Welcome to our article on how to run Windows 10 in safe mode. If you are experiencing issues with your Windows 10 operating system, starting in safe mode can help identify the problem. In this article, we will guide you through the steps and explain everything you need to know about safe mode.
Steps
Step 1: Click on Start Button
The first step to starting Windows 10 in safe mode is to click on the Start button located in the bottom left corner of your desktop screen.
Step 2: Click on Settings
After clicking on the Start button, click on the Settings button which is represented by a gear icon.
Step 3: Click on Update & Security
Next, click on Update & Security button located in the bottom row of options.
Step 4: Click on Recovery
Within the Update & Security settings, click on the Recovery option located on the left-hand menu.
Step 5: Click on Restart Now
Under the Advanced startup option, click on Restart now. This will restart your computer in a special way that allows you to access advanced options, including safe mode.
Step 6: Select Troubleshoot
After your computer has restarted in a special way, select the troubleshoot option from the menu.
Step 7: Select Advanced Options
Select the Advanced options button from the troubleshoot menu.
Step 8: Select Startup Settings
Select the Startup Settings option from the advanced options menu.
Step 9: Click on Restart
You will then see a ‘Restart’ button on the Startup Settings screen. Click on this button to restart your computer once again.
Step 10: Press F4
Your computer will now restart again and present you with the Startup Settings screen. Press the F4 button to start your computer in safe mode.
Step 11: Wait for Safe Mode to Load
Your computer will now boot up in safe mode, which may take a few minutes. Wait for safe mode to load completely.
Step 12: Troubleshoot the Problem
Once in safe mode, you can troubleshoot the problem with your computer. You can uninstall any problematic software or drivers, or perform a system restore to a previous point in time.
Explanation
Safe mode is a special mode that starts your computer with a minimal set of drivers and services. It can be used to troubleshoot computer problems that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. When you start your computer in safe mode, it only allows essential system services and processes to run, which can help you isolate and troubleshoot any problem that is preventing your computer from working correctly.
Starting Windows 10 in safe mode can be a useful tool for troubleshooting a variety of problems, including computer crashes, software errors, and driver compatibility issues. By following the 12 steps outlined in this article, you can easily start your computer in safe mode and troubleshoot any issues you may be experiencing.
Tips and Tricks
1. Using Safe Mode with Networking
You can start your computer in safe mode with networking to troubleshoot network-related issues or to download new drivers to fix a problem. To start your computer in safe mode with networking, follow the instructions outlined in this article but select the “Safe Mode with Networking” option when prompted.
2. Use System Restore in Safe Mode
If you are unable to start your computer in normal mode, you can use safe mode to perform a system restore. System restore can be used to revert your computer back to a previous point in time when it was working correctly. To use system restore in safe mode, follow the instructions outlined in this article but select the “System Restore” option from the advanced startup menu.
3. Uninstall Problematic Software or Drivers
If you are experiencing issues with your computer, try uninstalling any software or drivers that were recently installed. Problematic software or drivers can cause a variety of issues with your computer, including crashes and error messages. To uninstall software or drivers, go to the Control Panel and select Programs and Features. From here, you can uninstall any problematic software or drivers.
4. Run Antivirus and Malware Scans
Viruses and malware can cause a wide range of computer issues, including crashes and error messages. Use your antivirus software to perform a full system scan in safe mode. This can often help identify and remove any viruses or malware that may be causing issues with your computer.
5. Use the Event Viewer
The Windows Event Viewer can help identify issues with your computer by providing detailed information about system-related events. To open event viewer, type “Event Viewer” into the search bar on the taskbar and select the application. From here, you can review the logs and identify any issues that may be affecting your computer.
6. Update Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause a variety of issues with your computer. Use safe mode to update any drivers that may be causing issues. You can download the latest drivers from your computer manufacturer’s website or by using a driver update tool.
7. Disable or Uninstall Antivirus Software
If your computer is experiencing issues, your antivirus software may be the culprit. Try disabling or uninstalling your antivirus software to see if this resolves the issue. Just be sure to reinstall your antivirus software after troubleshooting the problem.
8. Use the Command Prompt
You can use the command prompt in safe mode to perform advanced troubleshooting tasks, including scanning for hard drive errors and repairing corrupted system files. To open the command prompt, type “cmd” into the search bar on the taskbar and select the application. From here, you can type in specific commands to perform a wide range of tasks.
9. Use the System File Checker
The System File Checker is a tool that can be used to scan for and repair corrupted system files. To use the System File Checker in safe mode, open the command prompt and type “sfc /scannow” and hit enter. This will initiate a scan and repair any corrupted system files.
10. Restart Your Computer
Finally, if all else fails, restarting your computer may help resolve the issue. Just be sure to start your computer in safe mode and troubleshoot any issues before restarting again in normal mode.
In conclusion, starting Windows 10 in safe mode can help identify and troubleshoot a wide range of computer issues. By following the 12 easy steps outlined in this article and using the tips and tricks provided, you can use safe mode to fix almost any problem you may be experiencing.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Running Windows 10 in Safe Mode
Advantages
1. Safe Mode limits the number of drivers and services that run during startup, which helps to troubleshoot issues related to software conflicts and malware infections.
