How to enter or boot to Safe Mode in Windows 10, or 11
See the different methods to boot or get into Safe Mode in Windows
See the different methods to boot or get into Safe Mode in Windows
Description
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts the computer in a limited state. Only the basic files and drivers necessary to run Windows are started. Safe mode is useful for troubleshooting problems with programs and drivers that might not start correctly or that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. How to get there depends on whether the PC can start Windows normally.
If your PC can start Windows normally, see the steps in the solution.
If the PC does not start normally, see From a black or blank screen: Start your PC in safe mode in Windows 10 or Windows 11.
You can also contact Lenovo local service. Our agents are standing by to help.
Applicable Brands
- ThinkPad
- ThinkCentre
- ideapad
- ideacentre
Operating Systems
- Windows 11
- Windows 10
Solution
The following sections describe how to start the PC in safe mode.
Windows 10 or Windows 11
There are two versions of safe mode: Safe Mode and Safe Mode with Networking. They are similar, but Safe Mode with Networking includes the network drivers and services needed to access the Internet and other computers on the network.
Use Shift+Restart
- Press the Windows logo key + X on the keyboard.
- Hold the Shift key while clicking Restart from the Shut down or sign out menu.
- Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings >Restart.
- After the PC restarts, there is a list of options. Select 4 or F4 or Fn+F4 (following the on-screen instructions) to start the PC in Safe Mode. Or in order to use the Internet, select 5 or F5 or Fn+F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.
From Settings
- Press the Windows logo key + I on the keyboard to open Settings. If that does not work, right-click the Windows icon in the lower-left corner of the screen, then select Settings.
- Select Update & security > Recovery (Windows 11: Start, Settings, Recovery, Restart now).
- Under Advanced startup, select Restart now.
- After the PC restarts to the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings >Restart.
- After the PC restarts, there is a list of options. Select 4 or F4 to start the PC in Safe Mode. Or in order to use the Internet, select 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.
From the sign–in screen
- Restart the PC. When you get to the sign-in screen, hold the Shift key down while selecting Power > Restart.
- After the PC restarts to the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- After the PC restarts, there is a list of options. Select 4 or F4 to start the PC in Safe Mode. Or in order to use the Internet, select 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.
Press Windows key + R (force Windows to start into safe mode every time you reboot the PC)
Note: To perform these steps you need to be attached to a detachable keyboard.
- Press the Windows Key + R.
- Type msconfig in the dialog box.
- Select the Boot tab.
- Select the Safe Boot option and click Apply.
- Choose Restart to apply the changes when the System Configuration window pops up.
Note: Once you are done using Safe Mode, go back in and undo the Safe Boot option.
The following section describes how to get out of Safe Mode.
How to get out of Safe Mode
To exit safe mode, restart your system.
Or
- Press the Windows logo key + R.
- Type msconfig in the Run dialog. Select OK.
- Select the Boot tab.
- Under Boot options, uncheck the Safe boot checkbox.
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