How to Exit Safe Mode in Microsoft 365 and Windows 10
Question details
The user needs to exit Safe Mode in Microsoft 365 or Windows 10 to resolve a display issue characterized by highly pixelated fonts.
- Product
- Microsoft 365, Windows 10
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Operating Microsoft 365 applications where the interface and text appear abnormally degraded.
- Observed behavior
- Fonts in Microsoft 365 applications display as highly pixelated, leading the user to suspect that either the Office application or the Windows operating system is currently running in Safe Mode.
Save any open documents and check the application title bar at the top of your screen to verify if the text '(Safe Mode)' is actively displayed next to the document name.
Exit Application Safe Mode in Microsoft 365
If only your Microsoft 365 application is running in Safe Mode, a simple restart of the program is usually sufficient to restore standard mode and fix font rendering.
Microsoft 365 applications occasionally start in Safe Mode if they previously encountered a startup error or a corrupted add-in. Exiting this mode is straightforward and involves fully closing all instances of the application.
Click the 'X' in the top right corner of the window, or navigate to 'File' > 'Close' to completely exit the affected Microsoft 365 application, such as Word or Excel.
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager. Scroll through the list of apps to ensure no hidden instances of the Microsoft 365 application are still running in the background.
Open the Microsoft 365 application normally from the Windows Start menu or your desktop shortcut. Look at the title bar to confirm that the 'Safe Mode' indicator is no longer displayed.
Restart Windows 10 to Exit Safe Mode
If your entire Windows operating system is in Safe Mode (indicated by pixelated graphics, limited functionality, and 'Safe Mode' written in the screen corners), you must reboot your computer.
Update Display Drivers and Adjust Scaling
If you have successfully exited Safe Mode but the fonts in Microsoft 365 remain heavily pixelated, the problem is likely tied to your display drivers or Windows scaling settings.
Try WPS Office for a Flawless Document Experience
If Microsoft 365 continues to experience display issues, rendering glitches, or repeatedly gets stuck in Safe Mode, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, lightweight, and completely free alternative that seamlessly handles all your Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files without the heavy system requirements that cause graphical glitches.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installer and follow the quick setup guide.
- 2. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Microsoft Office files directly; no conversion is necessary.
- 3. Enjoy Glitch-Free Editing: Work smoothly on your documents with clear font rendering and a stable environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Microsoft 365 start in Safe Mode automatically?
Microsoft 365 applications may automatically launch in Safe Mode if they encounter a critical issue during startup. Common triggers include a corrupted third-party add-in, a conflicting document template, or an improper shutdown during your previous session.
Will exiting Safe Mode delete any of my documents?
No. Exiting Safe Mode only changes the operational state of the application or the operating system. It does not delete, alter, or compromise any of your saved documents or files.
How can I manually force a Microsoft 365 app to start in Safe Mode for troubleshooting?
You can manually start a Microsoft 365 application in Safe Mode by holding down the 'Ctrl' key on your keyboard while clicking the application's shortcut. Keep the key pressed until a prompt asks if you want to start in Safe Mode, then click 'Yes'.
What should I do if my PC is stuck in a Windows Safe Mode loop?
If a simple restart doesn't get you out of Safe Mode, press the Win + R keys, type 'msconfig', and press Enter. Go to the 'Boot' tab, ensure the 'Safe boot' checkbox is completely unchecked, click 'OK', and restart your PC.
