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Unable to boot into normal mode, machine keeps booting into safe mode

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This article provides steps to fix an issue in which machines can't boot into the normal mode and keep on restarting into the safe mode.

Applies to:   Windows 10 - all editions, Windows Server 2012 R2
Original KB number:   2543632

Symptoms

Machine is unable to boot into the normal mode and it keeps on restarting into the safe mode.

Cause

This issue happens when SAFEBOOT option is checked in the System Configuration Utility, under the Boot tab.

Resolution

To fix the issue, follow the steps:

Using the System Configuration Tool on Windows 2003/Windows XP:

Step 1: Close all programs so that you have nothing open and are at the desktop.

Step 2: Click the Start button, and then click Run.

Step 3: In the Run field type msconfig as shown in the image below.

Screenshot of the Run window with the msconfig input.

Step 4: Press the OK button and the System Configuration Utility will start up. You'll then see a screen similar to image below.

Screenshot of the System Configuration Utility window.

Step 5: Click the BOOT.INI tab selected by the red box in the figure above and you'll see a screen similar to image below.

Screenshot of the BOOT.INI tab of the System Configuration Utility window.

Step 6: Uncheck the mark in the checkbox labeled /SAFEBOOT designated by the red box above. Then press the OK button and then the OK button again. Windows will now prompt if you would like to reboot. Press the Yes button and machine can boot into normal mode now.

Note

With the /SAFEBOOT option checked, you'll notice an additional entry in Boot.ini file as seen below. If you see the box check for /SAFEBOOT, remove the check.

Screenshot of the entry in the Boot.ini file.

Even though this document focuses primarily on Windows 2003 Server and Windows XP, this information applies to Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008 R2.

On the Operating System running Vista or above Boot Configuration Data Editor (Bcdedit.exe) command-line tool can be handy:

Following command will delete the /SAFEBOOT option and help machine boot into normal mode:

bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot

Open administrative command prompt to run above bcdedit command. For detailed command and option information at the command prompt, type bcdedit.exe /? command.

More information

Boot Configuration Data Editor Frequently Asked Questions