Boot in Safe Mode: Windows 11 and Windows 10

Steps written for Windows 11 24H2 and later; Windows 10 22H2.

Use this when Windows still starts. The recovery screens are the same on Windows 11 and Windows 10.

1. 1

   Restart from Settings…

   Open Settings > System > Recovery. Next to Advanced startup, select Restart now and confirm. On Windows 10 the path is Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.

   

2. 2

   …or hold Shift and select Restart

   Instead of Settings you can select Start > Power, hold Shift and select Restart. This also works from the power button on the sign-in screen.

   

3. 3

   Select Troubleshoot

   On the blue Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.

   

4. 4

   Open Startup Settings

   Select Advanced options > Startup Settings.

   

5. 5

   Restart

   On the Startup Settings page, select Restart. The PC restarts and shows a numbered list.

6. 6

   Choose Safe Mode

   Press 4 or F4 for Enable Safe Mode. Press 5 or F5 for Enable Safe Mode with Networking if you need the internet, for example to download a scanner or a driver.

   

7. 7

   Leave Safe Mode

   When you are done, restart the PC normally. Windows starts in normal mode again.

8. 8

   If it keeps starting in Safe Mode

   Press Windows key + R, type msconfig and press Enter. On the Boot tab, clear Safe boot, select OK and restart.

   

Steps written for Windows 11 and Windows 10, from the Windows Recovery Environment.

If Windows fails to start several times in a row it opens the recovery environment on its own. If it does not, force it as below.

1. 1

   Force the recovery screens

   Turn on the PC. As soon as the maker's logo appears, hold the power button until the PC turns off. Do this twice. On the third start Windows should open the recovery environment. If you see a screen with Advanced options, select it.

2. 2

   Select Troubleshoot

   On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.

   

3. 3

   Open Startup Settings

   Select Advanced options > Startup Settings.

   

4. 4

   Restart

   On the Startup Settings page, select Restart. The PC restarts and shows a numbered list.

5. 5

   Choose Safe Mode

   Press 4 or F4 for Enable Safe Mode. Press 5 or F5 for Enable Safe Mode with Networking if you need the internet, for example to download a scanner or a driver.