How to Start Windows in Safe Mode

Written by Jack Lloyd

Last Updated: May 14, 2020 Tested

This wikiHow teaches you how to start your Windows computer in Safe Mode, which is a boot option that prevents start-up programs from running and loads only the bare minimum programs needed to operate the computer. Safe Mode is a good way to access a computer that would otherwise run too slow to function.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
Windows 8 and 10

1
Suspend BitLocker protection (if enabled). Go to Manage BitLocker then click on "Suspend protection". If you do not suspend BitLocker protection, then you will be asked for your recovery key to continue booting into safe mode.
2
Turn on or restart your computer. Do so by pressing your computer's power button. If your computer is already on but malfunctioning, first press and hold the power button to turn it off.
- If you're already logged in and you just want to restart in Safe Mode, open the Start menu instead by pressing the ⊞ Win key or by clicking the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
3
Click the start-up screen. Once your computer finishes starting (or waking up), you should see a screen with a picture and the time in the bottom-left corner. Clicking this screen will bring up the user selection screen.
4
Click the power icon. This icon, which is in the bottom-right corner of the screen, resembles a circle with a line through its top. Doing so invokes a pop-up menu.
5
Hold down ⇧ Shift and click Restart. The Restart option will appear near the top of the pop-up menu, and you'll find the ⇧ Shift key on the left side of your computer's keyboard. This process will restart your computer and open the Advanced Options page.
- You may need to click Restart anyway after clicking Restart. If so, keep holding ⇧ Shift while you do.
6
Click Troubleshoot. It should be the middle option on the Advanced Options page, which is a light-blue screen with white text.
7
Click Advanced options. It's the bottom option on this page.
8
Click Startup Settings. This option is on the right side of the page, just below the Command Prompt option.
9
Click Restart. It's in the bottom-right corner of the screen. Clicking it will restart your computer to the Startup Settings menu.
10
Press the 4 key. Once Windows has restarted to the Startup Settings page, pressing 4 will select Safe Mode as your current start-up option.
11
Wait for your computer to finish restarting. Once it finishes restarting, your computer will be in Safe Mode.
- To exit Safe Mode, restart your computer normally.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
Windows 7

1
Locate the F8 key. It's in the top row of keys on your computer's keyboard. To access the Safe Mode option in Windows 7, you'll have to press F8 while restarting your computer.
2
Turn on your computer. Do so by pressing your computer's power button. If your computer is already on but malfunctioning, first press and hold the power button to turn it off.
- You can also restart your computer by clicking the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen, clicking the power icon, and clicking Restart.
3
Repeatedly press F8. Do so immediately after your computer begins to turn on. This action will launch the boot menu, which is a black screen with white text.
- The goal here is to press F8 before you see the "Starting Windows" screen.
- If nothing happens while pressing F8, you may need to hold the Fn key while pressing F8.
4
Press the ↓ key until "Safe Mode" is selected. This key should be on the right side of your keyboard. When "Safe Mode" has a white bar over it, you've successfully selected it.
5
Press ↵ Enter. Doing so will both select Safe Mode as your restart option and continue the start-up process.
6
Wait for your computer to finish restarting. Once it finishes restarting, your computer will be in Safe Mode.
- To exit Safe Mode, restart your computer normally.

Community Q&A

Question

My PC audio didn't work after I did safe mode. Why?

Community Answer

In safe mode, Windows will only boot with core drivers. Your audio may have not booted up in safe mode.
Question

What is safe mode and how does it work?

Community Answer

Safe mode is a stripped down version of Windows. Most people use it to remove viruses. For example, if a virus locked your computer, you could start it up in safe mode to safely remove the virus.
Question

What should I do if my hard drive is corrupted and cannot open even in safe mode?

Community Answer

You need to use a bootable disk or storage stick with emergency startup and repair software.
Question

Why doesn't Windows 10 have a safe mode?

Community Answer

Windows 10 does have a Safe Mode (with and without Networking), like every Windows version has. But the window of time to access the Safe Mode (by using Shift+F8 while booting) is very small. It's easier to go to Windows Settings -> Update & Security -> Recovery -> Restart Now. Alternatively you can manually restart the PC by holding the Shift key while clicking the Restart button. This will get you to the same screen as using the Recovery option in the settings. With any of those 2 methods you'll see a blue recovery screen after a few seconds. Choose Troubleshoot -> Advanced Options -> Startup Settings, then click Restart. After the restart, choose your option. 4/5/6 are the Safe Mode options.
Question

Without antivirus, are computers able to remove viruses in safe mode?

Community Answer

No, an antivirus is essential. Safe mode is generally only good against viruses because it will stop them from running.
Question

Why isn't my safe mode browser opening?

Community Answer

Did you open normal safe mode? Internet only works in safe mode with networking.
Question

Will it take more time to boot in safe mode compared to normal mode?

Community Answer

No, it shouldn't. In safe mode, only the core drivers and software will boot up.
Question

How can I eject a CD if you can't get to the start menu?

Zhongli, Archon of Liyue (Aasim)

Community Answer

Find the physical eject button on your computer and press it. It is normally on the side of your disc tray or on your computer keyboard.
Question

Where is Function Key?

Community Answer

Most of the time it is found at the bottom-left side of the keyboard, next to the CTRL button.
Question

What would cause my Dell laptop to restart and go straight to repair when I press f8 to get it to safe mode?

Community Answer

Suspend BitLocker protection (if enabled). Go to Manage BitLocker then click on "Suspend protection". If you do not suspend BitLocker protection, then you will be asked for your recovery key to continue booting into safe mode.