How to Boot Windows Into Safe Mode
Safe Mode starts Windows using a limited set of drivers and services.
It can help determine whether a problem is being caused by normal Windows startup software, drivers, or third-party applications.
Method 1: From Windows Settings
Open the Windows recovery options and choose to restart into Advanced startup.
Once Windows enters the recovery environment:
Select Troubleshoot.
Select Advanced options.
Select Startup Settings.
Select Restart.
When the Startup Settings menu appears, select:
Safe Mode for basic troubleshooting
Safe Mode with Networking if internet/network access is required
Method 2: If Windows Will Not Start Normally
If Windows repeatedly fails during startup, it may automatically enter the Windows Recovery Environment.
From there:
Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart
Then choose the Safe Mode option you need.
What Changes in Safe Mode?
In Safe Mode, Windows may:
Use a basic display driver
Disable third-party startup applications
Disable many background services
Disable some hardware features
Display at a lower resolution
This is normal.
How Is Safe Mode Useful?
If a problem does not occur in Safe Mode, the issue may involve:
A driver
A third-party service
Startup software
Another application running in normal Windows
How Do I Leave Safe Mode?
Normally, simply restart the PC.
Windows should boot back into its standard configuration.