What Does Windows Safe Mode Do and How to Use It

When your PC crashes, freezes, randomly restarts, or displays a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), Safe Mode is your go-to diagnostic tool. For Kiwi users working from home or managing business systems, understanding how Safe Mode works helps you recover your PC when standard troubleshooting fails—often saving a trip to the repair shop.

In this guide, we’ll explain what Safe Mode is, its three types, when to use it, and step-by-step instructions for accessing it in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

What Is Windows Safe Mode?

Windows Safe Mode is a diagnostic startup mode designed to help you identify and fix system issues. It launches Windows with only essential drivers and services, blocking third-party applications and background processes from interfering with troubleshooting.

When you enter Safe Mode, your operating system disables custom apps, graphics drivers, and optional system services. The screen appears different—lower resolution, black background, and “Safe Mode” labels in the corners. The goal is clear: provide a clean, minimal environment where you can fix problems more easily.

This stripped-back approach is particularly useful when you need to diagnose issues without the complexity of your full Windows environment. Whether you’re using a business laptop for remote work or a personal laptop for everyday tasks, Safe Mode provides the foundation for effective troubleshooting.

The Three Types of Windows Safe Mode

Windows offers three Safe Mode options for different troubleshooting needs:

1. Safe Mode (Minimal)

This is the basic version of Safe Mode.

• Loads only essential drivers and services

• Disables background services like networking, Wi-Fi, and location

• Best for solving driver-related issues, system crashes, and software conflicts

Use this mode when you need the cleanest possible environment to resolve problems.

2. Safe Mode with Networking

This mode combines Safe Mode with networking support.

• Adds support for Ethernet and Wi-Fi drivers

• Allows internet access

• Enables cloud-based virus scans, online driver downloads, and access to online backup tools

Choose this mode when you need internet access to complete your fixes. This is especially helpful for downloading driver updates or running online diagnostic tools.

3. Safe Mode with Command Prompt

This version is designed for advanced troubleshooting.

• Loads the command prompt instead of the graphical Windows shell

• Designed for IT professionals and advanced users

• Useful for manual file recovery, repairing boot issues, and running deep system tools

Use this option when Windows won’t load at all—it lets you operate Windows through commands only.

Safe Mode vs. Normal Mode: Key Differences

When Should You Use Safe Mode?

Boot into Safe Mode in these situations:

Windows isn’t booting normally

If you’re stuck during boot or the system freezes during startup, Safe Mode provides a clean launch path for troubleshooting.

Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)

BSOD errors often stem from driver issues, corrupt system files, or problematic updates. Safe Mode helps you diagnose and fix the error. (Source: Microsoft)

Malware infections

In Normal Mode, malware can block antivirus tools from running. Safe Mode prevents suspicious programmes from loading, making elimination easier. This is particularly important for business users who need to maintain data security.

Driver conflicts

Corrupt display, network, or system drivers can cause serious problems. Safe Mode loads only necessary drivers, allowing you to remove problematic ones. (Source: Microsoft)

Software causing freezes or performance issues

Safe Mode lets you remove newly installed programmes that are causing system instability without freezing your system. Whether you’re using a gaming laptop or a standard work machine, this isolation helps identify the culprit.

Using System Restore when Windows won’t open

If you want to roll back to a saved restore point when the full operating system won’t load, Safe Mode provides access.

Uninstalling stubborn software

Some apps block uninstallation in Normal Mode. Safe Mode prevents them from running, allowing clean removal.

Troubleshooting hardware issues

Safe Mode can help determine whether hardware problems stem from drivers or the physical components themselves, making it easier to decide if professional repair is needed.

How to Access Safe Mode in Windows 10 and Windows 11

Choose your method based on your PC’s current state:

Method 1: From Inside Windows (PC Is Working)

1. Go to Settings

2. Select Update & Security

3. Click Recovery

4. Under “Advanced startup,” choose Restart now

5. When the menu appears, select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart

6. After reboot, press:

   • 4 for Safe Mode

   • 5 for Safe Mode with Networking

   • 6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Method 2: When Windows Won’t Boot

If Windows consistently fails to start, it will automatically open the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

If it doesn’t, force WinRE manually:

1. Turn on the PC

2. When Windows begins to load, hold the power button to shut it down

3. Repeat three times

4. Navigate to: Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart

5. Choose Safe Mode from the list

Method 3: Using System Configuration (msconfig)

1. Press Win + R

2. Type msconfig

3. Open the Boot tab

4. Check Safe boot

5. Choose Minimal, Networking, or Command Prompt

6. Restart your PC

Method 4: Shift + Restart

1. Open the Start menu

2. Hold Shift

3. Click Restart

4. Go to: Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart

Note About F8:

Some older versions of Windows used F8 to boot into Safe Mode. Due to Fast Boot technology, this method no longer works in Windows 10/11.

