How to Boot Windows in Safe Mode?

By Piyusha On Jul 25, 2024

Have you ever had a day when your computer just wouldn’t work? It could be going slowly, freezing, or acting really weird. There is a step you can take before giving up and calling tech support: start up in Safe Mode. Safe Mode is a feature of Windows that can help you figure out what’s wrong with your PC and fix it. We’ll talk about what Safe Mode is, why you might need it, and how to start your Windows computer in Safe Mode.

Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode that Windows operating systems use at starting. When you turn on your computer, it starts up with just the drivers and services it needs to run Windows. This mode helps find the source of problems because it doesn’t start any third-party software or drivers that could be the cause.

Windows starts all device drivers and services in normal mode, even ones from outside programs. This means that your security software, personalized mouse settings, and other programs will start up on their own. In Safe Mode, on the other hand, Windows only loads the drivers and programs that are needed. It’s easier to find and fix problems with this version of Windows that has been stripped down.

Safe Mode comes in three different types: Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking, and Safe Mode with Command Prompt. Safe Mode is the most basic setting. It only gets the drivers and services that are needed. This is useful for figuring out what’s wrong with your system in general. You can connect to the internet and other network tools when you are in Safe Mode with Networking because it has network drivers and services installed.

This tool helps you get drivers, updates, or antivirus software that you need to fix your machine. While in Safe Mode with Command Prompt, Windows runs a command line interface instead of the desktop. It can be used for more complex troubleshooting jobs and to run specific commands.

Why would you want to start up in Safe Mode? There are several reasons for this. If something is wrong with your computer, Safe Mode can help you figure out if it’s Windows or something else. That way, you can be sure that the problem isn’t caused by any third-party software or drivers during the start process. Malware of some kinds can stop you from using your computer regularly. Malware can be stopped by starting up in Safe Mode, which lets you run antivirus checks and get rid of the infection. If a driver is making your computer stop or act strangely, you can start it up in Safe Mode to remove or update the driver without any problems.

Table of Contents

How to Boot Windows in Safe Mode?

Let us now look at how to start Windows in Safe Mode. You can use more than one way to do something with Windows 10.

Using Settings:

Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
Click on Update and Security.
From the menu on the left, choose Recovery.
Press the “Restart now” button under “Advanced startup.”
To fix the problem, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart after your PC restarts.
You’ll see a list of choices after your PC returns. Press 4 or F4 to go into Safe Mode. Press 5 or F5 to go into Safe Mode with Networking. Press 6 or F6 to go into Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

Using the Power Menu:

First press the Start button, then click the Power icon.
Press and hold the Shift key, then click Restart.
To fix the problem, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart after your PC restarts.
You’ll see a list of choices after your PC returns. Press 4 or F4 to go into Safe Mode. Press 5 or F5 to go into Safe Mode with Networking. Press 6 or F6 to go into Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

Using a Recovery Drive:

Start up your PC and connect your recovery drive.
To get to the boot menu, press the right key (this key changes by manufacturer).
Choose the drive you want to use.
Pick out your keyboard layout.
To fix the problem, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
You’ll see a list of choices after your PC starts up again. Press 4 or F4 to go into Safe Mode. Press 5 or F5 to go into Safe Mode with Networking. Press 6 or F6 to go into Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

Using System Configuration (msconfig):

To open the Run box, press Win + R.
Press Enter after typing msconfig.
Click on the Boot tab in the System Configuration window.
Choose the type of Safe Mode you want from the list under “Safe boot.”
After clicking OK, restart.

You can use the same steps for Windows 7.

Using System Configuration (msconfig):

Using F8 Key:

Start up your computer again.
Press the F8 key over and over while your computer is starting up, until the Windows logo shows up.
To use Safe Mode, go to the Advanced Boot Options screen and choose it. Then press Enter.

The steps are a little different for Windows 8 and 8.1.

Using Shift + Restart:

To get to the Power User menu, press Win + X.
Hold down the Shift key and click Restart after clicking Shut down or sign out.
To fix the problem, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart after your PC restarts.
You’ll see a list of choices after your PC returns. Press 4 or F4 to go into Safe Mode. Press 5 or F5 to go into Safe Mode with Networking. Press 6 or F6 to go into Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

Using System Configuration (msconfig):

Besides these ways, you can also get to Advanced Boot Options by restarting your computer and hitting the right key (for most systems, this is F8) to get to the boot menu. After that, you can choose the Safe Mode that you want to use.

Trouble can happen even in Safe Mode. If you’re having trouble getting into Safe Mode, here are some common issues and how to fix them. The system files might be broken if Safe Mode won’t start. Open a command window as an administrator and type sfc /scannow to run the System File Checker tool. Something might be wrong with the hardware if Safe Mode keeps crashing. Check to see if any of your gear is broken, like your RAM and hard drive.

When you’re done fixing the problem, you’ll need to leave Safe Mode and go back to standard boot. Start up your computer again to do this. When you restart, make sure that the Safe boot choice is not checked in the Boot tab if you used System Configuration (msconfig) to get into Safe Mode.

Conclusion

Last but not least, Safe Mode is a strong way to find and fix problems with your Windows computer. You can narrow down problems, get rid of malware, and fix driver issues by starting up in Safe Mode. You can enter Safe Mode in a number of different ways, so you can pick the one that works best for you. Simple steps that are easy to follow are there for Windows 10, Windows 7, or Windows 8/8.1. So, the next time your computer gives you trouble, remember to try Safe Mode first before calling for help.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the point of Safe Mode?

In Safe Mode, your computer loads only the tools and services it needs to run the operating system. This helps you figure out what’s wrong and fix it.

Is it possible to get rid of a bug in Safe Mode?

You can get rid of a bug in Safe Mode. You can turn off the virus by starting up in Safe Mode. This makes it easier to run antivirus checks and get rid of the infection.

How can I tell if I’m in Safe Mode?

There will be the words “Safe Mode” in the corners of your screen when you’re in Safe Mode. With less space and fewer icons, the screen will also look different.

When Safe Mode doesn’t help, what should I do?

You might need to try other steps to fix the problem if Safe Mode doesn’t work. For example, you could run the System File Checker tool, update or remove drivers, or do a system reset.

How do I get my Mac to start up in Safe Mode?

When you turn on your Mac, hold down the Shift key until you see the Apple sign. This will take you into Safe Mode. When you see the login screen, let go of the key. Your Mac will then be in Safe Mode.