How To Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode
Safe Mode is an invaluable tool when diagnosing issues with your computer; it allows you to start Windows using only the necessary components and as such allows you to narrow down suspect programs. In some cases, when you are infected with malware, it may be the only way you can access your PC.

With the introduction of Windows 8, Microsoft changed the way you boot up your computer into Safe Mode, and the method has stayed pretty much the same with Windows 10. For those of you who upgraded to Windows 10 straight from Windows 7 or earlier, here is how you can boot up into Safe Mode.

Booting Up Into Safe Mode Using msconfig


  • Press the How To Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode Window10 + R keys at the same time. In the box that appears, type msconfig and press Enter.
  • In the new System Configuration window, select the Boot tab.
  • Select Safe Boot, then Minimal.
  • Click Apply, then OK.
  • You can now either restart your computer (select Restart) or finish any work, then restart (select Exit without restart). Either way, the next time your restart your computer, it will be booted into Safe Mode.


By default, Safe Mode does not load any network drivers, and as such you cannot access the internet whilst in Safe Mode. If you need to be able to access the internet whilst in Safe Mode, follow the steps below.

Booting Up Into Safe Mode With Networking Using msconfig


  • Press the How To Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode Window10 + R keys at the same time. In the box that appears, type msconfig and press Enter.
  • In the new System Configuration window, select the Boot tab.
  • Select Safe Boot, then Network.
  • Click Apply, then OK.
  • You can now either restart your computer (select Restart) or finish any work, then restart (select Exit without restart). Either way, the next time your restart your computer, it will be booted into Safe Mode.