What to Do Once You’re in Safe Mode

Here are the most effective troubleshooting steps in Safe Mode:

Run antivirus or anti-malware scans

Most malware cannot load in Safe Mode. You can eliminate threats more easily. This is crucial for maintaining the security of your system, whether you’re using a desktop PC or laptop.

Uninstall problematic software

Safe Mode allows clean removal by preventing apps from running in the background. Navigate to Settings → Apps → Apps & features to remove programmes causing issues.

Update, roll back, or disable drivers in Device Manager

Useful for display or network issues. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager to access driver options.

Use System Restore

If a corrupt update caused instability, restore your system to a previous state. This rolls back system changes without affecting personal files.

Install missing Windows updates

Some issues are fixed by updating Windows components. Safe Mode with Networking allows you to download critical updates.

Run System File Checker

Open Command Prompt as administrator and type sfc /scannow to scan and repair corrupted system files. This process can take 30 minutes or more.

Run Check Disk

Type chkdsk /f /r in Command Prompt to scan for and repair disk errors. This tool checks both file system integrity and physical disk problems.

Check startup programmes

Use Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to disable unnecessary startup items that might be causing conflicts.

Safe Mode improves troubleshooting by stopping interference from unwanted processes, giving you a clearer view of the actual problem.

How to Exit Safe Mode

To exit Safe Mode in Windows 10/11:

1. Restart your PC normally

1. Press Win + R

2. Type msconfig

3. Uncheck Safe boot

4. Click Apply

5. Restart

If the system still won’t exit, return to WinRE and perform a standard startup repair. In rare cases, you may need to use System Restore to revert to a point before Safe Mode was enabled.

Common Questions About Windows Safe Mode

Does Safe Mode fix problems automatically?

No. Safe Mode is a diagnostic environment designed to identify issues, but it cannot fix them by itself. You must take action to resolve the underlying problems.

How do I know which type of Safe Mode to use?

• Standard Safe Mode: Best for general troubleshooting

• Safe Mode with Networking: Best when updates, drivers, or online tools are required

• Safe Mode with Command Prompt: Best for advanced repairs

Why does my screen look different in Safe Mode?

Safe Mode uses a basic display driver, which forces lower resolution and removes graphical enhancements. This ensures maximum compatibility but reduces visual quality.

Can I remove viruses in Safe Mode?

Yes. Safe Mode blocks malware from loading, making antivirus scans far more effective. Many security experts recommend running scans in Safe Mode for stubborn infections.

Will Safe Mode delete my files?

No. Safe Mode is simply a different way of starting Windows. Your files, documents, and settings remain intact.

Can I use Safe Mode on any HP laptop or desktop?

Yes. Safe Mode is a Windows feature that works on all Windows-compatible devices, including HP laptops and desktops.

Conclusion

Windows Safe Mode is an essential tool for diagnosing and fixing system issues, crashes, malware, and startup loops. With three different types for different scenarios, Safe Mode gives you a controlled environment to repair your PC when Normal Mode isn’t stable.

Once you learn how to use it, recovering your system becomes much easier. Keep in mind that Safe Mode doesn’t automatically fix problems—it creates the clean foundation you need to solve them effectively. Whether you’re a home user maintaining a personal laptop or an IT professional managing business systems, mastering Safe Mode gives you the confidence to tackle Windows issues independently.

For Kiwis working remotely or running small businesses, having this troubleshooting knowledge can save time and money by resolving many common issues without professional assistance. Combined with reliable HP hardware, Safe Mode becomes part of your essential toolkit for maintaining system health.

Explore HP’s range of laptops and desktops designed with Windows troubleshooting tools to help you stay prepared for unexpected issues.