How to Boot into Safe Mode
How to start your computer in safe mode on Windows 11 and macOS to troubleshoot problems
Safe mode starts your computer with only the bare essentials — no third-party drivers, no startup apps, no extra services. If a problem disappears in safe mode, you know it's caused by something that loads during a normal boot (a driver, an app, a startup item). If the problem persists in safe mode, it's likely a core OS issue or a hardware problem.
Use safe mode when your computer won't boot normally, keeps crashing, runs extremely slowly, or behaves strangely after installing new software or drivers.
Enter safe mode (from a working desktop)
The fastest way if Windows is still functional:
- Open the Start menu and click the Power icon
- Hold Shift and click Restart
- Keep holding Shift until you see the blue "Choose an option" screen
- Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart
- After the PC restarts, you'll see a list of options. Press 4 for Safe Mode or 5 for Safe Mode with Networking (if you need internet access)
Alternatively, open Settings > System > Recovery and click Restart now next to Advanced startup.
Enter safe mode (when you can't reach the desktop)
If Windows won't boot or keeps crashing:
- Turn on the PC. As soon as you see the Windows logo, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to force a shutdown
- Repeat this forced shutdown a second time
- On the third boot, Windows enters Automatic Repair mode
- Click Advanced options > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart
- Press 4 for Safe Mode
This works because Windows detects repeated boot failures and offers recovery automatically.
What to do once you're in safe mode
- Uninstall a recent app: Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, sort by date, and uninstall anything you added right before the problem started
- Roll back a driver: Open Device Manager (right-click the Start button), find the device, right-click > Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver
- Run a virus scan: Windows Defender works in safe mode. Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Quick scan
- Run system file check: Open Command Prompt as administrator and run
sfc /scannow
Exit safe mode
Just restart your computer normally. Safe mode is a one-time boot — Windows will start normally on the next restart.
If Windows keeps booting into safe mode, you may have set it that way in System Configuration:
- Press Win + R, type
msconfig, and press Enter - Go to the Boot tab
- Uncheck Safe boot
- Click OK and restart
Frequently Asked Questions
Will safe mode delete any of my files?▾
No. Safe mode doesn't change, delete, or reset anything on your computer. It just starts with a minimal set of drivers and services. Your files, apps, and settings are all there when you restart normally. On Mac, safe mode clears some system caches, but those are temporary files that get rebuilt automatically.
What's the difference between safe mode and safe mode with networking?▾
On Windows, regular safe mode has no internet access. Safe mode with networking loads the network drivers so you can get online — useful if you need to download a driver update or run a web-based antivirus scan. On Mac, safe mode always includes networking.
My computer boots fine in safe mode but crashes in normal mode. What does that mean?▾
It means a third-party driver, startup app, or service is causing the problem. While in safe mode, uninstall recently added software, roll back recent driver updates, and disable non-essential startup items. Then restart normally and see if the problem is gone.
Can I use my computer normally in safe mode?▾
You can, but it will look and feel different. The screen resolution may be lower, some apps won't run, and performance may be slower because GPU drivers and other optimizations aren't loaded. Safe mode is meant for troubleshooting, not everyday use.
My computer is stuck in safe mode and keeps booting into it. How do I get out?▾
On Windows, press Win + R, type msconfig, go to the Boot tab, and uncheck Safe boot, then restart. On Mac, simply restarting should exit safe mode — if it keeps booting into safe mode, check that the Shift key on your keyboard isn't stuck.
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