.

Step 1. Press and hold the SHIFT key on the keyboard. With this key still pressed, click the Power button and, in the menu that opens, click Restart.

Step 2. Select Troubleshoot.

Step 3. Select Advanced options. On the Advanced options screen, select Startup Settings then click Restart.

Step 4. After Windows 10 restarts one more time, you can choose which boot options you want to be enabled. To get into Safe Mode, you have three different options:

• Enable Safe Mode: In this mode, the operating system is started with the bare minimum of installed drivers and only the main Windows functions are used. Press 4 to start it.
• Enable Safe Mode with Networking: In this mode, also the network drivers are started. Press 5.
• Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt: In this mode, the operating system is started in text mode. This mode requires knowledge of computer commands and is, therefore, more suitable for professional users. Press 6.

Step 5. Windows 10 is now starting in Safe Mode.

Which method do you prefer for booting Windows 10 into Safe Mode?

Windows 10 is a quick, fast-start operating system. Going to Safe Mode may not work the way it did in older Windows operating systems, but the available methods are close to those in Windows 8.1. Use some of the strategies we discussed and let us know which one succeeded and which one you prefer.