How To Turn Off Safe Mode Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

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5 min. read

Published on November 5, 2025

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Safe Mode in Windows 10 is a diagnostic mode that starts your computer with only essential drivers and services. It’s incredibly useful for troubleshooting problems, but sometimes, your computer might get stuck in Safe Mode. If you’re wondering how to turn off Safe Mode Windows 10, this guide will walk you through several methods to get your PC back to normal.

Whether you accidentally booted into Safe Mode or you’ve finished troubleshooting and want to return to the standard Windows environment, this article will provide you with clear, easy-to-follow instructions. We’ll cover everything from simple restarts to more advanced techniques, ensuring you can exit Safe Mode quickly and efficiently.

How Do I Exit Safe Mode in Windows 10?

Restart Your Computer

The simplest and often most effective way to turn off Safe Mode is to restart your computer.

Click on the Start button.
Select the Power icon.
Click on Restart.

Use System Configuration (msconfig)

If a normal restart doesn’t work, you can use the System Configuration utility (msconfig) to disable Safe Mode.

Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type msconfig and press Enter.
In the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab.
Under Boot options, uncheck the Safe boot box.
Click Apply, then click OK.
Click Restart when prompted.

Modify Boot Options in Settings

You can also adjust boot options through the Windows 10 Settings app.

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Click on Update & Security.
Select Recovery from the left sidebar.
Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
After your computer restarts to the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.
Click on Advanced options.
Select Startup Settings.
Click Restart.
After your computer restarts, you’ll see a list of startup options. Press 4 or F4 to start Windows in Normal Mode.

Check for Driver Issues

Sometimes, driver problems can cause Windows to boot into Safe Mode.

Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
Look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark. This indicates a driver issue.
Right-click on the problematic device and select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers.
Follow the on-screen instructions to update the driver. Restart your computer after updating.

Scan for Malware

Malware can sometimes force your computer into Safe Mode.

Run a full system scan using your antivirus software.
Follow the instructions provided by your antivirus program to remove any detected threats.
Restart your computer after the scan.

Reset Windows 10

As a last resort, you can reset Windows 10 to its factory settings. This will remove all your personal files and settings, so be sure to back up your important data first.

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Click on Update & Security.
Select Recovery from the left sidebar.
Under Reset this PC, click Get started.
Choose whether to keep your personal files or remove everything.
Follow the on-screen instructions to reset Windows 10.

Tips

Ensure all your drivers are up to date to prevent future issues.
Regularly scan your system for malware to maintain its stability.
Create a system restore point before making significant changes to your computer.

Quick Comparison of Safe Mode Exit Methods

Here’s a quick overview of the methods we’ve covered, to help you choose the best approach for your situation:

Method	Description	Difficulty	Data Loss Risk
Restart Computer	Simple restart to exit Safe Mode.	Easy	None
System Configuration	Using msconfig to disable Safe Boot.	Medium	None
Modify Boot Options	Adjusting settings through the Advanced Startup options.	Medium	None
Check for Driver Issues	Updating or resolving driver problems that may cause Safe Mode.	Medium	None
Scan for Malware	Running a full system scan to remove potential malware causing Safe Mode.	Medium	None
Reset Windows 10	Resetting Windows to factory settings, removing all personal files and settings.	Hard	High

Back to Normal Windows Operation

Turning off Safe Mode in Windows 10 can be achieved through several methods, ranging from simple restarts to more advanced troubleshooting steps. By following these guidelines, you can restore your system to its normal operating state and continue using your computer without limitations.

FAQ

Why is my computer stuck in Safe Mode? Your computer might be stuck in Safe Mode due to driver issues, malware infections, or incorrect system configurations.

Will restarting my computer always fix Safe Mode? Restarting is often the simplest solution, but it doesn’t always work. If it doesn’t, try other methods like using System Configuration or checking for driver issues.

Is it safe to reset my PC to exit Safe Mode? Resetting your PC should be a last resort, as it will remove your personal files and settings. Make sure to back up your data before proceeding.

How do I know if a driver is causing Safe Mode? Check the Device Manager for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark. This indicates a driver problem that needs to be addressed.

Can malware cause my computer to boot into Safe Mode? Yes, malware can sometimes force your computer into Safe Mode. Run a full system scan with your antivirus software to remove any detected threats.