Where do you configure the setting to enter safe mode the next time the computer starts?

Symptoms

How to boot into Safe Mode with Networking

Duration: 0:50
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Safe Mode starts Windows in a basic state, using a limited set of files and drivers. If a problem does not happen in Safe Mode, this means that the default settings and basic device drivers are not causing the issue. Observing Windows in Safe Mode enables you to narrow down the source of a problem, and can help you troubleshoot problems on your computer.

There are three different types of Safe Mode boot options that are available in the Advanced Boot Options.

1. Safe Mode - Starts Windows with the minimum of drivers and services possible.
2. Safe Mode with Networking - Same as Safe Mode, but adds the network drivers and services you must access the Internet and other computers on your network. You also use this mode if you use devices such as a USB flash drive.

   NOTE: Wireless (Wi-Fi) Internet connection is not supported in safe mode with networking.

3. Safe Mode with Command Prompt - Same as Safe Mode but the Command Prompt as the user interface instead of the windows desktop Graphical User Interface (GUI).

NOTE: The Windows installer service is disabled in Safe Mode and Safe Mode with Command Prompt. Applications cannot be installed or uninstalled in these two modes.

Cause

In Safe Mode, Windows has reduced functionality. The task of isolating problems is easier since many nonessential components are disabled, such as sound, third-party drivers and services, nonessential Windows services, and more. Corrupt software, drivers, or the installation of poorly configured software prevents Windows from successfully booting into normal mode.

Resolution

Boot into Safe Mode from Windows 11 or Windows 10

1. Press the Windows + I on the keyboard to open Settings.
   • If that does not work, click Start and then select Settings.
2. Click Update & Security and on the left pane select Recovery.
3. Under Advanced Startup, click Restart Now.
4. After the computer restarts, on the Choose an Option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
5. After the computer restarts, a list of options appears. Select 4 or F4 to start the computer in Safe Mode. If you must use the Internet, select 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.

Boot into Safe Mode from the sign-in screen in Windows 11 or Windows 10

1. Restart the computer.
2. At the sign-in screen, hold the Shift key down and then click Power > Restart.
3. After the computer restarts to the Choose an Option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
4. After the computer restarts, a list of options should appear. Select 4 or F4 to start the computer in Safe Mode. If you must use the Internet, select 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.

Boot into Safe Mode from outside of Windows 11 or Windows 10

Windows 11 and Windows 10 automatically boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) if Windows fails to start three times in a row. Three consecutive failed attempts trigger this action. Booting to Safe Mode outside of Windows is achieved in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

Follow these steps to enter Safe Mode from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE):

1. At the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.
2. At the Troubleshoot screen, select Advanced Options.
3. At the Advanced Options screen, select Advanced Startup Options.
4. Select Startup Settings.
5. Select Restart.
6. The computer restarts and enters the Startup Settings menu. Select 4 or F4 to start the computer in Safe Mode. If you must use the Internet, select 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.

Additional Information

Chromebox, Alienware, Inspiron, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS, G Series, Chromebook, G Series, Alienware, Inspiron, Latitude, Vostro, XPS, Fixed Workstations, Mobile Workstations

Safe Mode is a useful trick when you have minor bugs in your Windows operating system. The old system for accessing Safe Mode is no longer used due to the increased speeds of Windows 10 booting. Your computer will reload everything quickly enough that you will not have time to perform all the necessary steps.

So, what do we suggest now?

Don’t worry -- there are still plenty of ways to enter Safe Mode. The following methods we discuss for rebooting Safe Mode are available whenever you need them next.

Use the System Configuration tool

This is one of the easiest methods to reboot your system in Safe Mode. Simply hit the Windows key + R, then type “MSConfig” into the box that pops up. This should bring up the System Configuration menu. 

Go to the Boot tab at the top and choose to reboot in Safe Mode, then click OK. At that point, Windows will ask if you want to restart now or exit without restarting. If you still have work to save, exit without restarting. Otherwise, go ahead and restart your computer.

How to Boot Windows in Safe Mode using Shift + Restart

This is another easy method to access Safe Mode. 

To begin, click on the Start button, and then click on the power button. Now, while holding the shift key, click restart. 

When Windows reboots, it will ask if you want to troubleshoot or return to Windows 10. Choose to troubleshoot. 

On the next screen, choose “Advanced Options” followed by “Startup Settings” on the following screen. At this point, Windows will tell you your other options, but you will simply need to choose to restart your computer.

After Windows 10 reboots, choose the Safe Mode option that you prefer. You can enable Safe Mode by pressing the F4 key on your keyboard.

Access Safe Mode with Networking by pressing F5 on your keyboard. Finally, you get Safe mode with Command Prompt by pressing F6 on your keyboard. Choose the version that works best for your current needs.

The Recovery option

Press the Windows key + I to access your Settings. Once there, go to Update & Security followed by Recovery. Under the Advanced Startup option, click Restart now. When the computer restarts, follow the steps in the Shift + Restart topic to get to the Safe Mode options.

Interrupt the normal booting process

Somewhat similar to the old Safe Mode tricks, by interrupting the boot process you can convince your computer to enter Safe Mode. 

While your computer is booting, hit the reset or power button. Do this four times in a row, and you’ll see that Windows is Preparing Automatic Repair. When that loads, go to Advanced Options instead of Restart.

This will take you to the same troubleshooting page in Shift + Restart so you can follow the same instructions as mentioned above. 

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