Safe Mode - Start Windows 10 in - Windows 10 Forums

User Name
Password
Log in
Help Register

Remember Me?

What's New? Forum Tutorials Join Us

New Posts FAQ Forum Actions Tutorial Index Advanced Search

Category Windows 10 Forums Tutorials Safe Mode - Start Windows 10 in

Page 1 of 5 1 2 3 ... Last

Safe Mode - Start Windows 10 in

How to Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode
Published by Brink

07 Oct 2014

How to Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode

Published by

Information

If you have a problem with your PC, you can troubleshoot by starting it in safe mode. Safe mode starts Windows with a
minimal set of drivers and services. If a problem doesn't reappear when you start your PC in safe mode, you can eliminate
the default settings and basic device drivers and services as possible causes.

There are three different safe mode options: Brink

Administrator

Enable Safe Mode: Starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services.
Enable Safe Mode with Networking: Starts Windows in safe mode and includes the network drivers and services
needed to access the Internet or other computers on your network.
Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt: Starts Windows in safe mode with a Command Prompt window
instead of the usual Windows interface. This option is intended for IT pros and system admins.
Posts: 12,283

This tutorial will show you how to start Windows 10 in normal mode, Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking, and
Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to start Windows in Safe Mode.

Note
When you boot to Safe Mode, you will only be able to sign in with your password, and not with any other sign-in option
(ex: Fingerprint or PIN).

You will not be able to open Windows apps while in Safe Mode.

file:///C/Users/Aaron/Downloads/Safe%20Mode%20-%20Start%20Windows%2010%20in%20-%20Windows%2010%20Forums.html[10/06/2016 13:08:57]
Safe Mode - Start Windows 10 in - Windows 10 Forums

CONTENTS:
Option One: Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode using Advanced Startup Options
Option Two: Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode using System Configuration (msconfig)
Option Three: Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode using Command Prompt

EXAMPLE: Windows 10 in Safe Mode

file:///C/Users/Aaron/Downloads/Safe%20Mode%20-%20Start%20Windows%2010%20in%20-%20Windows%2010%20Forums.html[10/06/2016 13:08:57]
Safe Mode - Start Windows 10 in - Windows 10 Forums

OPTION ONE
Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode using Advanced Startup Options

1. Boot to advanced startup options.

file:///C/Users/Aaron/Downloads/Safe%20Mode%20-%20Start%20Windows%2010%20in%20-%20Windows%2010%20Forums.html[10/06/2016 13:08:57]
Safe Mode - Start Windows 10 in - Windows 10 Forums

2. Click/tap on Troubleshoot. (see screenshot below)

3. Click/tap on Advanced options. (see screenshot below)

4. Click/tap on Start Settings. (see screenshot below)

file:///C/Users/Aaron/Downloads/Safe%20Mode%20-%20Start%20Windows%2010%20in%20-%20Windows%2010%20Forums.html[10/06/2016 13:08:57]
Safe Mode - Start Windows 10 in - Windows 10 Forums

5. Click/tap on Restart. (see screenshot below)

6. When your computer restarts press the key below for what mode you would like to start Windows 10 in. (see screenshot below)

Key to Press Mode

Enter Normal Mode (default)

4 or F4 Safe Mode

5 or F5 Safe Mode with Networking

6 or F6 Safe Mode with Command Prompt

file:///C/Users/Aaron/Downloads/Safe%20Mode%20-%20Start%20Windows%2010%20in%20-%20Windows%2010%20Forums.html[10/06/2016 13:08:57]
Safe Mode - Start Windows 10 in - Windows 10 Forums

OPTION TWO
Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode using System Configuration (msconfig)

1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog, type msconfig, and click/tap on OK.

2. If prompted by UAC, click/tap on Yes.

3. Click/tap on the Boot tab in System Configuration, and do step 4, step 5, step 6, or step 7 below for what mode you would like to start
Windows 10 in.

4. To Start Windows 10 in Normal Mode

NOTE: This is the default setting.

