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.

Windows provides several recovery tools to help you troubleshoot and restore your PC when issues occur, such as startup failures, update problems, or malware infections. If you're having problems with your Windows device, the following table can help you decide which recovery option to use: Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Learn about the different reset options in Windows and how to reset your device.

Start your PC in safe mode. If you're having trouble restarting, you can start your PC in safe mode. See Start your PC in safe mode in Windows 10 for details. From safe mode, you can try the remaining troubleshooting steps. Check the Device Manager. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.

This is because the built-in security of Windows 10 in S mode automatically prevents viruses and other threats from running on your device. In addition, devices running Windows 10 in S mode receive security updates automatically.

A program that wants to run a piece of code which may be dangerous has to pass the code to memory integrity inside that virtual booth so that it can be verified. When memory integrity is comfortable that the code is safe it hands the code back to Windows to run. Typically, this happens very quickly.

Learn about Windows RE, how to access it, and the different tools it offers.

In Safe Mode, open Device Manager. Expand Display adapters, right-click your GPU, and choose Update driver. If the issue started after an update, select Roll back driver instead 4. Restart Windows Explorer (If you see a cursor on a blank screen) Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Find Windows Explorer, right-click it, and select ...

Learn about the Windows Security app and some of the most common tools you can use.

Starting your device in Safe Mode can help troubleshoot sign-in problems. If you can sign in using Safe Mode, it means that basic device drivers and default settings weren’t causing the sign-in problem.