3 ways to boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10/11

Safe Mode allows you to easily identify and solve problems you're having with your Windows 10 device without professional help. Here how to boot into safe mode

Safe Mode is an inbuilt troubleshooting feature that disables unnecessary drivers and programs during the startup process. Windows Safe Mode loads the operating system with a minimal set of system files and device drivers, With just enough to boot the Windows OS. In Safe Mode, startup programs, add-ons, etc, do not run. We usually boot into Safe Mode, when we need to troubleshoot issues, fix Startup problems. This allows us to isolate any setting or system errors and fix them at the root, without non-essential applications interfering.

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Different Types Of Safe Mode explained

On Windows 10, there are a few different types of Safe Mode you can choose from, so it’s important to know which you need.safe mode from System Configuration Utility

  1. Safe Mode: This is the basic version that strips away all unnecessary programs and only auto starts a few chosen files and drivers to get the basic system running. It doesn’t allow for many advanced features, including connections with other computers or devices. That makes the computer safer from malware that may be able to move through local networks.
  2. Safe Mode with Networking: This is a mode that adds on the necessary drivers and features to access networks. It’s not quite as safe, but it’s useful if you only have one computer and need to get online to look for help or see if connections to other devices still work.
  3. Safe Mode with Command Prompt: This option may not be available on all versions of Windows 10, but if it is you can enter this mode to bring up a big command prompt screen. This is good for more badly damaged operating systems or technical work where you know the precise command lines necessary to find a problem or launch a specific service.

How To Boot Into Safe Mode On Windows 10

On Windows XP and Windows 7, You can simply press the F8 key at startup to access the Safe mode boot option. But on Windows 10 and 11 you can’t just hit F8 when your PC is booting to see the advanced startup options, such as Safe Mode. It all changed with Windows 11 and 10. Here we have shared Some different ways to Boot into safe mode on Windows 10. And Also Get get back that old boot options screen by pressing F8.

If you are having a windows Startup problem, Can’t Access normal desktop and want to access Safe mode to troubleshoot problems jump to this step

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Using System Configuration Utility

If you are able to start windows normally then you can access safe mode boot from System configuration options.

  • Press Windows + R, type msconfig and ok to Open System Configuration Utility
  • Here on the System Configuration window, click on the boot tab and select safe boot.

safe mode from System Configuration Utility

You can choose from additional options

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  1. Minimal: Starts Safe Mode with the absolute minimal amount of drivers and services, but with the standard Windows GUI (Graphical User Interface).
  2. Alternate Shell: Starts Safe Mode with a Command Prompt, without the Windows GUI. Requires knowledge of advanced text commands, as well as navigating the operating system without a mouse.
  3. Active Directory Repair: Starts Safe Mode with access to machine-specific information, such as hardware models. If we unsuccessfully install new hardware, corrupting the Active Directory, Safe Mode can be used to restore system stability by repairing corrupted data or adding new data to the directory.
  4. Network: Starts Safe Mode with the necessary services and drivers for networking, with the standard Windows GUI.
  • by default select minimal and click Apply.
  • system configuration will Ask for Restart.
  • When you restart windows this will boot into safe mode on the next boot.

How to leave safe mode windows 10

After performing the Troubleshooting steps you can follow the steps below to leave safe mode windows 10.

  1. To boot into normal windows again open system configuration using msconfig.
  2. move to the boot Tab and uncheck the safe boot option.
  3. click apply and ok to make save changes and restart windows to boot into normal windows.

Using Advanced Startup Options

This is the Easiest way to boot Windows 10 into Safe Mode, which would be to press Shift and then click on Restart. This will reboot your Windows 10 computer into Advanced Startup Options. Choose Troubleshoot and then Advanced options.

Also, you can Access Advanced Startup options from the Start menu, click Settings near the bottom, then on Update and Security. Choose Recovery, then Advanced startup. Click on Startup settings and then Restart now and when your computer reboots you will see some options.

advanced Options windows 10

If Having Startup Problem

If you are having a Startup problem and are unable, Login into normal windows you can  boot into safe mode to perform troubleshooting steps then you need an installation media. With help of this, you can access advanced boot options and access safe mode.

If you don’t have installation media create one with help of the Official windows media creation tool. When you are ready with the installation DVD or bootable USB insert it and boot from the installation media. Skip the first screen and on the next screen Select repair your computer As shown below image.

repair your computer

This will restart windows select Troubleshoot -> advanced options -> select Startup Settings -> restart now. After Restart this will represent the startup settings windows with a number of choices. Here press 4 to Boot into safe mode. To reboot in Safe Mode with Networking, press ‘5’ key. To reboot in Safe Mode with Command Prompt, press the ‘6’ key. it will Restart windows and load with safe mode

windows 10 safe mode types

Enable F8 Safe mode boot on windows 10

After know how to boot into safe mode using the system configuration utility and Windows advanced options, Still, you are looking for old Advanced Boot options using F8 at bootup which is used on Windows 7, and Vista. Here follow the below steps to Enable F8 safe mode boot option on windows 10 and 8.1.

First, create the Windows 10 bootable USB flash drive or DVD. Boot from it (change your BIOS boot device settings if necessary). The windows installation screen will open, Skip the first screen by click next now on the install now screen Press Shift + F10 To open the advanced Command prompt option.

Now type the following command: bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy and press Enter to execute the command.

enable F8 safe mode on windows 10

Type exit and press Enter to quit out of the Command Prompt. You can now remove your bootable Windows 10 flash drive or DVD and turn your computer off. When you next boot your PC, you can press F8 to get the Advanced Boot Options menu you once had in Windows 7. Just use the cursor keys to select the mode you want and press Enter.

These are some different ways to Access the safe mode boot option, Enable F8 safe mode boot on windows 10 and 8.1 computers. I hope after reading this post you can easily boot into safe mode using advanced options, system configuration or by enabling the F8 safe mode boot option. Have any queries, or suggestions about this post feel free to comment below. Also, Read from our blog

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