How to Disable Safe Mode: A Comprehensive Guide
Safe mode is a diagnostic startup mode in operating systems that allows you to troubleshoot problems by running the system with minimal drivers and services. While it’s incredibly useful for identifying and resolving issues, sometimes you might find yourself stuck in safe mode, or you might simply want to exit it after you’ve finished troubleshooting. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods to disable safe mode on different operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Android, providing detailed steps and instructions for each.
## Understanding Safe Mode
Before diving into the methods for disabling safe mode, it’s essential to understand what it is and why it’s used. Safe mode starts your computer or device with a limited set of files and drivers. This can help you identify whether a problem is caused by faulty hardware, incompatible software, or a corrupted driver. In safe mode:
* Only essential system programs and services run.
* Third-party drivers are typically disabled.
* You might see a lower screen resolution.
* The words “Safe Mode” are usually displayed in the corners of the screen.
Once you’ve resolved the issue that led you to boot into safe mode, you’ll naturally want to return to normal operation. Let’s explore the ways to do just that.
## Disabling Safe Mode in Windows
Windows is the most common operating system where users might encounter safe mode. Here are several methods to exit safe mode in Windows, covering different scenarios and versions:
### 1. Restarting Your Computer
The simplest and often most effective way to exit safe mode is to restart your computer. When you boot into safe mode, Windows usually detects this and will attempt to boot normally on the next restart.
**Steps:**
1. **Save Your Work:** Ensure you’ve saved any open files or documents to avoid data loss.
2. **Open the Start Menu:** Click the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
3. **Click the Power Button:** Select the power icon.
4. **Choose Restart:** Click on the “Restart” option. Your computer will shut down and then automatically start up again in normal mode.
If this simple restart doesn’t work, proceed to the following methods.
### 2. Using System Configuration (msconfig)
The System Configuration utility (msconfig) allows you to control how Windows starts up. You can use it to disable the safe boot option.
**Steps:**
1. **Open the Run Dialog Box:** Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard. This will open the Run dialog box.
2. **Type msconfig:** Type `msconfig` into the Run dialog box and press Enter or click OK.
3. **Go to the Boot Tab:** In the System Configuration window, click on the “Boot” tab.
4. **Uncheck Safe Boot:** In the Boot options section, uncheck the box next to “Safe boot.” If the box is already unchecked, proceed to step 6.
5. **Apply and OK:** Click “Apply” and then “OK.”
6. **Restart Your Computer:** You will be prompted to restart your computer. Click “Restart” to exit safe mode.
If you can’t find the “Safe boot” option or if it’s grayed out, it might indicate a different issue preventing normal startup. In such cases, continue to the next methods.
### 3. Using Command Prompt
The Command Prompt offers a more direct way to modify boot configurations. You can use it to delete the safe boot configuration.
**Steps:**
1. **Open Command Prompt as Administrator:**
* Click the Start button, type `cmd`, and right-click on “Command Prompt” in the search results.
* Select “Run as administrator.”
* If prompted, enter your administrator password or confirm the action.
2. **Type the Command:** In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safeboot
This command removes the safeboot option from the current boot configuration.
3. **Restart Your Computer:** Close the Command Prompt window and restart your computer. It should now boot into normal mode.
If you receive an error message, ensure you’ve typed the command correctly and that you’re running Command Prompt as an administrator.
### 4. Using System Restore
If you recently made changes to your system (e.g., installed a new driver or software) and then started experiencing issues leading to safe mode, you can use System Restore to revert your system to a previous state.
**Steps:**
1. **Open the Run Dialog Box:** Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard.
2. **Type rstrui:** Type `rstrui` into the Run dialog box and press Enter or click OK. This will open the System Restore wizard.
3. **Choose a Restore Point:**
* If recommended restore point is shown, select it, or you can choose a different restore point by selecting “Choose a different restore point”. Click “Next”.
* Select a restore point from the list. Choose a restore point that was created before you started experiencing problems.
* Click “Scan for affected programs” to see which programs will be affected by the restore. This will give you an idea of what will be changed.
4. **Confirm the Restore:** Click “Next” and then “Finish” to start the system restore process. **Warning**: Ensure to save any working data before this step. the system will restart and any unsaved work may be lost.
5. **Wait for the Restore to Complete:** The system restore process may take some time. Your computer will restart during the process. Do not interrupt the process.
6. **Check if the Issue is Resolved:** After the restore is complete, check if your computer boots into normal mode and if the issue that led to safe mode is resolved.
### 5. Checking for Driver Issues
Faulty or incompatible drivers can often cause Windows to boot into safe mode. You can check for driver issues in Device Manager.
**Steps:**
1. **Open Device Manager:**
* Right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager.”
* Alternatively, press the Windows key + R, type `devmgmt.msc`, and press Enter.
2. **Look for Warning Icons:** In Device Manager, look for devices with yellow exclamation marks or red crosses. These indicate driver problems.
