Safe Mode is a great way to diagnose certain problems on your computer as it starts Windows in a basic, stripped-down version of the operating system with only basic files and drivers.

If your issue does not occur while you are in Safe Mode then you will know that it is not related to Windows 10’s default files or drivers.

You can start up your Windows 10 computer in Safe Mode from either Settings or from the sign-in screen, depending on whether you are logged into Windows 10 or not.

Access Safe Mode from Settings

If you are already logged into your Windows 10 computer, you can still access Safe Mode by heading to Settings. Click the Start menu > Settings.

Tip: You can also access Settings by using the shortcut Windows+I.

Click on Updates > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now.

To restart your computer in a specific way, the ‘Choose an option’ screen will appear, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.

Once your computer starts up, select option 4 or press F4 on the sign-in screen to start your computer in Safe Mode.

If you need to browse the Internet while in Safe Mode, select option 5 or press F5 to use Safe Mode with Networking.

Access Safe Mode from the sign-in screen

Once you restart your computer, hold the Shift key down and select Power > Restart. Once your computer restarts for the second time you will be presented with a list of options on the sign-in screen.

As above, you will select option 4 or press F4 on the sign-in screen to start your computer in Safe Mode. Alternatively, if you will be accessing the Internet in Safe Mode, you will select option 5 or press F5 to use Safe Mode with Networking.

If your issue does not occur while Windows 10 is in Safe Mode, you can assume it’s a third-party app or process causing it.

Image credit: PublicDomainPictures, Pixabay