Understanding Safe Mode on Windows

Safe Mode starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. It is useful when normal boot fails or malware interferes with desktop startup.

When to use it

• Windows crashes after login
• A bad driver was just installed
• Security tools cannot clean in normal mode

How to enter (Windows 10/11)

1. Hold Shift while clicking Restart.
2. Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
3. Press 4 or 5 for Safe Mode / Safe Mode with Networking.

What you can do there

• Uninstall a recent driver or update
• Run offline scans
• Delete stubborn startup entries
• Use System Restore

If Safe Mode also fails, prepare recovery media or check hardware (disk, RAM).