If Windows can start normally, use msconfig or Settings to enable Safe Mode: in msconfig, check Safe boot under the Boot tab and choose Minimal or Network, then restart; in Settings, go to Recovery, click Restart now under Advanced startup, then select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart and press F4 for Safe Mode, F5 for Safe Mode with Networking, or F6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt. 2. If Windows won’t start properly, use the 3-times force interrupt method: power on, force shut down during startup three times, then on the fourth boot enter Automatic Repair, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart, and press F4, F5, or F6 as needed. 3. From the sign-in screen, hold Shift while clicking Power > Restart, then follow the same recovery steps to access Startup Settings and choose the desired Safe Mode option. To exit Safe Mode, restart normally or uncheck Safe boot in msconfig, and note that Safe Mode displays "Safe Mode" on screen with reduced resolution and basic drivers running.

Entering Safe Mode in Windows can help you troubleshoot problems like crashes, driver issues, or malware by starting your PC with only essential services and drivers. The method varies slightly depending on your Windows version and whether you can start Windows normally or not.

1. If Windows Can Start Normally

You can use the System Configuration tool or Settings to enable Safe Mode:

Using System Configuration (msconfig)

• Press Windows R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
• Go to the Boot tab.
• Under Boot options, check Safe boot.
• Choose:
  • Minimal – for standard Safe Mode.
  • Network – for Safe Mode with Networking (internet access).
• Click OK, then restart your PC.

After troubleshooting, remember to uncheck Safe boot in msconfig to return to normal startup.

Using Windows Settings (Windows 10/11)

• Press Windows I to open Settings.
• Go to Update & Security > Recovery (or System > Recovery in Windows 11).
• Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
• After reboot, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
• Once the PC restarts, press:
  • F4 – for Safe Mode
  • F5 – for Safe Mode with Networking
  • F6 – for Safe Mode with Command Prompt

2. If Windows Won’t Start Properly

If your PC keeps crashing or looping at startup, Windows may automatically open the recovery environment.

Force Interrupt Startup (3-Times Method)

• Turn on your PC.
• As soon as Windows starts loading (you see the logo or spinning dots), force shut down by holding the power button.
• Repeat this three times.
• On the fourth attempt, Windows should open Automatic Repair or Recovery Environment (WinRE).
• From there:
  • Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
  • Press F4 (Safe Mode), F5 (with Networking), or F6 (with Command Prompt).

3. From Sign-In Screen (No Login Success)

If you can’t log in due to errors:

• On the login screen, hold Shift while clicking Power > Restart.
• This triggers the recovery menu.
• Follow the same steps: Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart > choose F4/F5/F6.

Notes:

• In Safe Mode, screen resolution may be low, and only basic drivers run.
• You’ll see "Safe Mode" in each corner of the screen.
• To exit, simply restart your PC normally (or disable Safe boot in msconfig).

Basically, the key is accessing Startup Settings through the recovery environment—whether by forcing a startup failure or using Settings/msconfig. Once there, F4 is your go-to for basic Safe Mode.

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