Welcome to the world of technology where everything is at the tip of your fingers. Windows has been the preferred choice of the mass for a long time because of its user-friendly interface and features that cater to everyone’s needs. However, sometimes Windows can act up, and we find ourselves in a fix with no idea about what to do. Well, fret not because we have got your back! In this article, we are going to talk about one of the most sought-after Windows features, i.e., ‘Safe Mode.’
Steps
Step 1:
The very first step is to shut down your PC. Press the ‘Power’ button and hold it down until it shuts off. Repeat it 2-3 times to make sure that your PC is switched off.
Step 2:
Now, press the ‘Power’ button again to switch on your PC. As soon as the screen lights up, press the ‘Power’ button again to shut it off. Repeat it 2-3 times more, and Windows will take you to the advanced settings page.
Step 3:
From here, select ‘Advanced options’ and then ‘Troubleshoot.’
Step 4:
Next, click on ‘Startup Settings.’
Step 5:
Click ‘Restart’ to initiate the process. Once the screen lights up, press the ‘F4’ button on your keyboard to start Windows in Safe Mode. If you wish to start Windows in Safe Mode with networking, press ‘F5’ instead.
Step 6:
If you want to start your Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt, press ‘F6’ instead.
Step 7:
Once the system boots into Safe Mode, log in with your Windows credentials to access your desktop.
Step 8:
Press the ‘Windows’ key and ‘R’ together to open the ‘Run’ command.
Step 9:
Type ‘msconfig’ and click ‘OK.’
Step 10:
This will take you to the system’s configuration window. From here, select the ‘Boot’ tab.
Step 11:
Under the ‘Boot’ tab, select the ‘Safe boot’ option.
Step 12:
Click ‘Apply’ and ‘OK’ to save the changes.
Explanation
Starting your system in Safe Mode basically means that the Windows will launch only with the basic drivers and services that are essential to keep the system functional. It helps the users to diagnose and fix the issues that may be causing trouble with the operating system. Sometimes, the system may start in a blue screen or may not start altogether. In such cases, Safe Mode can be a lifesaver. With Safe Mode on, you can uninstall applications or drivers that may have been causing trouble with the system, fix malware infections, and more.
Tips and Tricks
Tip 1:
Pressing ‘F8’ while booting can also bring up the advanced boot options menu instead of repeating the process of shutting the system down multiple times.
Tip 2:
Always try to start Windows in Safe Mode with networking as it enables the system to connect with the internet and download the necessary drivers and updates.
Tip 3:
Starting the system in Safe Mode with Command Prompt can help if you can’t access the GUI and need to perform some operations through the Command line.
Tip 4:
You’ll have to log in with an administrator account to be able to start the system in Safe Mode.
Tip 5:
Sometimes, Windows takes you to the automated repair screen instead of the advanced boot options screen. In that case, click on ‘Advanced options’ to access the Safe Mode.
Tip 6:
If you’re not being able to access Safe Mode, try to boot the system using your Windows installation media.
Tip 7:
Make sure to keep a backup of your essential files and folders before accessing Safe Mode.
Tip 8:
Some anti-virus programs may interfere with the boot process. Make sure to disable them to avoid any trouble while accessing Safe Mode.
Tip 9:
Always keep your system up-to-date with the latest drivers and updates.
Tip 10:
If your system is in Safe Mode, it’s best to avoid performing any heavy tasks that may put a toll on the system’s resources.
In conclusion, Safe Mode is a useful feature that can help you fix issues with your operating system. It’s a great way to diagnose the problems that may be causing trouble with the system. We hope this article has helped you with starting your system in Safe Mode. It’s always best to consult an expert if you face any issues that you’re unable to troubleshoot on your own.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Starting Windows 10 in Safe Mode
Advantages
1. Troubleshoot issues: Starting Windows 10 in Safe Mode allows you to troubleshoot issues with your computer. This is because Safe Mode only loads a basic set of drivers and programs, which can help you identify if a certain program or driver is causing problems.
2. Virus removal: Safe Mode is a useful tool for removing viruses and other harmful malware from your computer. This is because the minimal number of drivers and programs that are loaded make it easier to identify and remove malicious software.
3. Fix startup problems: If your computer is experiencing issues during startup, Safe Mode can help fix the problem. This is because Safe Mode only loads essential drivers and programs, allowing you to identify and fix the issue easier.
4. Access to advanced troubleshooting tools: Safe Mode gives you access to advanced troubleshooting tools, such as System Restore and Startup Repair, which can help fix problems with your computer.
5. Better performance: Safe Mode can also help improve the performance of your computer, as it only loads essential drivers and programs. This can be useful when you need to run resource-intensive programs, such as video editing software.
Disadvantages
1. Limited functionality: Safe Mode only loads a basic set of drivers and programs, which means that certain features and functions may not work properly or may not be available.
