| Issue | Consequence | | :--- | :--- | | | Some devices won’t be detected automatically; manual .inf selection is mandatory. | | No digital signature verification disabled | Safe Mode may still block unsigned drivers unless test signing mode is enabled ( bcdedit /set testsigning on ). | | Windows Installer service missing | Many .exe driver packages fail to launch. | | Graphics drivers | Installing full GPU drivers (NVIDIA/AMD) in Safe Mode often fails; use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) in Safe Mode, then install in normal mode. | | Network drivers | Only "Safe Mode with Networking" allows internet; but some NIC drivers won’t load even then. |
Deleting files that are "currently in use" by the system.
If you didn’t choose "with Networking," or if your network card is the hardware that isn't working, you’ll need to download the drivers on another device and move them over via a . install drivers in safe mode
If a faulty driver causes a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in normal mode, Safe Mode allows you to disable or roll back that driver because it loads only the essential Microsoft Basic Display Driver .
Installing drivers in Safe Mode is primarily used as a troubleshooting step when a system is unstable or crashing in normal mode. While it is highly effective for problematic drivers, installing new ones can be restricted because many Windows services—including the Windows Installer —are disabled by default. How to Install Drivers in Safe Mode | Issue | Consequence | | :--- |
If you receive an error saying the "Windows Installer service could not be accessed," you may need to manually start it via the Command Prompt:
Rolling back or updating video drivers when the screen goes black. | | Graphics drivers | Installing full GPU
October 26, 2023 Subject: Procedures, Benefits, and Risks of Driver Installation in Windows Safe Mode
If you need to download the drivers directly, you must choose from the startup options. Running Executable (.exe) Installers:
If you downloaded a full software package (like NVIDIA GeForce Experience or an Intel Installer): Navigate to your downloads folder. Right-click the installer and select . Follow the on-screen prompts.