How to Fix Windows 10/11 Safe Mode not working

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Safe Mode uses the minimum set of drivers and functions to boot up your PC. However, you may sometimes find that even in Safe Mode your PC won’t start. The following solutions provide some basic troubleshooting steps to fix any Safe Mode issues you might encounter.

2. How to Fix

System RestoreRestoring your computer to a previous point in time when it was working normally can help this situation. To perform this step, do the following:

1. Enter System Restore in the Search menu and select Reset this PC.
   
   
2. Select Get started.
   
    

1. Choose whether you would like Windows to keep your files or remove everything.
   
   
2. Follow the instructions for restoring your PC to a previous normal condition.

Run System File Checker

Enter sfc /scannow in the Search menu and select the command prompt to run your System File Checker. Wait for the scan to run. Once complete, restart your PC and see if it reboots in Safe Mode this time.

System Configuration utility

You can also easily resolve Safe Mode errors using the System Configuration tool if you can’t enter the Safe Mode. However, this should be your last option as it forces your PC to boot in Safe Mode. That means your computer could go in a loop.

Use the “Run” window to launch the System Configuration in Windows 10. Simply press the Windows button + R keys, and then type ‘msconfig’ in the text field. Click Enter. You can also use Cortana to access the System Configuration utility. Type “system configuration” in Cortana’s search field and click Enter.

Under Boot tab > Boot options, check the Safe boot and Minimal options and hit Apply. Reboot your PC. Once you are done working in Safe Mode, return to msconfig and uncheck Safe Boot.