Let me know if you need help with a specific HP model (e.g., Pavilion, Envy, Spectre, EliteBook) — the steps are nearly identical, but some older models (pre-2015) use the repeatedly during boot.

Good luck!

If your HP laptop is crashing, running slowly, showing a blue screen, or has a virus, booting into Safe Mode is the best first step to diagnose and fix the problem. Safe Mode starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services, making it easier to troubleshoot issues.

How to Boot an HP Laptop into Safe Mode (Windows 10 & 11)