What is Safe Mode with Networking and how to use it to repair Windows without reinstalling it?

Last update: 14/10/2025

Safe Mode with net It's one of the options we see in the Windows Startup Settings menu. We rarely use it (we prefer Safe Mode, plain and simple), but There are good reasons to learn how to use itIn this post, we'll tell you all about Safe Mode with Networking and how to use it to repair Windows without reinstalling it.

What is Safe Mode with Networking in Windows?

Safe Mode with Windows Networking

Those of us who have been using Windows as our primary operating system for decades have had to start it in Safe Mode a few times. It's not that we want to, but that this It is the best way to try to solve startup problemsBut what exactly is safe mode, and more specifically, safe mode with networking?

  • Safe Mode is nothing but a way to Start Windows by loading only essential drivers and services.
  • This means disabling third-party programs, advanced drivers, and any software that may cause conflicts.
  • Only basic drivers are loaded: video, peripherals, and critical components.

In turn, the Safe mode with networking It is the most powerful (and misunderstood) variant of Safe Mode in Windows. It does the same thing as standard Safe Mode, but Add the services needed to connect to the Internet or a local networkIts official name is Safe mode with networkingWhat is the purpose of these Windows boot modes?

Simple: If a problem disappears in Safe Mode, you can deduce that the cause isn't Windows' core files or essential drivers. But if the problem persists, it's because there's a major operating system issue. In this latter situation, you'll need to reinstall Windows or, Thanks to Safe Mode with Networking, download drivers and tools to repair it.

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How to Use Safe Mode with Networking to Repair Windows Without Reinstalling

Windows 11 25H2

Windows may start crashing without warning: blue screens, unexpected reboots, extreme slowness, or the inability to boot normally. While it's true that all of these problems can be resolved by reinstalling the system, there are less drastic solutions. Safe mode with networking is a very powerful alternative to try to repair Windows without reinstalling it.

The main advantage of Safe Mode with Networking is that it allows for a clean and stable boot. And to this we must add the Internet access, very useful for downloading drivers, patches, antivirus and other scanning toolsBelow, we'll look at some examples of how Safe Mode with Networking can prevent you from having to reinstall Windows.

Remove malware and run deep scans

One advantage of Safe Mode is that it allows you to run deep system scans to find and eliminate viruses. Many of these malicious programs hide during normal startup. But in Safe Mode with Networking, they don't have time to do so, allowing you to eliminate them more easily.

The advantage of having internet access during safe mode is that you can download an antivirus, such as Malwarebytes or AdwCleaner. This is especially useful if you think your anti-malware software has also been compromised. Once downloaded, you can run a deep scan and capture malicious files that, on a normal startup, would be "in use" (hidden).

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Download and update drivers

Many startup problems in Windows are caused by outdated, faulty, or conflicting drivers. Booting the system in Safe Mode with Networking not only disables them, but It also allows you to update or download them.

Furthermore, you can go to Windows Update and install available Windows updates, many of which fix bugs. This is an important advantage you don't get if you only start Windows in Safe Mode.

Uninstall conflicting software and applications

Do you notice that Windows has gotten worse since you installed a new program or serviceAgain, Safe Mode with Networking is the ideal setting to clear up any issues. If everything checks out, it means that the program or service is causing slowness, restarts, or other issues. Simply uninstall it and check if everything is back to normal.

Identify and resolve network and connectivity issues

Paradoxically, Safe Mode with Networking can help diagnose network problems on Windows computers. This is because this mode loads basic, stable network drivers and removes third-party software that may interfere. In this clean environment, you can test your computer's connectivity and identify any incorrect settings or outdated drivers.

How to enter Safe Mode with Networking

Windows computer

It's clear that Safe Mode with Networking is very useful for repairing Windows without having to reinstall. Since it leaves a secure window open to the web, you can download or update whatever you need. Let's see. How can you start safe mode with networking?.

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If the team still gives you access to the Windows desktop, you can activate safe mode with networking like this:

  1. Go to Configuration - System- Recovery.
  2. En Advanced start, Click on Restart now.
  3. The computer will reboot and display a blue screen with several options.
  4. Choose Solve problems - Advanced - Startup configuration - Restart.
  5. After the reboot, you'll see a list of options. Press F5 to select Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

On the other hand, if the system does not start normally, you'll need to force it to bring up the Startup Configuration menu. After two or three failed attempts, the system will automatically enter the Recovery Environment. If it doesn't, hold down the physical power button for 10 seconds while the computer boots up.

On other occasions, it is necessary to have an installation medium, such as a Bootable USB with Windows, to access the recovery environment. At this point, it is good to clarify that Some problems cannot be resolved by booting into Safe Mode with NetworkingIn the event of serious system corruption, it is best to reinstall Windows from scratch.

But in most cases, Safe Mode with Networking can be used to repair Windows without reinstalling it. The next time you need to visit Windows Startup Settings, boot the computer in Safe Mode with NetworkingYou'll have everything you need to save the day: a clean, isolated environment with internet access.