Windows startup settings - Microsoft Support (2024)

Windows system settings help

System settings basics

  • Find information about your device
  • Rename your device
  • Change default apps

Configure system settings

  • System configuration tools
  • Configure startup applications
  • Configure Windows startup options
  • Enable virtualization

You might need to change Windows startup settings to troubleshoot issues, optimize startup processes, or alter the system’s boot behavior for specific tasks.

For example, a common troubleshooting option is to enableSafe Mode, which starts Windows in a limited state, where only the bare essentials services and drivers are started. If a problem doesn't reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings, basic device drivers, and services as possible causes.

Other startup settings include advanced features intended for use by system administrators and IT professionals.

This article describes how to modify the Windows startup behavior, and the available options.

Change startup settings

There are different ways to modify the startup settings. Expand each section to learn more:

  1. In the Settings app on your Windows device, select System > Recoveryor use the following shortcut:

    Recovery

    Note:In Windows 10, you can access from Update & Security > Recovery

  2. Under Recovery options, next to Advanced startup, select Restart now

  3. Upon reboot, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart

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  4. If your device is encrypted, you’ll need to enter the BitLocker recovery key

  5. In the Startup Settings screen pick one of the available options, or press Enter to boot Windows normally

  1. On the Windows sign-in screen, press and hold the Shift key while you select Power > Restart​​​​​​​

  2. Upon reboot, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart

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    Windows startup settings - Microsoft Support (6)

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  3. If your device is encrypted, you’ll need to enter the BitLocker recovery key

  4. In the Startup Settings screen pick one of the available options, or press Enter to boot Windows normally

In this scenario, you'll have toforce your Windows device to enter Automatic Repair,which typically consists of interrupting the normal boot process two times. This can be done by turning on the device and then holding down the power button to force a shutdown before Windows finishes loading. After doing this two times, Windows should automatically boot into Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE) on the third restart.

Here are the steps:

  1. Start your device and wait for the Windows logo (or the manufacturer's logo) to appear

  2. As soon as the Windows logo appears, press and hold the power button until the device shuts down

  3. Turn your device on again and repeat step 2

  4. Turn your device on a third time. Windows should display the Recovery screen.

    Select See advanced repair options

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  5. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart

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  6. If your device is encrypted, you’ll need to enter the BitLocker recovery key

  7. In the Startup Settings screen pick one of the available options, or press Enter to boot Windows normally

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Startup settings list

Here's a list of startup settings that you can choose from. To select one, use the number keys or function keys F1-F9:

  1. Enable debugging.Starts Windows in an advanced troubleshooting mode intended for IT professionals and system administrators

  2. Enable boot logging. Creates a file, ntbtlog.txt, that lists all the drivers that are installed during startup and that might be useful for advanced troubleshooting

  3. Enable low-resolution video. Starts Windows using your current video driver and using low resolution and refresh rate settings. You can use this mode to reset your display settings

  4. Enable Safe Mode. Safe mode starts Windows in a basic state, using a limited set of files and drivers. If a problem doesn't happen in safe mode, this means that default settings and basic device drivers aren't causing the issue.Observing Windows in safe mode enables you to narrow down the source of a problem and can help you troubleshoot problems on your device

  5. Safe Mode with Networking. Safe Mode with Networking adds the network drivers and services you'll need to access the internet and other computers on your network

  6. Safe Mode with Command Prompt. Starts Windows in safe mode with a command prompt window instead of the usual Windows interface

  7. Disable Driver Signature Enforcement. Allows drivers containing improper signatures to be installed

  8. Disable early launch anti-malware protection . Early launch anti-malware protection (ELAM) is a security feature in Windows that allows anti-malware software to start before all other third-party components during the boot process. ELAM ensures that the system does not initialize unknown boot drivers that could be malicious. Select this option to temporarily disable ELAM

  9. Disable automatic restart on system failure. Prevents Windows from automatically restarting if an error causes Windows to fail. Choose this option only if Windows is stuck in a loop where Windows fails, attempts to restart, and fails again repeatedly

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​You can press Enter tostart Windows normally.

What if Windows keeps booting in Safe Mode?

Restarting your device should be sufficient to exit from Safe Mode back into normal mode. However, if for some reason your device is still booting into Safe Mode, try this:

  1. Press theWindows key +R

  2. In theOpen box, type msconfig and then selectOK

  3. Select theBoottab

  4. Under Boot options, clear the Safe boot checkbox

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FAQs

Is F8 Safe Mode for Windows 10? ›

Safe mode works similarly in both Windows 7 and Windows 10. However, the method to access it changed slightly. In Windows 7, you can still use the "F8" key method during startup, while Windows 10 introduced the "shift + restart" method to access safe mode.

How do I get rid of Microsoft startup? ›

To disable Microsoft Start, right-click on an empty space on the taskbar and select “Taskbar Settings.” Navigate to the “Taskbar Behaviors” section and turn off the “Show recent apps” option. You can also use the Registry Editor to disable Microsoft Start.

How do I trigger Windows Startup Repair? ›

Restart the computer and click on Troubleshoot, then select Advanced Options and click on Startup Repair. Follow the prompts and choose an account. The repair process will scan the computer and attempt to fix any startup problems.

How do I fix a corrupt Windows startup? ›

On the Install Windows screen, select Next > Repair your computer. On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot. On the Advanced options screen, select Startup Repair. After Startup Repair, select Shutdown, then turn on your PC to see if Windows can boot properly.

How do I force Windows 10 to boot into Safe Mode? ›

Use Shift+Restart

Hold the Shift key while clicking Restart from Shut down or sign out menu. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings >Restart. After the PC restarts, a list of options will be shown. Select 4 or F4 or Fn+F4 (following the on-screen instructions) to start the PC in Safe Mode.

How to reset Windows 10 using F8? ›

To open the System Recovery Options menu on your computer

You need to press F8 before the Windows logo appears. If the Windows logo appears, you need to try again by waiting until the Windows logon prompt appears, and then shutting down and restarting your computer.

How do I disable Windows Startup Repair? ›

Can I stop Windows Startup Repair? Yes, you can disable it by typing bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No in "Command Prompt", press "Enter" and restart your PC.

How do I fix Windows 10 stuck on startup? ›

Please follow these operations: press “Start” button > select “Control Panel” > search for “Recovery” > click “Open System Restore” > press “Next” > choose the restore point you want to use > select “Next” > choose “Finish“.

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