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If you’re experiencing issues with your Windows 10 PC, booting it in Safe Mode can be a helpful troubleshooting step. Safe Mode allows you to start the operating system with only core components, disabling non-essential drivers and services. This makes it easier to identify and resolve any problems you may be facing.
In Windows 10, there are three types of Safe Mode: Enable Safe Mode, Enable Safe Mode with Networking, and Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt. You can start your PC in Safe Mode either from the Settings menu or by using the Windows System Configuration tool (msconfig.exe).
To start Windows 10 in Safe Mode from the Settings menu, click on the Start button, go to Settings, and select Update & Security. From there, choose the Recovery option and then click on Restart now under Advanced startup. In the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) screen, click on Troubleshoot, Advanced options, and finally, Startup Settings. Restart your computer, and you’ll be presented with a list of Safe Mode options to choose from by pressing the corresponding key.
Another method to boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode is by using the System Configuration tool. Simply press the Windows + R key combination to open the Run window, type in “msconfig,” and hit Enter. In the System Configuration utility, go to the Boot tab and choose a preferred Safe boot option. Click OK, and then restart your computer to enter the selected Safe Mode.
There are also alternative methods to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode. One option is to use the Shift + Restart feature when you can log in to your PC normally. Additionally, you can enable the F8 key functionality by accessing the BIOS setup and using a recovery medium. If you’re using Windows 7 or earlier, pressing the F8 key during boot will grant you access to the Advanced Boot Options menu. On a Mac, you can start it in Safe Mode by holding down the Shift key during boot.
By following these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to boot your Windows 10 PC in Safe Mode and troubleshoot any issues you may encounter.
How to Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode from Settings
To start Windows 10 in Safe Mode from Settings, follow these simple steps:
- Click the Start button located at the bottom left corner of your screen.
- Go to Settings by clicking the gear icon.
- Choose Update & Security from the Settings menu.
- Click on Recovery located in the left sidebar.
- Select Restart now under the Advanced startup section.
This will initiate a restart of your computer, taking you to the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) screen.
- On the WinRE screen, click Troubleshoot.
- Then click on Advanced options.
- Choose Startup Settings.
- Finally, click the Restart button.
Once your computer restarts, you will see a list of options in the Startup Settings menu. Press the corresponding key on your keyboard to select your preferred Safe Mode option:
F4 – Safe Mode
F5 – Safe Mode with Networking
F6 – Safe Mode with Command Prompt
By following these steps, you will be able to start your Windows 10 computer in Safe Mode using the Settings menu.
How to Boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode Using System Configuration
To boot your Windows 10 PC in Safe Mode, you can utilize the System Configuration tool. Follow these steps for a smooth transition:
- Step 1: Press the Windows + R key combination to open the Run window.
- Step 2: Type “msconfig” in the Run window and press Enter. This will launch the System Configuration utility.
- Step 3: In the System Configuration utility, navigate to the “Boot” tab.
- Step 4: Under the “Boot options” section, you will find “Safe boot” options.
- Step 5: Choose the preferred Safe boot option from the following:
- Minimal: This option allows you to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode with only essential components.
- Alternate shell: Select this option if you need to access Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
- Network: Opt for this option if you want to start Safe Mode with Networking, enabling network services and internet access.
Once you have selected the appropriate Safe boot option, click “OK” to save the changes. Finally, restart your computer, and it will boot into the selected Safe Mode.
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Other Methods to Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode
Starting Windows 10 in Safe Mode offers various options beyond the ones mentioned earlier. Two additional methods are the Shift + Restart feature and enabling the F8 key functionality.
The Shift + Restart method is suitable when you can log in to your Windows 10 PC. To utilize this, go to the Start menu, click on the Power button while holding down the Shift key, and select Restart. Once the PC restarts, it will boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). From there, follow the Troubleshoot, Advanced options, and Startup Settings path to select your desired Safe Mode option using function keys (F4 for Safe Mode, F5 for Safe Mode with Networking, F6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt).
If your PC doesn’t support the Shift + Restart method, another way to enable accessing Safe Mode is by utilizing the F8 key. However, for Windows 10, the F8 key doesn’t work by default. To enable it, you need to access the BIOS setup. Restart your PC and continuously press the key to enter the BIOS setup menu. Once there, navigate to the Advanced settings and search for the Fast Boot option. Disable it, save the changes, and exit the BIOS setup. Now, when you press the F8 key during boot, you can access the Advanced Boot Options menu and select Safe Mode.
For users running Windows 7 and earlier versions, pressing the F8 key during boot can directly access the Advanced Boot Options menu. This allows easy selection of Safe Mode or other boot options.
On a Mac computer, you can start in Safe Mode by holding down the Shift key during boot. This will disable unnecessary login items and launch macOS with only essential components, similar to Safe Mode on Windows.
FAQ
How do I boot my PC in safe mode?
Booting your PC in safe mode is essential for troubleshooting Windows 10 PC issues. Safe mode starts the OS with only core components and disables non-essential drivers and services, making it easier to identify and fix problems.
What types of safe mode are available in Windows 10?
There are three types of safe mode in Windows 10: Enable Safe Mode, Enable Safe Mode with Networking, and Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
To start Windows 10 in safe mode from the Settings menu, click the Start button, go to Settings, and choose Update & Security. Click on Recovery and then select Restart now under Advanced startup. In the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) screen, click Troubleshoot, Advanced options, and Startup Settings. Restart the computer and choose a preferred safe mode option by pressing the corresponding key (F4 for Safe Mode, F5 for Safe Mode with Networking, F6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt).
How can I boot Windows 10 in safe mode using the System Configuration tool?
To boot Windows 10 in safe mode using the System Configuration tool, press the Windows + R key combination to open the Run window. Type “msconfig” and press Enter to open the System Configuration utility. In the Boot tab, choose a preferred safe boot option (Minimal for Safe Mode, Alternate shell for Safe Mode with Command Prompt, Network for Safe Mode with Networking). Click OK and restart the computer to enter the selected safe mode.
Are there any other methods to start Windows 10 in safe mode?
Yes, you can also start Windows 10 in safe mode by using the Shift + Restart feature or by enabling the F8 key functionality. The Shift + Restart method is used when you can log in to your Windows 10 PC, while enabling the F8 key requires accessing the BIOS setup and using a recovery medium. For Windows 7 and earlier, pressing the F8 key during boot can access the Advanced Boot Options menu. On a Mac, holding down the Shift key during boot will start it in safe mode.
