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Boot into Safe Mode on the next restart with bcdedit

Set the safeboot flag with bcdedit so the next restart starts Windows in Safe Mode, then remove the flag to return to normal boot.

WindowsbootcmdbcdeditHigh risk
Run as admin: bcdedit /set {default} safeboot minimal — then restart; afterwards run: bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot

01Command

Command
$ bcdedit /set {default} safeboot minimal

02What it does

bcdedit /set {default} safeboot minimal marks the default boot entry for Safe Mode, so the very next restart lands directly in Safe Mode — useful when the system only crashes at normal boot. Use safeboot network instead if you need internet in Safe Mode. Removing the flag with bcdedit /deletevalue restores the normal startup.

03Risk

RiskHigh risk
RequirementsRun in an elevated (Administrator) Command Prompt or Terminal
!Warning: Don't forget the undo command: every restart keeps booting into Safe Mode until you delete the safeboot value.

04Undo

Undo
$ bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot

05Sources

  • bcdedit /set Command
    Microsoft Learn · vendor-doc · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Official bcdedit /set reference; documents safeboot as a boot entry element that sets safe-mode start (Minimal/Network) for the next boot.
  • One-time Safeboot with bcdedit
    Microsoft Learn Q&A · community · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Microsoft Q&A thread shows bcdedit /set {default} safeboot minimal to boot once into Safe Mode and bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot to revert, plus safeboot network for Safe Mode with Networking.

Last verified: 2026-09-19 · Category: System & Settings

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