Entering Safe Mode in Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide
Windows 10 can sometimes become unresponsive, crash, or experience other issues due to malware, driver conflicts, or other problems. In such cases, booting into safe mode can help troubleshoot and resolve the issue. Safe mode loads only the essential drivers and services, allowing you to identify and fix the problem. In this article, we will walk you through the process of entering safe mode in Windows 10.
Why Enter Safe Mode in Windows 10?
Safe mode is useful in several scenarios:
- Resolving issues caused by malware or viruses
- Debugging problems related to hardware drivers or software
- Identifying and fixing issues with system files or registry entries
- Running system maintenance tasks without interrupting normal operations
How to Enter Safe Mode in Windows 10
There are two ways to enter safe mode in Windows 10:

Method 1: Using the Boot Options Menu
To access the Boot Options menu, press the F8 key while booting your computer. This will display a list of options. Select Safe Mode and press Enter. You will then be prompted to log in to your user account.
Method 2: Using the Advanced Startup Options

Press the Windows key + X and select Settings (or press Win + I to open the Settings app directly). Go to Update & Security > Recovery. Under Advanced Startup, click on Restart now. Your computer will restart and display the Advanced Startup options menu. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup settings. Click on Restart to restart your computer in safe mode.
Troubleshooting in Safe Mode
Once you are in safe mode, you can troubleshoot and fix the issue by:
Running the System Configuration utility (MSConfig) to identify and disable any problematic startup programs
Using the Event Viewer to analyze system logs and identify potential causes
Running a system file check (SFC) to scan for corrupted system files
Using the built-in Windows troubleshooting tools to resolve issues with specific system components
Exiting Safe Mode
To exit safe mode, simply restart your computer or disable the safe mode boot option in the Boot Options menu.
Preventing Safe Mode Issues
To avoid needing to enter safe mode in the future, follow these best practices:
Regularly update your operating system, drivers, and applications to ensure you have the latest security patches and features
Run regular system maintenance tasks, such as disk cleanups and system file checks
Be cautious when installing new software or drivers, and always read reviews and follow installation instructions carefully