Presidents’ Day SaleEnds 2/17. Limited quantities. No rainchecks.Shop now

Skip to content
Main Content

How to start Windows in safe mode.

Safe mode is a simplified version of Windows that can help you troubleshoot problems on your PC. If a problem doesn't reappear in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers and services as possible causes. If a recently installed program prevents Windows from running correctly, you can start your computer in safe mode and then uninstall the program that's causing the problem. When starting your computer in safe mode, it's important to know which files you're deleting and why, since deleting the wrong file could disable applications on your computer or your entire operating system.

Starting your computer in safe mode in Windows 10 and Windows 8.

There are two versions of safe mode: safe mode and safe mode with networking. They're very similar, but safe mode with networking includes the network drivers and services you'll need to access the Internet and other computers on your network.

Starting your PC in safe mode from settings.

  • Press Windows logo key+I on your keyboard to open Settings. If that doesn't work, select the Start button in the lower-left corner of your screen, then select Settings.
  • Select Update & security > Recovery.
  • Under Advanced startup, select Restart now.
  • After your PC restarts to the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
  • After your PC restarts, you'll see a list of options. Select 4 or F4 to start your PC in safe mode. Or if you'll need to use the Internet, select 5 or F5 for safe mode with networking.

Starting your PC in safe mode from the sign-in screen.

  • Restart your PC. When you get to the sign-in screen, hold the Shift key down while you select Power > Restart.
  • After your PC restarts to the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
  • After your PC restarts, you'll see a list of options. Select 4 or F4 to start your PC in safe mode. Or if you'll need to use the Internet, select 5 or F5 for safe mode with networking.

Starting your computer in safe mode in Windows 7.

  • Remove all floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs from your computer, and then restart your computer.
  • Click the Start button, click the arrow next to the Shut Down button and then click Restart.
  • If your computer has a single operating system installed, press and hold the F8 key as your computer restarts. You need to press F8 before the Windows logo appears. If the Windows logo appears, you'll need to try again by waiting until the Windows logon prompt appears, and then shut down and restart your computer.
  • If your computer has more than one operating system, use the arrow keys to highlight the operating system you want to start in safe mode, and then press F8.
  • On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to highlight the safe mode option you want, and then press Enter.
  • Log on to your computer with a user account that has administrator rights.

When your computer is in safe mode, you'll see the words Safe Mode in the corners of your monitor. To exit safe mode, restart your computer and let Windows start normally.

Need some help?

Geek Squad is here for you around the clock. Chat with an Agent or call us at
1-800-433-5778.

Strength in numbers.

You'll find Geek Squad in every Best Buy store, with more than 20,000 Agents across the country ready to assist you.