Starting your HP laptop in Safe Mode is a critical troubleshooting step that loads only a minimal set of drivers and services, helping you isolate and fix software conflicts or malware issues. Whether your laptop boots normally or is stuck on a black screen, use the following methods to enter Safe Mode. 1. From the Windows Settings (Recommended) If you can log in to your HP laptop normally, use the Advanced Startup menu to reboot into Safe Mode. Step 1: Press the Windows Key + I to open Settings . Step 2: Go to System > Recovery (Windows 11) or Update & Security > Recovery (Windows 10). Step 3: Find Advanced startup and click Restart now . Step 4: Once the blue screen appears, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart . Step 5: After the laptop reboots, press 4 (or F4 ) for standard Safe Mode, or 5 (or F5 ) for Safe Mode with Networking if you need internet access. 2. From the Sign-In Screen If you can reach the login screen but cannot sign in, follow these steps: HP PCs - Windows Safe Mode (Windows 10) | HP® Support
Here’s a useful, step-by-step guide on starting an HP laptop in Safe Mode for Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Method 1: From a Fully Booted Desktop (Easiest if Windows loads)
Click Start → Power button. Hold the Shift key on your keyboard, then click Restart . Keep holding Shift until the screen says “Please wait” or goes to a blue menu. On the blue screen, go to Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Restart . After restart, press 4 for Safe Mode, 5 for Safe Mode with Networking, or 6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt. how to start hp laptop in safe mode
Method 2: Using “Recovery” in Settings (If Windows loads but glitches)
Go to Settings → Update & Security (Windows 10) or System → Recovery (Windows 11). Under Recovery options , find “Advanced startup” and click Restart now . Follow steps 4–5 from Method 1 .
Method 3: Force Safe Mode from Boot (If Windows won’t start) Starting your HP laptop in Safe Mode is
Turn on your HP laptop. As soon as the HP or Windows logo appears, press and hold the power button for 5–10 seconds to force shutdown. Repeat this 2–3 times . On the next boot, Windows will show “Preparing Automatic Repair” , then a blue screen with Advanced options . Navigate: Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Restart → press 4 , 5 , or 6 .
Method 4: Using an HP BIOS Key (Older HP laptops / Windows 7)
Turn off the laptop completely. Press the Power button, then immediately tap F8 repeatedly (about once per second) until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears. Use arrow keys to select Safe Mode and press Enter . From the Windows Settings (Recommended) If you can
Note: On many newer HP laptops, F8 is disabled for speed, so use Methods 1–3.
How to exit Safe Mode