To check that your computer did, indeed, start in Safe Mode, you'll want to use System Preferences. Start by clicking the Apple icon in the top-left corner of the screen and then select "About ...

After applying the troubleshooting steps in Safe Mode, click the Start button, select the Power icon, and click Restart to reboot the system in regular mode. If you prefer a command line interface ...

If you can't log into the desktop to start the Settings app, you can still launch Safe Mode using the Power icon on the sign-in screen. How to exit Safe Mode in Windows 11 How to boot in Safe Mode ...

By default, Safe Mode boots to the Desktop ... same way as you would normally. Access the Start Screen and open the Charms bar. Click the "Settings" icon from the Charms bar.