Safe Mode is a special diagnostic mode in which Windows runs with the minimum amount of features. As the features are limited, Windows does not load unnecessary startup items and runs only those files and drivers that are necessary for the basic functioning of the operating system. This allows users to remove recently installed programs that might be preventing Windows from starting correctly. As Windows does not start unnecessary programs while in Safe Mode, Safe Mode can also be used to remove
viruses and malware that cannot be removed normally without risking the infection getting worse.
There are different ways in which you can get into the Safe Mode in Windows. They depend on the version of Windows you are using.
In this article:
- Steps for Windows 8 users
- Steps for Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP and users of previous versions
- Force Windows to start in Safe mode
- Which Safe Mode option should you choose?
Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP and Previous versions
If you are using these versions of Windows, you can try the following methods.
The Trusted F8 key method1) Restart your computer if it is on.
2) Right before the system starts to boot, start tapping the
F8 key continuously.
3) This should load the
Windows Advanced Options boot menu.
4) Select a Safe Mode option
based on your need using the arrow keys and press Enter.
5) Windows will start in Safe mode. To get out of Safe mode, simply restart your computer.
This method should work on Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2003 and Windows ME. However, if it does not, you can always
force Windows to boot in Safe Mode if your computer is working "properly".
Faulty Startup MethodIf the F8 key method does not take you to the Advanced Options boot menu, you could try turning your
computer off when it boots into Windows. Upon next restart, Windows will notice that the computer did not boot successfully and take you to the Advanced Options boot menu. Then, select a Safe mode option based on your need. This method is risky and should only be tried as a last resort. It could result in some of your files being deleted which could make your Windows installation unusable.
Windows 8
The F8 key method does not work on Windows 8. Hence, getting onto Safe Mode requires the following steps:-
If your PC is working properly:1) On Windows 8 Start Screen, type
Advanced. In the search results, click on the
Settings category.
2) Click on
Advanced startup options.
3) Under the
Advanced Startup heading at the bottom of the
General Settings screen, click on Restart now.
4) Your computer will restart and you will be taken to the Advanced Startup Options menu. To easily reach this menu, on Windows 8 start screen, you could choose restart while holding the Shift key.
5) Click on
Troubleshoot and then on the
Advanced Options button.
6) Now, click on
Startup Settings.
7) At the Startup Settings Screen, click on
Restart.
8) Your computer will restart to Advanced Boot options from where you can choose a Safe mode option
based on your need.
You can also
force Windows to start in Safe mode.
If your PC is not working properly:Windows 8 monitors your PC's startup for problems and when an error is detected, it automatically takes you to the new Recovery mode with the message "Recovery. It looks like Windows didn't load correctly." In this case:-
1) Select
Advanced Repair Options and then click on
Troubleshoot.
2) Click on the
Advanced Options button.
6) Now click on
Startup Settings.
7) At the Startup Settings Screen, click on
Restart.
8) Your computer will restart to Advance Boot Options from where you can choose a Safe mode option
based on your need.
Force Windows to restart in Safe Mode using the System Configuration Utility
Most users looking to boot Windows in safe mode will have a computer that is not working properly. Unfortunately, this method will not help them as it requires the user to have a working computer.
Steps:1) On Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP and previous versions of Windows, click on Start. Go to Run in Windows XP and previous versions and go to Search in Windows 7 and Vista. On Windows 8, go to the Start screen.
2) Type
msconfig and press Enter.
3) This will start the System Configuration Utility.
4) On Windows XP, go to the
BOOT.INI tab and check
/SAFEBOOT. On Windows 8, Windows 7 and Windows Vista, go to the
Boot tab and check
Safe Boot.
5) Click
OK.
6) Click on Restart in the following dialog box.-
Your computer will restart in Safe mode.
Different Safe Mode Options. Which to choose?
These are the various safe mode options available in Windows. You can choose one based on the features you require.
Safe ModeThis is safe mode in its most basic form without any extra features. It is useful for troubleshooting most common problems .
Safe Mode with NetworkingThis offers additional support of connecting to the internet or any other network. This is useful when your PC has a problem which might require you to frequently use the internet to troubleshoot.
Safe Mode with Command PromptThis option will allow you to use all the unique features of the Windows
command prompt while in Safe mode.