How to open a browser in Safe Mode

Updated: 02/01/2021 by Computer Hope
Internet browsers

Some web browsers feature a Safe Mode that temporarily disables features that are not necessary for basic functionality. If your browser is running slowly or frequently crashes, Safe Mode may help you troubleshoot the problem.

In Safe Mode, any installed extensions are temporarily disabled. If the problem with your browser goes away in Safe Mode, one or more of your extensions might be the cause.

Tip

To disable extensions individually, or remove them completely, see: How to disable or remove browser extensions.

Google Chrome logo

Google Chrome

In Google Chrome, Safe Mode is combined with Incognito mode. To use Chrome in Safe Mode, open a new Incognito window.

To exit Safe Mode in Chrome, close the Incognito browser window.

Firefox logo

Mozilla Firefox

To use Firefox in Safe Mode, follow these steps.

Tip

Firefox Safe Mode disables 3D and video hardware acceleration and installed extensions.

Starting Safe Mode

  1. Open Firefox.
  2. Click the Application Menu Firefox menu icon in the upper-right corner of the window.
  3. Near the bottom of the menu, click Help.
  4. Select Troubleshoot Mode from the Firefox help side menu.

Troubleshoot Mode selector in Firefox.

  1. In the prompt, click the Restart button.

Restart button in Firefox.

  1. In the Open Firefox in Troubleshoot Mode? prompt, click Open.

Restart prompt

Stopping Safe Mode

  1. Open Firefox.
  2. Click the Open Application Menu Firefox menu icon in the upper-right corner of the browser window.
  3. Near the bottom of the menu, click Help.
  4. Select Turn Troubleshoot Mode off in the Firefox help side menu.

Turning off Troubleshooting Mode in Firefox.

Microsoft Edge logo

Microsoft Edge

In Microsoft Edge, Safe Mode is combined with InPrivate mode. To use Edge in Safe Mode, open a new InPrivate window.

To exit Safe Mode in Edge, close the InPrivate browser window.

Safari logo

Safari

The Safari browser does not feature a Safe Mode. However, users can disable extensions individually.

Opera logo

Opera

The Opera browser does not feature a Safe Mode. However, users can disable extensions individually.

If the problem continues in Safe Mode

If you try running your browser in Safe Mode, but it still isn't working properly, you can try booting your operating system to Safe Mode to troubleshoot the larger issue.