Windows 10: Start Safe Mode

If Windows 10 no longer starts or only starts to a limited extent, you can start the system in safe mode. In this practical tip, we will introduce you to all the options you can use to start the mode.

Windows 10: Open Safe Mode from the Start menu or lock screen

In older versions of Windows, you could easily enter Safe Mode by pressing a key combination when Windows started. This still works with Windows 10, but the time window on some computers is so small that the process usually fails. Depending on the PC, you have to press the key combination [Shift] and [F8] when starting, or press another key such as [Esc], [Del], [F1], [F2], [F8], or [F10], If Windows 10 can still start properly, it is usually easier as follows:

1. Click on the Windows icon at the bottom left and you will find the power button at the bottom.
2. You will also see this power button at the bottom right of the lock screen when you start Windows.
3. If you click on the power button, the option "Restart" appears.
4. Hold down the [Shift] key and click "Restart" with the mouse.
5. Windows now restarts and loads the UEFI.
6. Alternatively, you can also open the UEFI via the Windows 10 settings. Simply click on the gear icon in the start menu.
7. In the "Update and Security" category, click on the "Restart" button in the "Restore" section under "Advanced Start".
8. You can tell from the light blue background whether you have reached the UEFI afterwards.
9. First choose "Troubleshoot".
10. Under the "Advanced Options" you will now find the "Windows start settings".
11. Click on the "Restart" button there.
12. Wait a moment for the system to load.
13. Now if you press the [4] key, Windows will start in safe mode.

System Configuration: Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode

If Windows can still be started and the system can be accessed, you can also easily enter Safe Mode via the system configuration.

1. Press the [Windows] and [R] keys simultaneously so that the "Execute" command opens.
2. Enter "msconfig" there and confirm with "OK". Then the system configuration starts.
3. Go to the "Start" tab above and activate the "Secure Start" and "Network" options below.
4. Confirm with the "OK" button and restart Windows. You will then be taken directly to Safe Mode.

Windows 10: Start Safe Mode from a command prompt

Alternatively, you can also use a cmd command to start the mode.

1. If you simultaneously press the [Windows] and [X] keys, the context menu opens at the bottom left.
2. Select the "Command Prompt (Administrator)" option and confirm the subsequent security query.
3. If you then enter the command "bcdedit / set {current} safeboot network", Windows will start in safe mode.

Windows 10: Create Safe Mode shortcut

If you have to go into safe mode more often in the future, a shortcut can save you many clicks.

1. Right-click on an empty area on the desktop and select a "Shortcut" under "New".
2. Enter "shutdown.exe / r / o / f / t 00" as the path without the quotation marks and click on "Next" and "Finish".
3. If you click on the "shutdown.exe" file, Windows will start in safe mode.

Windows 10: last chance to go into safe mode

If you can no longer access your computer, there is still a solution to the problem in this emergency.

• If you have a DVD with Windows 10 on hand, insert it. When the CD is loaded, click on the "Computer Repair" button in the lower right corner of the installation screen.
• If Windows hardly starts at all, there is one last, more aggressive method: Start your computer and hold the power button down again until the computer goes out again. Repeat the process four times to get to the UEFI.

• Therefore, if you have major problems or poor performance, you should consider a new notebook for Windows 10. Strong models are already available for little money, as our best list shows.
• In a special article, we also present the currently best laptop for less than 500 euros.

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Here you can update to Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro for free. In the next practical tip, we will show you how to restore Windows 10 without a CD. In our news area you will find all the latest news on Windows 10 and other software topics. If you need individual help for Windows 10, then contact the experts in the CHIP forum.