Identify problems with your PC more easily by starting Windows in a limited mode using a limited number of files and drivers.
Finding the source of a problem with Windows 10 is not always easy. To help you identify the problem, it is possible to start Windows in Safe Mode. Your PC then starts under Windows in a minimalist version where some files and drivers are not loaded.
This simplified state of Windows should be able to help you identify the cause of your problem. If the issue does not recur when Windows is started in Safe Mode, the system default settings are not the cause.
In addition, two versions of safe mode exist: classic safe mode, ideal if you need to perform a security scan to track down malware, for example, and safe mode with network support. The latter allows you to use Windows in safe mode, but by adding network drivers to allow you to access the Internet, useful for example to switch the installation of an update that would not go to normal mode .
There are several methods available to boot your Windows 10 PC in Safe Mode.
Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode from Settings
1. Open Settings
Start by opening Windows Settings. To do this, click on the Start menu and click on the icon representing a toothed wheel. You can also directly use the Windows + i key combination. Then go to the Updates and security menu,
2. Access the recovery options
Enter the Recovery section and then, under the heading Advanced startup, click Restart now.
3. Reboot in Safe Mode
Your PC should display a blue window that says Choose an option. Click on Troubleshoot, then Advanced options, and finally Settings.
A window summarizing all the startup options that will be applied is displayed. Click the Restart button to restart Windows in Safe Mode.
After your machine has restarted, a Startup Settings window will appear with several options. Press 4 or F4 on your keyboard to boot in safe mode, and 5 or F5 to boot in safe mode with network support.
Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode from the login screen
If you cannot access Windows Settings to start your PC in Safe Mode, restart your machine and do so directly from the login screen to your session.
To do this, from the Windows login screen, press the Shift key on your keyboard and click on Start / Stop, then on Restart.
A blue Choose an option page should appear. Click on Troubleshoot, then Advanced options, and finally Settings.
As seen previously, a window summarizing the startup options that will be applied is displayed. Click the Restart button to restart Windows in Safe Mode.
After restarting the PC, a Startup Settings window will appear with several options.
Press 4 or F4 on your keyboard to boot in safe mode, and 5 or F5 to boot in safe mode with network support.