A) Uncheck Safe boot under Boot options, check Make all boot settings permanent, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)

file:///C/Users/Aaron/Downloads/Safe%20Mode%20-%20Start%20Windows%2010%20in%20-%20Windows%2010%20Forums.html[10/06/2016 13:08:57]
Safe Mode - Start Windows 10 in - Windows 10 Forums

B) Click/tap on Yes, and go to step 8 below. (see screenshot below)

5. To Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode

A) Under Boot options, check Safe boot and select (dot) Minimal, click/tap on OK, and go to step 8 below. (see screenshot below)

6. To Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode with Networking

A) Under Boot options, check Safe boot and select (dot) Network, click/tap on OK, and go to step 8 below. (see screenshot below)

file:///C/Users/Aaron/Downloads/Safe%20Mode%20-%20Start%20Windows%2010%20in%20-%20Windows%2010%20Forums.html[10/06/2016 13:08:57]
Safe Mode - Start Windows 10 in - Windows 10 Forums

7. To Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode with Command Prompt

A) Under Boot options, check Safe boot and select (dot) Alternate shell, click/tap on OK, and go to step 8 below. (see screenshot
below)

8. Click/tap on Restart to apply. (see screenshot below)

OPTION THREE
Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode using Command Prompt

file:///C/Users/Aaron/Downloads/Safe%20Mode%20-%20Start%20Windows%2010%20in%20-%20Windows%2010%20Forums.html[10/06/2016 13:08:57]
Safe Mode - Start Windows 10 in - Windows 10 Forums

1. Open an elevated command prompt or command prompt at boot.

2. Type bcdedit in the command prompt, and press Enter.

3. Under the top Windows Boot Manager section, look to left of default, and make note of its identifier (ex: {current}). (see screenshots
below)

4. Do step 5, step 6, step 7, or step 8 below for what mode you would like to start Windows 10 in.

5. To Start Windows 10 in Normal Mode

NOTE: This is the default setting.

A) Type the command below into the command prompt, and press Enter.

bcdedit /deletevalue {identifier} safeboot

Note
Substitute identifier in the command above with the actual identifier (ex: {current}) from step 3.

For example: bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safeboot

B) If you are currently in Safe Mode with Command Prompt, then you will also need to type the command below, and press Enter.

bcdedit /deletevalue {identifier} safebootalternateshell

Note
Substitute identifier in the command above with the actual identifier (ex: {current}) from step 3.

For example: bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safebootalternateshell

file:///C/Users/Aaron/Downloads/Safe%20Mode%20-%20Start%20Windows%2010%20in%20-%20Windows%2010%20Forums.html[10/06/2016 13:08:57]
Safe Mode - Start Windows 10 in - Windows 10 Forums

C) Go to step 9 below.

6. To Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode

A) Type the command below into the command prompt, press Enter, and go to step 9 below.

bcdedit /set {identifier} safeboot minimal

Note
Substitute identifier in the command above with the actual identifier (ex: {current}) from step 3.

For example: bcdedit /set {current} safeboot minimal

7. To Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode with Networking

A) Type the command below into the command prompt, press Enter, and go to step 9 below.

bcdedit /set {identifier} safeboot network

Note
Substitute identifier in the command above with the actual identifier (ex: {current}) from step 3.

For example: bcdedit /set {current} safeboot network

8. To Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode with Command Prompt

A) Type the command below into the command prompt, and press Enter.

bcdedit /set {identifier} safeboot minimal

Note
Substitute identifier in the command above with the actual identifier (ex: {current}) from step 3.

For example: bcdedit /set {current} safeboot minimal

B) Type the command below into the command prompt, press Enter, and go to step 9 below.

bcdedit /set {identifier} safebootalternateshell yes

Note
Substitute identifier in the command above with the actual identifier (ex: {current}) from step 3.

