How to Boot to Safe Mode

This is a short but sweet tip that you will need to use one day. Sometimes when your computer will not boot you can try to boot in safe mode. Once I have done this you can try and restart. Most of the time it gets back to normal, however sometimes you need to find a deeper problem. Like recent software installations or a corrupt file.

See what is safe mode if you’re not sure what it is.

How to Boot to Safe Mode in Windows

Booting into Safe Mode can help you troubleshoot and resolve various issues with your Windows operating system. Safe Mode starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services, making it easier to identify and fix problems. Here’s a detailed guide on how to boot into Safe Mode, the common keys used to enter it, the different types of Safe Mode, and which one you should choose based on your situation.

Common Keys to Press to Enter Safe Mode

The key to press to enter Safe Mode varies by computer manufacturer, but the most common ones are:

• F4: Standard Safe Mode
• F5: Safe Mode with Networking
• F6: Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Other keys that might be used to access the boot menu or Safe Mode options include:

• F8: Frequently used on older systems or Windows versions prior to Windows 8.
• F11: Often used on HP and some other brand computers.
• Esc: Sometimes used on certain laptop models.
• Del or Delete: Common on many desktop PCs.

How to Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows 10 and Windows 11:

1. Using Settings:
   • Open the Start menu and click on the Settings icon.
   • Go to Update & Security > Recovery.
   • Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
   • After your PC restarts to the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
   • After your PC restarts again, you’ll see a list of options. Press F4 to start in Safe Mode, F5 for Safe Mode with Networking, or F6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
2. Using the Power Menu:
   • Hold the Shift key and click Restart from the Start menu or the login screen.
   • This will take you to the Choose an option screen. Follow the steps above to navigate to Safe Mode.
3. Using System Configuration (msconfig):
   • Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
   • Type msconfig and press Enter.
   • In the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab.
   • Check the Safe boot option and select the type of Safe Mode you need (Minimal, Alternate shell, Network).
   • Click OK and then Restart your computer.
4. Using a Recovery Drive or Installation Media:
   • Boot from a recovery drive or Windows installation media.
   • Select Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
   • Choose the Safe Mode option you need after your PC restarts.

Types of Safe Mode and Which to Choose

1. Safe Mode (Minimal):
   • Description: Starts Windows with the most basic drivers and services.
   • When to Use: Use this mode to troubleshoot general system issues and basic driver problems.
2. Safe Mode with Networking:
   • Description: Starts Windows with the basic drivers and services plus network drivers and services.
   • When to Use: Choose this option if you need to access the internet or your local network while troubleshooting. Useful for downloading drivers or updates.
3. Safe Mode with Command Prompt:
   • Description: Starts Windows with the most basic drivers and services, and opens the Command Prompt instead of the usual Windows interface.
   • When to Use: Ideal for advanced troubleshooting that requires running commands in Command Prompt, especially if you are trying to fix issues where the normal Safe Mode fails.

Conclusion

Booting into Safe Mode is a critical step in troubleshooting and resolving various system issues. Understanding the different types of Safe Mode and knowing how to access them can greatly aid in diagnosing and fixing problems efficiently. Depending on the issue at hand, you can choose the appropriate Safe Mode option to assist you in the troubleshooting process.