3. **Update or Reinstall Drivers:**
* Right-click on the problematic device and select “Update driver.”
* Choose to search automatically for updated driver software, or browse your computer for driver software if you have a driver file.
* If updating the driver doesn’t work, try uninstalling the device (right-click and select “Uninstall device”) and then restart your computer. Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver automatically.
### 6. Performing a Clean Boot
A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help you identify if a third-party application or service is causing the issue.
**Steps:**
1. **Open System Configuration (msconfig):** Press the Windows key + R, type `msconfig`, and press Enter.
2. **Go to the Services Tab:** In the System Configuration window, click on the “Services” tab.
3. **Hide Microsoft Services:** Check the box that says “Hide all Microsoft services.” This prevents you from accidentally disabling critical system services.
4. **Disable All Remaining Services:** Click the “Disable all” button to disable all remaining services.
5. **Go to the Startup Tab:** Click on the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager”.
6. **Disable Startup Items:** In Task Manager, disable all startup items. Right-click on each item and select “Disable.”
7. **Apply and OK:** Close Task Manager, click “Apply” and then “OK” in the System Configuration window.
8. **Restart Your Computer:** You will be prompted to restart your computer. Click “Restart.”
After the clean boot, if the issue is resolved, you can enable services and startup items one by one to identify the culprit. Enable one service or startup item, restart your computer, and check if the issue reappears. Repeat this process until you find the problematic item.
### 7. Checking Boot Configuration Data (BCD)
The Boot Configuration Data (BCD) stores boot configuration parameters. If the BCD is corrupted, it can cause issues with booting, including forcing safe mode.
**Steps:**
1. **Boot from Windows Installation Media:** You’ll need a Windows installation disc or USB drive.
2. **Access Command Prompt:**
* Boot from the installation media.
* On the first screen, select your language and keyboard layout.
* Click “Next” and then “Repair your computer” at the bottom-left.
* Choose “Troubleshoot” and then “Command Prompt.”
3. **Run BCD Repair Commands:** In the Command Prompt, type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd
These commands repair the Master Boot Record (MBR), write a new boot sector, scan for installed operating systems, and rebuild the BCD.
4. **Restart Your Computer:** Close the Command Prompt and restart your computer. Remove the installation media before restarting.
### 8. Running System File Checker (SFC)
The System File Checker (SFC) scans for and repairs corrupted system files, which can sometimes cause boot issues.
**Steps:**
1. **Open Command Prompt as Administrator:**
* Click the Start button, type `cmd`, and right-click on “Command Prompt” in the search results.
* Select “Run as administrator.”
2. **Type the Command:** In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
3. **Wait for the Scan to Complete:** The scan may take some time. Do not interrupt the process.
4. **Restart Your Computer:** After the scan is complete, restart your computer.
## Disabling Safe Mode in macOS
macOS also has a safe mode, which Apple calls “Safe Boot.” It helps diagnose issues by loading only essential kernel extensions and preventing startup items from running.
### 1. Restarting Your Mac
Similar to Windows, the simplest way to exit Safe Boot in macOS is to restart your Mac.
**Steps:**
1. **Save Your Work:** Ensure you’ve saved any open files or documents.
2. **Click the Apple Menu:** Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen.
3. **Choose Restart:** Select “Restart.” Your Mac will shut down and then automatically start up again in normal mode.
If your Mac continues to boot into Safe Boot, there might be a persistent issue. Proceed to the following methods.
### 2. Checking for Startup Items
Startup items (also known as login items) are applications that automatically launch when you log in. A problematic startup item can cause your Mac to boot into Safe Boot repeatedly.
**Steps:**
1. **Go to System Preferences:** Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.”
2. **Click Users & Groups:** In System Preferences, click on “Users & Groups.”
3. **Select Your User Account:** Select your user account in the left sidebar.
4. **Click Login Items:** Click on the “Login Items” tab.
5. **Remove Startup Items:** Select any startup items that you suspect might be causing the issue and click the “-” (minus) button below the list to remove them. Start with recently added items or those that are not essential.
6. **Restart Your Mac:** After removing the suspect startup items, restart your Mac to see if it boots into normal mode.
If the issue persists, continue removing startup items until you identify the problematic one or until you’ve removed all non-essential items. After each removal, restart your Mac to check.
### 3. Resetting NVRAM/PRAM
NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory) or PRAM (Parameter RAM) stores certain settings that your Mac uses during startup. Resetting it can resolve some boot-related issues.
**Steps:**
1. **Shut Down Your Mac:** Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen and select “Shut Down.”
2. **Turn On Your Mac and Press Keys:** Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold the Option (Alt), Command, P, and R keys simultaneously.
3. **Release Keys:** Continue holding the keys until the Apple logo appears and disappears, or until you hear the startup sound a second time. On some newer Macs with the T2 chip, the Apple logo might appear and disappear twice.
4. **Let Your Mac Boot:** After resetting NVRAM/PRAM, let your Mac boot normally.
