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How to Add Safe Mode to Boot Menu in Windows 10: Step-by-Step Guide

Safe Mode is a special startup option in Windows 10 that helps you troubleshoot and fix problems. It loads only the essential drivers and services, making it easier to identify issues. Adding Safe Mode to your boot menu lets you access it quickly whenever needed.

This guide will walk you through the simple steps to add Safe Mode as a permanent option in your Windows 10 boot menu. No advanced knowledge is required, and each step is explained clearly.

By the end, you will be able to select Safe Mode directly from the boot menu every time you start your computer. This saves time and effort compared to using other methods.

Let’s get started with the process to make Safe Mode easily accessible on your PC.

Quick Note

  • Make sure you have administrator rights on your Windows 10 PC, as these steps require changing system settings.
  • It’s recommended to create a system restore point before making any boot configuration changes. This helps you revert back if something goes wrong.
  • When working with boot settings, be careful and follow instructions exactly to avoid boot problems.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

First, you need to open the Command Prompt with administrator privileges. This is important because modifying the boot menu requires elevated permissions.

  1. Click the Start button or press the Windows key.
  2. Type cmd in the search bar.
  3. Right-click on Command Prompt from the results.
  4. Select Run as administrator.
  5. If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes to allow.

Step 2: View Current Boot Entries

Before adding Safe Mode, it’s good to see what boot options are currently available. This helps you understand the existing setup.

  • In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
bcdedit /enum

This command lists all boot configuration data entries. You will see an entry labeled {current} which represents your current Windows installation.

Step 3: Create a New Boot Entry for Safe Mode

Next, you will create a new boot entry that starts Windows 10 in Safe Mode. This new entry will appear in your boot menu.

  1. Type the following command and press Enter to copy the current boot entry:
bcdedit /copy {current} /d "Windows 10 Safe Mode"

After running this, you will receive a message with a new identifier (a long string in curly braces). This ID represents the new Safe Mode boot entry. Copy this ID carefully, you will need it in the next step.

Step 4: Configure the New Entry to Boot into Safe Mode

Now you will modify the new boot entry to enable Safe Mode.

  1. Replace {identifier} with the ID you copied from the previous step.
  2. Enter the following command to set the boot option to Safe Mode:
bcdedit /set {identifier} safeboot minimal

This command tells Windows to start in the minimal Safe Mode when this boot entry is selected.

Alternative Safe Mode Options

You can also use these options instead of minimal depending on your needs:

  • network – Safe Mode with Networking enabled
  • alternateshell – Safe Mode with Command Prompt only

For example, to create Safe Mode with Networking, use:

bcdedit /set {identifier} safeboot network

Step 5: Set the Boot Menu Timeout

To make sure the boot menu shows up when your computer starts, you need to set a timeout value. This timeout determines how long the menu stays on screen before booting the default entry.

  1. Type the following command and press Enter:
bcdedit /timeout 10

This sets the timeout to 10 seconds, giving you enough time to pick Safe Mode or normal Windows.

Step 6: Restart and Test

Now, restart your PC to see the new boot menu in action.

  • Click Start, select the Power button, then click Restart.
  • When the boot menu appears, you should see both Windows 10 and Windows 10 Safe Mode options.
  • Use the arrow keys to select Windows 10 Safe Mode and press Enter.
  • Your PC will boot into Safe Mode.

FAQs

Can I remove the Safe Mode boot entry later?

Yes, you can remove it anytime. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:

bcdedit /delete {identifier}

Replace {identifier} with the ID of the Safe Mode entry you want to remove.

Will this method affect normal booting?

No, your normal Windows boot entry remains unchanged. Safe Mode is added as a separate option to choose from.

What if I don’t see the boot menu at startup?

Make sure the timeout is set correctly (step 5). You can increase the timeout if needed or hold Shift while clicking Restart to access advanced startup options.

Is this method safe for beginners?

Yes, following the steps carefully is safe. However, creating a system restore point beforehand is recommended as a precaution.

When Nothing Works

If you cannot access Safe Mode or the boot menu after following these steps, you can try these options:

  • Use Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) by holding the Shift key and clicking Restart to access troubleshooting tools.
  • Run the System File Checker (SFC) tool to fix corrupted system files: sfc /scannow in Command Prompt.
  • Refer to the official Microsoft support page on Safe Mode: Microsoft Safe Mode Guide.

Conclusion

Adding Safe Mode to the Windows 10 boot menu is a practical way to access troubleshooting options quickly. By creating a separate boot entry configured for Safe Mode, you save time and gain easier access during startup.

Remember to run Command Prompt as administrator, carefully follow each step, and set an appropriate timeout for the boot menu. If you need networking or command prompt options, you can customize the Safe Mode type.

With these simple yet effective steps, you now have a reliable way to start your PC in Safe Mode whenever necessary.

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