For example: bcdedit /set {current} safebootalternateshell yes

9. Restart the computer.

Note

file:///C/Users/Aaron/Downloads/Safe%20Mode%20-%20Start%20Windows%2010%20in%20-%20Windows%2010%20Forums.html[10/06/2016 13:08:57]
Safe Mode - Start Windows 10 in - Windows 10 Forums

If you are currently in Safe Mode with Command Prompt, then you could type the command below and press
Enter to instantly restart the computer.

shutdown /r /t 00

That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

How to Add Safe Mode to Desktop Context Menu in Windows 10

How to Boot to Advanced Startup Options in Windows 10
How to Enable or Disable Always Boot to Advanced Startup Settings in Windows 10
How to Troubleshoot Windows 10 failure to boot using Recovery Environment
How to Add Safe Mode to Boot Options in Windows 10
How to Enable or Disable F8 Advanced Boot Options in Windows 10
How to Run Startup Repair in Windows 10
How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows 10 to Troubleshoot Software Conflicts

08 Oct 2014 #1

endeavor

Electronic Enthusiast
Okay good, thanks, made my notes and saved link and .mht

Join Date : Feb 2014 I like Option Three

Posts : 50
Vista/Win7/Win8/Win10 darn, Shawn can I have more than 60 seconds to edit my post without having it showing edit please, thanks.
x86/x64

Last edited by endeavor; 08 Oct 2014 at 09:22.

My System Specs
Reply With
Quote

29 Mar 2015 #2

cbleman

Junior Member Where is F8?!!!

Join Date : Mar 2015 This is BS! There needs to be a way to boot directly into safe mode. F8 needs to be brought back. The automated trash we
Posts : 8 are presented with in the recovery mode is about as subtle as a hand grenade. It doesn't always work, and at times is useless
XP, 7, 8, 10
to me. I want to be able to boot DIRECTLY into the safe mode, (Like all the other Windows before 8.) and see if I can find for
myself EXACTLY what's wrong. Having to boot into windows to start the safe mode is self defeating. What??? If I cannot
boot into windows at all I cannot get into the safe mode? REALY? If I cannot boot into Windows at all, I don't want to be
forced into the automated recovery. Don't get me wrong; there are times when it can be useful, but I want an option.F8 is a
tool I use(d) frequently. "There is no such thing as an overused tool." Burying Safe Mode (A frequently used tool) under a
maze of menu options I feel was also not in the best interest of users everywhere.

Please, Please PLEASE, bring back F8.

My System Specs
Reply With
Quote

file:///C/Users/Aaron/Downloads/Safe%20Mode%20-%20Start%20Windows%2010%20in%20-%20Windows%2010%20Forums.html[10/06/2016 13:08:57]
Safe Mode - Start Windows 10 in - Windows 10 Forums

29 Mar 2015 #3

Brink

Administrator
Hello cblman, and welcome to Eight Forums.

Join Date : Oct 2013 If you like, you could also boot from a "recovery drive" or installation media with OPTION ONE to boot to Safe Mode.
Posts : 12,283
64-bit Windows 10 Pro Advanced Startup Options - Boot to in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums
build 14352

My System Specs
Reply With
Quote

29 Mar 2015 #4

Tully

Member
All:

Join Date : Sep 2014 I agree with CBLEMAN!

Dublin Ireland
Posts : 88 Why is it programmers like to OBFUSCATE simple things?
Win 10-
I started with MS DOS!
How did we ever get through previous windows without this crap?

That Old Fart

Tully (86)

My System Specs
Reply With
Quote

29 Mar 2015 #5

cbleman

Junior Member
Originally Posted by Brink

Join Date : Mar 2015 Hello cblman, and welcome to Eight Forums.
Posts : 8
XP, 7, 8, 10
If you like, you could also boot from a "recovery drive" or installation media with OPTION ONE to boot to Safe
Mode.

Advanced Startup Options - Boot to in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums

Hi Brink,
It's good to hear from you!
I feel things have been made way to complicated. Taking away F8 seriously hampers me in the field. I would like to simplify
things again, and ask that F8 be brought back in Windows 10. Safe Mode is a critical tool for me, at home and at work. F8 is
an uncomplicated and easy way to access that tool. What do you feel the odds are of getting it back in 10?
There isn't anything I can do if it isn't brought back, and I'll just have to live with that. It would however be a disappointment
to me, as well as being hampered by the removal of the functionality.