2. No internet connection: In Safe Mode, you may not be able to connect to the internet, which can make it difficult to troubleshoot certain issues that require an internet connection.
3. No sound: Safe Mode may not load the necessary audio drivers, which means that you may not be able to hear any sound from your computer.
4. Limited hardware support: If you have hardware that requires specific drivers, that hardware may not work properly in Safe Mode.
5. No access to certain programs: In Safe Mode, you may not be able to access certain programs, such as antivirus software or third-party programs that require a full Windows environment to run properly.
FAQ
1. What is Safe Mode in Windows 10?
Safe Mode is a special diagnostic mode that starts Windows with a minimum set of drivers and services. It is intended to help troubleshoot issues by allowing only basic functionality to run, without interference from third-party software.
2. How do I access Safe Mode in Windows 10?
To access Safe Mode, restart your computer and repeatedly press the F8 or Shift+F8 key until the Advanced Boot Options screen appears. From there, select Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking.
3. What if my computer doesn’t respond to F8 or Shift+F8?
If your computer doesn’t respond to F8 or Shift+F8, try holding down the Shift key and clicking Restart from the Start menu. This should bring up the Advanced Startup Options menu, where you can select Safe Mode.
4. Can I access Safe Mode from within Windows?
Yes, you can. Press Windows+R to open the Run dialog box, and type “msconfig” (without quotes). In the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab and select Safe boot. After clicking OK, your computer will restart in Safe Mode.
5. How do I know if I’m in Safe Mode?
If you’re in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in the corners of your screen. You may also notice that your desktop background is black, and that certain features (such as sound and graphics) have been disabled.
6. What should I do in Safe Mode?
In Safe Mode, you can perform basic troubleshooting tasks such as uninstalling software, updating drivers, scanning for malware, and repairing system files. It’s also a good idea to back up your important files before making any changes.
7. Can I use the internet in Safe Mode?
Yes, you can. If you select Safe Mode with Networking, you’ll have access to the internet and other network resources.
8. Can I run antivirus software in Safe Mode?
Yes, you can. In fact, it’s recommended that you run a full virus scan while in Safe Mode, as some malware can hide from detection in normal mode.
9. How do I exit Safe Mode?
To exit Safe Mode, simply restart your computer. Your system should boot normally again, unless there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
10. What if my computer won’t boot into Safe Mode?
If your computer won’t boot into Safe Mode, it may be because of an underlying hardware or software issue. Try using System Restore to roll back to a previous point, or run a startup repair from a Windows installation disc.
11. What if I accidentally boot into Safe Mode?
If you accidentally boot into Safe Mode, don’t panic. You can simply restart your computer to exit Safe Mode, or follow the steps above to exit manually.
12. Can I change settings while in Safe Mode?
Yes, you can change certain settings while in Safe Mode, such as screen resolution and startup programs. However, some settings may not be available or may be restricted.
13. Should I use Safe Mode regularly?
No, you should only use Safe Mode when troubleshooting an issue. Running your computer in Safe Mode for extended periods can cause performance issues and may not be necessary.
How to Start Windows 10 Safe Mode
Are you experiencing issues with your Windows 10 operating system? Does your computer freeze or shut down unexpectedly? The best way to troubleshoot these problems is to start your computer in Safe Mode. Safe Mode allows you to boot your computer with minimal drivers and services, helping you diagnose and fix any problems that may be occurring.
So, how do you start your computer in Safe Mode? There are a few ways to do this, and we’ve outlined the steps below:
Method 1: Using System Configuration
The first method for starting Windows 10 in Safe Mode is to use System Configuration. Here are the steps:
- Press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box
- Type “msconfig” and hit Enter
- Select the Boot tab and check the “Safe boot” option
- Select the type of Safe Mode you want to use (Minimal, Alternate shell, or Network)
- Hit Apply and then OK
- Restart your computer
When your computer restarts, it will boot into Safe Mode.
Method 2: Using Shift + Restart
Another method for starting Windows 10 in Safe Mode is to use the Shift + Restart option. Here’s how to do it:
- Click the Start button and then click the Power button
- Hold down the Shift key and click Restart
- Select Troubleshoot
- Select Advanced options
- Select Startup Settings
- Click Restart
- When your computer restarts, select the Safe Mode option you want to use (F4 for Safe Mode, F5 for Safe Mode with Networking, or F6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt)
Your computer will now start in Safe Mode.
Conclusion
Starting your computer in Safe Mode is a great way to troubleshoot issues and diagnose problems with your Windows 10 operating system. Whether you use System Configuration or the Shift + Restart method, you can easily access Safe Mode and start fixing any issues that may be occurring.
Closing
We hope this article has been helpful in showing you how to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. Thanks for reading!