### 4. Running Disk Utility in Recovery Mode
Disk Utility can check and repair disk errors that might be causing boot issues.
**Steps:**
1. **Boot into Recovery Mode:**
* Shut down your Mac.
* Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold the Command (⌘) and R keys until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe.
2. **Open Disk Utility:** In the macOS Utilities window, select “Disk Utility” and click “Continue.”
3. **Select Your Startup Disk:** In the Disk Utility sidebar, select your startup disk (usually named “Macintosh HD”).
4. **Run First Aid:** Click the “First Aid” button in the Disk Utility toolbar and then click “Run” to start the disk repair process.
5. **Wait for the Process to Complete:** Disk Utility will check and repair any errors it finds on your disk. This process may take some time.
6. **Restart Your Mac:** After the First Aid process is complete, restart your Mac.
### 5. Reinstalling macOS
If none of the above methods work, reinstalling macOS might be necessary. This will erase your hard drive and install a fresh copy of the operating system. **Warning**: Make sure to back up important data before doing a macOS reinstall. Reinstalling macOS will erase all of the data stored on the system. Ensure all required data is saved before continuing with this step.
**Steps:**
1. **Boot into Recovery Mode:** Follow the steps in Method 4 to boot into Recovery Mode.
2. **Select Reinstall macOS:** In the macOS Utilities window, select “Reinstall macOS” and click “Continue.”
3. **Follow the On-Screen Instructions:** Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall macOS. You’ll need to select your startup disk and agree to the terms and conditions.
4. **Wait for the Installation to Complete:** The installation process may take several hours. Make sure your Mac is connected to a power source and has a stable internet connection.
## Disabling Safe Mode in Android
Android devices also have a safe mode, which can be useful for troubleshooting app-related issues. Here’s how to disable it:
### 1. Restarting Your Device
The most common way to exit safe mode on Android is to restart your device.
**Steps:**
1. **Press and Hold the Power Button:** Press and hold the power button on your Android device until the power menu appears.
2. **Tap Restart:** Tap the “Restart” option. Your device will shut down and then automatically start up again in normal mode.
If restarting doesn’t work, try the following methods.
### 2. Power Cycling Your Device
If a simple restart doesn’t work, try power cycling your device, which involves completely turning it off and then back on.
**Steps:**
1. **Power Off Your Device:** Press and hold the power button until the power menu appears, and then tap “Power off” or “Shut down.”
2. **Wait for a Few Seconds:** Wait for about 30 seconds to ensure your device is completely powered off.
3. **Power On Your Device:** Press and hold the power button again until your device turns on.
### 3. Checking the Volume Buttons
Sometimes, pressing and holding the volume buttons during startup can accidentally trigger safe mode. Ensure that the volume buttons are not being pressed during startup.
**Steps:**
1. **Restart Your Device:** Restart your Android device.
2. **Ensure No Buttons Are Pressed:** Make sure that you are not accidentally pressing any volume buttons while the device is booting up.
### 4. Uninstalling Recently Installed Apps
If you recently installed an app before your device started booting into safe mode, that app might be the cause of the issue. Try uninstalling recently installed apps.
**Steps:**
1. **Open Settings:** Go to the “Settings” app on your Android device.
2. **Go to Apps (or Apps & Notifications):** Find and tap on “Apps” or “Apps & Notifications.”
3. **Find Recently Installed Apps:** Look for apps that you recently installed.
4. **Uninstall the App:** Tap on the app you want to uninstall, and then tap “Uninstall.”
5. **Restart Your Device:** After uninstalling the app, restart your device to see if it boots into normal mode.
### 5. Performing a Factory Reset
If none of the above methods work, performing a factory reset is the last resort. This will erase all data on your device, so make sure to back up your important data before proceeding. **Warning**: Make sure to back up important data before doing a factory reset. Factory resetting your Android device will erase all of the data stored on the system. Ensure all required data is saved before continuing with this step.
**Steps:**
1. **Open Settings:** Go to the “Settings” app on your Android device.
2. **Go to General Management (or System):** Find and tap on “General Management” or “System.” The exact wording may vary depending on your device.
3. **Tap Reset:** Tap on “Reset.”
4. **Tap Factory Data Reset:** Tap on “Factory data reset.”
5. **Confirm the Reset:** Read the warning message carefully and then tap “Reset” or “Delete all.” You might need to enter your PIN, pattern, or password.
6. **Wait for the Reset to Complete:** Your device will restart and begin the factory reset process. This may take some time.
## Conclusion
Disabling safe mode is usually a straightforward process. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Android, the first step is typically to restart your device. If that doesn’t work, you can explore other methods such as using system configuration utilities, command-line tools, checking for driver issues, or resetting NVRAM/PRAM. As a last resort, you can consider reinstalling your operating system or performing a factory reset. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to successfully exit safe mode and return your device to normal operation. Remember to always back up your data before making significant changes to your system.