Starting Windows 10 in Safe Mode while booting is a useful skill to have, especially when troubleshooting issues that prevent your computer from starting normally. Safe Mode loads only the essential drivers and services, allowing you to diagnose and fix problems. Here’s how you can do it quickly and easily.
How to Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode While Booting
In this section, we’ll walk through the steps needed to boot Windows 10 into Safe Mode. This will help you diagnose and potentially fix any issues your computer might be having.
Step 1: Press the Power Button
Hold down the power button to turn off your computer.
If your computer is already off, press the power button to turn it on and then turn it off again by holding the power button down. Doing this three times will trigger the Automatic Repair mode.
Step 2: Access the Advanced Startup Options
Press the power button again to turn on your computer, and then immediately start pressing the F8 key.
This should bring up the Advanced Startup Options menu. In some cases, you might need to press another function key like F11, depending on your computer’s manufacturer.
Step 3: Navigate to Troubleshoot
Select the “Troubleshoot” option from the menu that appears.
This will open a new menu with additional troubleshooting options. It’s a straightforward way to get more control over your boot settings.
Step 4: Go to Advanced Options
Select “Advanced options” in the Troubleshoot menu.
This submenu provides more advanced tools for fixing your computer, including accessing Safe Mode.
Step 5: Select Startup Settings
Choose “Startup Settings” from the Advanced options menu.
This option allows you to change the startup behavior of Windows, including enabling Safe Mode.
Step 6: Restart Your Computer
Click “Restart” to reboot your computer.
Once your computer restarts, you’ll see a list of options. Press F4 or 4 to boot into Safe Mode. You can also press F5 or 5 for Safe Mode with Networking.
Once you complete these steps, your computer will start in Safe Mode. You’ll notice the words “Safe Mode” in the corners of your screen. This mode loads only the basic drivers and services, helping you figure out what’s wrong with your computer.
Tips for Starting Windows 10 in Safe Mode While Booting
- Use System Configuration Utility: If you have access to the desktop, you can use the System Configuration utility (msconfig) to boot into Safe Mode.
- Safe Mode with Networking: Use this option if you need internet access to download drivers or use online tools.
- Safe Mode with Command Prompt: This version of Safe Mode starts Windows with Command Prompt instead of the usual interface, useful for advanced troubleshooting.
- Know Your F-keys: Different manufacturers might use different function keys to access the Advanced Startup Options. Check your manual if F8 doesn’t work.
- Create a Recovery Drive: Having a USB recovery drive can make accessing Safe Mode easier if your system is severely compromised.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I’m in Safe Mode?
You’ll see “Safe Mode” in the corners of your screen, and your desktop will look simpler with fewer colors.
Can I use Safe Mode to remove viruses?
Safe Mode can help you remove some types of malware, but it’s best to use specialized antivirus software.
What if F8 doesn’t work?
Try other function keys like F11 or consult your computer’s manual. Some systems use different keys to access the Advanced Startup Options.
Can I access Safe Mode through Windows Settings?
Yes, you can navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery and then click “Restart now” under Advanced startup.
Will booting in Safe Mode delete my files?
No, booting in Safe Mode will not delete any of your files. It simply uses a minimal set of drivers and services.
Summary
- Hold down the power button to turn off the computer.
- Press the power button and start pressing F8.
- Select “Troubleshoot.”
- Choose “Advanced options.”
- Select “Startup Settings.”
- Click “Restart” and press F4 or 4.
Conclusion
Starting Windows 10 in Safe Mode while booting is a critical skill for anyone looking to troubleshoot their computer efficiently. Safe Mode provides a stripped-down version of Windows that can help you identify and fix issues that are preventing normal startup. By following the steps outlined, you can easily navigate through the boot options and get your system into Safe Mode.
If you find yourself frequently needing to boot into Safe Mode, consider creating a recovery drive or learning more about other troubleshooting tools available in Windows 10. Remember, Safe Mode is an excellent first step in diagnosing problems, but it’s not a cure-all. If issues persist, you might need to seek professional help.
For further reading, Microsoft’s official support page offers comprehensive guides on troubleshooting and using Safe Mode effectively. Happy troubleshooting!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.