How to Exit Safe Mode on Windows 10

If you’re a Windows 10 user, you may have encountered the term “safe mode” before. Safe mode is a diagnostic mode that allows you to troubleshoot and fix issues with your computer. It can be helpful in resolving problems such as software conflicts, driver issues, and malware infections.

However, once you have completed your troubleshooting, you may be wondering how to exit safe mode and return to your normal Windows 10 environment. In this article, we will discuss the different methods for exiting safe mode on Windows 10.

What is Safe Mode?

Before we dive into how to exit safe mode, let’s first understand what it is. Safe mode is a diagnostic mode that starts your computer with only the essential drivers and services needed to run the operating system. This means that any third-party software or drivers that may be causing issues will not be loaded.

Safe mode can be accessed by pressing the F8 key during the boot process, or by using the System Configuration tool. It is a useful tool for troubleshooting and fixing issues with your computer.

Why Would You Need to Exit Safe Mode?

While safe mode can be helpful in resolving issues, it is not meant to be used as a permanent solution. Once you have identified and fixed the problem, you will need to exit safe mode and return to your normal Windows 10 environment.

Some common reasons for exiting safe mode include:

• Completing troubleshooting and wanting to return to normal operation
• Needing to access certain features or programs that are not available in safe mode
• Wanting to use your computer as you normally would without any restrictions

How to Exit Safe Mode on Windows 10

There are a few different methods for exiting safe mode on Windows 10. We will discuss each method in detail below.

Method 1: Using the System Configuration Tool

The System Configuration tool, also known as “msconfig”, is a built-in Windows utility that allows you to manage system settings and startup options. It can also be used to exit safe mode.

To exit safe mode using the System Configuration tool, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “msconfig” and press Enter.
3. In the System Configuration window, click on the “Boot” tab.
4. Uncheck the box next to “Safe boot” and click “Apply”.
5. Click “OK” and then restart your computer.

Your computer will now boot into normal mode instead of safe mode.

Method 2: Using the F8 Key

The F8 key method is the traditional way of accessing safe mode on Windows 10. However, it can also be used to exit safe mode.

To exit safe mode using the F8 key, follow these steps:

1. Restart your computer.
2. As your computer is booting up, press the F8 key repeatedly until you see the Advanced Boot Options menu.
3. Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to select “Start Windows Normally” and press Enter.
4. Your computer will now boot into normal mode instead of safe mode.

Method 3: Using the Command Prompt

The Command Prompt is a powerful tool that allows you to execute commands and perform various tasks on your computer. It can also be used to exit safe mode on Windows 10.

To exit safe mode using the Command Prompt, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “cmd” and press Enter.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type “bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safeboot” and press Enter.
4. Restart your computer.

Your computer will now boot into normal mode instead of safe mode.

Troubleshooting Common Issues When Exiting Safe Mode

While exiting safe mode is a straightforward process, you may encounter some issues along the way. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them.

Issue 1: Unable to Access the Advanced Boot Options Menu

If you are unable to access the Advanced Boot Options menu by pressing the F8 key, you may need to enable it in the System Configuration tool.

To enable the Advanced Boot Options menu, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “msconfig” and press Enter.
3. In the System Configuration window, click on the “Boot” tab.
4. Check the box next to “Safe boot” and click “Apply”.
5. Click “OK” and then restart your computer.
6. Once your computer has restarted, follow the steps in Method 2 to exit safe mode.

Issue 2: Unable to Access the Command Prompt

If you are unable to access the Command Prompt, you may need to enable it in the System Configuration tool.

To enable the Command Prompt, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “msconfig” and press Enter.
3. In the System Configuration window, click on the “Boot” tab.
4. Check the box next to “Safe boot” and click “Apply”.
5. Click “OK” and then restart your computer.
6. Once your computer has restarted, follow the steps in Method 3 to exit safe mode.

Issue 3: Unable to Exit Safe Mode

If you are unable to exit safe mode using any of the methods mentioned above, you may need to perform a system restore or reset your computer to factory settings. This will revert your computer back to a previous state before you entered safe mode.

Conclusion

Safe mode is a useful tool for troubleshooting and fixing issues with your computer. However, once you have completed your troubleshooting, it is important to exit safe mode and return to your normal Windows 10 environment.

In this article, we discussed the different methods for exiting safe mode on Windows 10, including using the System Configuration tool, the F8 key, and the Command Prompt. We also provided troubleshooting tips for common issues that may arise when exiting safe mode.

By following these steps, you can easily exit safe mode and return to using your computer as you normally would.