My System Specs
Reply With
Quote

29 Mar 2015 #6

Brink

Administrator
If you both like, you could disable the new advanced startup options to use the old "Windows Boot Manager" again that has
the F8 option. The tutorial below is for Windows 8, but is the same for Windows 10.
Join Date : Oct 2013
Posts : 12,283 Startup Options - Enable or Disable in Windows 8
64-bit Windows 10 Pro
build 14352

My System Specs
Reply With
Quote

file:///C/Users/Aaron/Downloads/Safe%20Mode%20-%20Start%20Windows%2010%20in%20-%20Windows%2010%20Forums.html[10/06/2016 13:08:57]
Safe Mode - Start Windows 10 in - Windows 10 Forums

29 Mar 2015 #7

cbleman

Junior Member
Originally Posted by Brink

Join Date : Mar 2015 If you both like, you could disable the new advanced startup options to use the old "Windows Boot Manager"
Posts : 8
again that has the F8 option. The tutorial below is for Windows 8, but is the same for Windows 10.
XP, 7, 8, 10

Startup Options - Enable or Disable in Windows 8

oooo... Great stuff! Thanks.

I still feel F8 needs to be brought back, but this is something I can really use.
Thanks again Brink. Very helpful information.

My System Specs
Reply With
Quote

29 Mar 2015 #8

NickTh

Member
Great stuff, as usual
but
Join Date : Mar 2015 isn't a bit early to release tutorials for W10 ? Only from the perspective that things could change until RTM, or you are certain
Athens that some things won't change ?
Posts : 95
Windows 10 Pro
64bit(Build 10122)

My System Specs
Reply With
Quote

29 Mar 2015 #9

Brink

Administrator
You're most welcome guys.

Join Date : Oct 2013 Nar, it's never to early to be releasing tutorials for Windows 10. Testers need help and info about it as well.
Posts : 12,283
64-bit Windows 10 Pro The fun part is having to keep them all updated after each build. LOL
build 14352

My System Specs
Reply With
Quote

Page 1 of 5 1 2 3 ... Last

Previous Tutorial
|
Next Tutorial

Category Windows 10 Forums Tutorials Safe Mode - Start Windows 10 in

Similar Threads

file:///C/Users/Aaron/Downloads/Safe%20Mode%20-%20Start%20Windows%2010%20in%20-%20Windows%2010%20Forums.html[10/06/2016 13:08:57]
Safe Mode - Start Windows 10 in - Windows 10 Forums

Tutorial Category

Safe Mode - Add to Desktop Context Menu in Windows 10

How to Add Safe Mode to Desktop Context Menu in Windows 10 If you have a problem with your PC, Tutorials
you can troubleshoot by starting it in safe mode. Safe mode starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers
and services. If a problem doesn't reappear...

Safe mode problem

I set my settings in msconfig to boot into safe mode. I have now logged into the desktop whilst in safe General Support
mode and I notice hardly anything shows. The only icon in the system bar is the notification center,
cortana bar shows but does nothing when you...

how to boot into safe mode without logging on?

if you can't get into your user account, is there another way to boot to safe mode? I think you can do this General Support
from windows recovery media, but I was unable to create that. (It didn't like my sandisk flash drive, even
though my 3rd party programs...

Does F8 key still work to boot into Safe Mode?

I ran into a problem installing Win10 on my laptop (I posted about it here). I got into an endless reboot General Support
cycle where Win would go to desktop but no taskbar/apps worked and a popup message left me no
choice but to reboot again. I needed to get to...

Safe mode problem

I booted into safe mode and it is not functioning. So I can't get to msconfig to uncheck safe mode boot. General Support
Is there a way to access the advanced boot menu before booting into Windows? Used to be F8 but
doesn't seem to work in windows 10. Help please

Our Sites Site Links About Us Find Us

Vista Forums Contact Us Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been
Eight Forums Privacy and Cookies authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft

Seven Forums Terms of service Corporation.

"Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of
PC Help Forum Microsoft Corp.
Help Me Bake
Designer Media Ltd

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:22.

file:///C/Users/Aaron/Downloads/Safe%20Mode%20-%20Start%20Windows%2010%20in%20-%20Windows%2010%20Forums.html[10/06/2016 13:08:57]