How to Boot into Windows 10 Safe Mode

One of the significant upgrades in Microsoft history is the emergence of Windows 10. With significant features and a brilliant operating mechanism, some conventional changes were made – like the effect of the F8 or the SHIFT +F8 input functions not working as expected again. These functions stopped working in due part to the fast and rapid booting procedure of the Windows 10. Nonetheless, Windows 10 safe mode still exists.

When booting into windows 10 safe mode, the Windows OS displays a minimal user interface with important drivers and services needed for it to work. The safe mode makes troubleshooting problems easier as it avoids things that can interfere and cause Windows to crash. The guides below are procedural and easy to follow with our step by step illustrative process.

Four Ways to boot Windows 10 Safe Mode

We will be using four approaches to solve this scenario you are facing. If you are unable to log in to Windows 10 and if you are able to log in and either way you want to start Windows 10 safe mode, read the following guide on how to do it.

In cases where your Computer settings or model could determine the location or route of certain options, we have indicated alternatives that would help get you back on track should in case your computer is slightly configured differently.

1. Shift + Restart on Windows 10 sign in Screen

One of the methods of booting performing this task is to approach through the sign-in screen. The method is to be followed if you are unable to log in to Windows 10 but you can access the Sign-in Screen;

• Long hold the SHIFT key on your keyboard
• While still holding it, tap the Power button
• Click on Restart in the display menu
• Select the Troubleshoot option that comes up
• Go to Advanced Options on the Troubleshooting screen. Initially, this option might not appear depending on your type of Windows 10 computer. If so, you would need to use the “See more recovery options” link
• Proceed to Click the Startup Settings option
• Windows 10 responds and informs that you can Restart your computer to change advanced boot methods which include Safe Mode.
• Click on Restart
  After Windows restarts again, you have the options to choose which boot method you wish to be enabled. There are three methods to access Safe Mode;
• The Standard Safe Mode – use the 4 or F4 key to initiate it
• Safe Mode with Command prompt – use either the 6 or F6 button
• Safe mode with Networking – use the 5 or F5 key

With a user account that has the administrator’s permission, login to Windows 10 Safe Mode and enables the changes you want.

2. System Configuration tool (msconfig.exe) to initiate windows 10 safe mode

If you are able to log in your Windows 10 another easy way to boot into the safe mode is try the System configuration tool. This method is generally known as msconfig.exe. Follow these steps to use it;

• Enter System Configuration in the taskbar search field
• Click the system configuration shortcut
• Click the Boot tab in the displayed window
• Then proceed to click OK

Having done this, you get informed that you have to restart your device for the recent setting to be effected. You can then restart and your computer automatically reboots into safe mode.

3. Boot into Windows 10 Safe Mode with a Recovery Drive

With the possibility that your computer may not be working, you can create a USB recovery drive on another Windows 10-enabled computer.

Once the Recovery Drive is created;
• Use it to boot your Windows 10 computer
• Give permission to load its content when asked

• You are then asked to choose the Keyboard Layout you want. You might not see the layout you want in the list, in that case, tap on the “See more keyboard layouts” option to get a complete list of layouts.
• You will see a “Choose an option” screen after your keyboard layout selection

• Go to Troubleshoot
The following steps are the same steps we illustrated in the first step. In earnest, you;
• Go to Advanced Options
• Startup Settings
• Restart

Then press the 4 or F4 key to boot into minimal safe mode. Or press 5 or F5 to boot windows into safe mode with Networking. And the last option is using the 6 or F6 key to boot into safe mode with a command prompt

4. Using Shift + Restart on Windows 10 Start Menu

This is another method to boot windows 10 safe mode. Using the options displayed on the Start Menu. Follow this guide;

• Long press the SHIFT key on your keyboard
• While still on hold, tap the Home button
• Then click on the Power button
• And finally, click on Restart
• Windows 10 asks you to select an option after it reboots.
• Select Troubleshoot

Now follow the guide as shown in the first method (Step 1) to boot Windows 10 in safe mode.
What is your experience regarding this? Do let us know in the comment section.