2. It enables easy deletion of problematic system files and software programs that may be hard to remove in normal mode.
3. Safe Mode allows users to diagnose problems with hardware devices and test the stability of drivers and other software programs.
4. It is an easy way to make changes to the system configuration, such as disabling startup programs and changing screen resolution.
5. Safe Mode provides an environment for advanced troubleshooting and system recovery options that can help to fix complex issues with Windows 10.
6. It can be used to troubleshoot issues with Windows updates and fix problems with automatic updates that may cause conflicts with system drivers and software programs.
7. Users can access the Command Prompt in Safe Mode and perform system maintenance tasks such as system restore, disk cleanup, and disk defragmentation.
8. Safe Mode can help to improve computer performance by removing unnecessary processes and services that may slow down the system.
9. It is a useful tool for novice computer users who may not have the technical knowledge to troubleshoot complex system issues using other methods.
10. Safe Mode can be accessed easily by pressing the F8 key during startup, making it a quick and convenient way to troubleshoot common Windows 10 problems.
Disadvantages
1. Safe Mode limits the functionality of the operating system and may lead to reduced computer performance and slower processing speeds.
2. It does not provide access to certain system files and software programs, which may limit the ability to troubleshoot certain types of issues.
3. Safe Mode may not always be effective in fixing complex issues and may require additional troubleshooting methods.
4. Some hardware devices may not work properly in Safe Mode, which can limit the ability to diagnose problems with certain components.
5. Users may experience difficulties in accessing certain system settings and configurations, making it less flexible than normal mode.
6. It may not be enough to resolve issues related to hardware failures or physical damage to the computer.
7. Safe Mode may not be able to detect some types of malware and viruses that can infect the system, leading to potential security risks.
8. It can be difficult for novice computer users to navigate and troubleshoot issues in Safe Mode, leading to potential errors or system damage.
9. Safe Mode may cause compatibility issues with certain software programs that require specific drivers or configurations to run properly.
10. It is a temporary solution and may require additional troubleshooting or system repair methods to resolve complex issues with Windows 10.
FAQ
1. What is safe mode?
Safe mode is a diagnostic mode in Windows that starts your computer with only the basic drivers and services that are required to run the operating system.
2. Why do I need to run Windows 10 in safe mode?
Running Windows 10 in safe mode can help you diagnose and troubleshoot problems with your computer, including issues with drivers, software, and malware.
3. How do I boot Windows 10 in safe mode?
To boot Windows 10 in safe mode, you need to restart your computer and press the F8 key repeatedly until you see the Advanced Boot Options menu. From there, select Safe Mode.
4. What if I can’t boot Windows 10 in safe mode?
If you can’t boot Windows 10 in safe mode, you may need to use other advanced startup options, such as Automatic Repair, System Restore, or Startup Repair.
5. Can I access my files in safe mode?
Yes, you can access your files in safe mode, but you may need to use the command prompt or another advanced tool to access them.
6. How do I exit safe mode?
To exit safe mode, simply restart your computer normally.
7. Do I need to run antivirus in safe mode?
Yes, it’s a good idea to run antivirus in safe mode to help identify and remove any malware that may be causing issues on your computer.
8. Can I connect to the internet in safe mode?
Yes, you can connect to the internet in safe mode, but some features, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, may not work properly.
9. How do I troubleshoot driver issues in safe mode?
You can troubleshoot driver issues in safe mode by uninstalling and reinstalling device drivers, or by using the Device Manager to update or roll back drivers.
10. How do I troubleshoot software issues in safe mode?
You can troubleshoot software issues in safe mode by uninstalling and reinstalling software, or by using the Task Manager to disable startup programs that may be causing issues.
11. Can I run system restore in safe mode?
Yes, you can run system restore in safe mode to restore your computer to a previous state when it was working properly.
12. What if safe mode doesn’t solve my problem?
If safe mode doesn’t solve your problem, you may need to seek further assistance from a technician or Microsoft support.
13. Is safe mode the same as clean boot?
No, safe mode and clean boot are different modes in Windows 10. Clean boot starts your computer with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, but it doesn’t disable certain features like safe mode does.
How to Run Windows 10 in Safe Mode
Running Windows 10 in safe mode is a useful troubleshooting option for when you encounter problems with your computer’s performance or specific applications. Safe mode loads only essential drivers and services, which can help identify the source of the issue and resolve it. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of accessing safe mode in Windows 10 and making the most of its features.
Conclusion and Closing
In conclusion, running Windows 10 in safe mode can be an effective way of solving problems and improving your computer’s performance. Whether you’re experiencing issues with a particular application or the overall system, safe mode gives you a simplified environment to diagnose and fix the issue. By using the steps outlined in this article, you can easily access safe mode and take advantage of its features.
We hope this article has been helpful to you. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to reach out to us. Until next time, happy safe-mode troubleshooting!