Getting out of Safe Mode on Windows 10 is a straightforward process that involves restarting your computer normally or changing some system settings. Safe Mode is designed to help troubleshoot issues by starting your PC with a minimal set of drivers and services. If you find yourself stuck in this mode, you can easily exit by using the system configuration tool or simply restarting your PC. With the following steps, you’ll be back to enjoying the full functionality of your computer in no time.
Getting Out of Safe Mode on Windows 10
In this section, we’ll take you through step-by-step instructions to exit Safe Mode on your Windows 10 computer. These steps will help you return to the regular operating environment where all applications and drivers are functioning as normal.
Step 1: Restart Your Computer
The first step is to simply restart your computer.
Restarting your computer should automatically exit Safe Mode. When you restart, make sure you don’t press any keys that may cause the system to boot into Safe Mode again. If you’ve set your PC to always boot in Safe Mode, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Use the System Configuration Tool
Open the “Run” dialog by pressing Windows + R
, type msconfig
, and hit Enter. Then, go to the “Boot” tab and uncheck the “Safe boot” option.
The System Configuration tool is a powerful utility that manages how your computer starts up. By unchecking “Safe boot,” you are instructing your computer to start normally the next time it boots. Make sure to click “OK” and choose to restart your computer when prompted.
Step 3: Power Off and On
Turn off your computer completely, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on.
A full power cycle ensures that any temporary settings keeping your computer in Safe Mode are reset. This is a simple yet effective strategy to make sure your computer exits Safe Mode properly.
Step 4: Use Advanced Startup Options
Access the Advanced Startup Options by holding the Shift key and selecting Restart from the Start menu. Then, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart, and choose the option to start Windows normally.
The Advanced Startup Options menu provides additional tools to fix boot problems. By navigating through these settings, you can manually instruct your system to exit Safe Mode.
Step 5: Use Command Prompt
Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot
. Press Enter.
The Command Prompt allows you to directly modify system settings through commands. This command specifically tells the system to stop booting in Safe Mode. Once executed, restart your computer to apply the changes.
After completing these steps, your computer should boot up normally, and you’ll be out of Safe Mode. You can now use all your applications and services as you normally would.
Tips for Getting Out of Safe Mode on Windows 10
- Always try restarting your computer first before diving into more complex solutions.
- Ensure you haven’t pressed any F keys during startup that might trigger Safe Mode again.
- If you’re using a dual-boot system, ensure you’re selecting the correct operating system to exit Safe Mode from.
- Regularly update your drivers and system software to avoid issues that may force you into Safe Mode.
- Keep the System Configuration tool in mind as a go-to for managing startup problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my computer stuck in Safe Mode?
Your computer might be stuck in Safe Mode due to incorrect system settings or a previous troubleshooting session where the Safe Mode option was left enabled.
Can I exit Safe Mode without restarting?
No, a restart is necessary to exit Safe Mode because it ensures that the system loads with all its normal drivers and settings.
What if my computer won’t boot at all after exiting Safe Mode?
If your computer won’t boot normally, you may need to use system restore points or boot into recovery mode to troubleshoot further.
Will exiting Safe Mode delete my files?
Exiting Safe Mode doesn’t delete any files. It only changes how your system starts up.
Is it safe to use Command Prompt to exit Safe Mode?
Yes, using Command Prompt is safe as long as you enter the correct commands. It’s a direct way to alter system boot settings.
Summary
- Restart your computer.
- Use System Configuration to uncheck “Safe boot.”
- Power off and on.
- Access Advanced Startup Options and choose normal start.
- Use Command Prompt to delete safeboot setting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting out of Safe Mode on Windows 10 is a relatively simple process, whether you’re a computer novice or a tech enthusiast. Safe Mode is a helpful tool for diagnosing problems, but it’s not always where you want to stay. By following the steps laid out in this guide, you can easily return to your normal Windows environment, leaving all the technical constraints of Safe Mode behind.
If you’re still experiencing issues, consider seeking out additional resources or forums. Many users share their experiences and solutions online, which could provide insight into more complex problems. Remember, maintaining a healthy computer system means regular updates and backups. Keeping your drivers and software up-to-date can prevent the need to enter Safe Mode in the first place.
If you’re interested in learning more about Windows 10 settings, consider diving into topics like system restore points, recovery mode, and driver updates. These subjects are closely related and can further enhance your troubleshooting skills. So, take control of your Windows 10 experience today and enjoy the seamless functionality it offers beyond Safe Mode.

Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.