One of the steps that are considered the most common when troubleshooting a PC with Windows 10 or any other windows is to start in Safe Mode. This was achieved for a long time by pressing the F8 key. Everything changes with Windows 10 and the automatic repair mode. But what if we want safe mode?
If you press the F8 key at the right time (or if you have the option to send the key on startup), Windows may take you to a screen where the recovery environment could be accessed.
From there, you will be able to start windows 10 in safe mode, and we’ll talk about this environment a little later. The problem is that some computer builders and manufacturers disable this particular option. And even on Personal Computers that still support it, it starts Windows (and especially the Transfer between the normal startup process and the Windows startup process) is now much faster, and you hardly have time to press the key.
The positive news is that it is possible to start or switch to safe mode in. The process is now more hidden.
What is Safe Mode?
Safe mode allows you to run your computer or mobile device and diagnose problems with your operating system. Unlike normal operating mode, a computer’s safe mode only loads the software you need by ignoring (or running at low resolution) third-party programs or drivers that you may have installed. It has been part of Windows operating systems since 1995.
When to start your windows 10 in Safe Mode?
As a diagnostic tool, you usually only need to start your windows 10 computer into safe mode if you want to fix a problem with your computer or phone, as the case may be. This can be especially useful if you have exhausted other common Windows 10 troubleshooting methods.
If you have the problem you encountered in Safe Mode, you know that there is a problem with your device’s default settings and drivers. If you cannot replicate the problem in Safe Mode, you can assume that the error is due to non-essential software and applications on your device.
With so few features loaded, booting in safe Windows mode can fix common problems like malware and unstable hardware drivers without endangering your entire system or network.
You can also start in safe mode if you have identified malicious third-party software. In this mode, you can access the Control Panel and remove the software without running automatically at startup, which can infect or further damage your Windows computer or device.
Access Advanced Troubleshooting tools in the Recovery Environment
Most of the ways to access Safe Mode are to enter the Windows recovery environment first. The recovery environment includes several troubleshooting options and Safe Mode. How you will be able to get there depends on whether your PC can start Windows normally.
If your PC normally Starts Windows.
If your Personal Computer can successfully access the Windows login screen when it starts up (or you can log in to Windows), the easiest way to access the recovery environment is to hold down the Shift key by clicking Restart (directly on the connection screen or in the Start menu ).
You may be able to access the recovery environment also from the Settings application. Press Windows + I to launch Settings, and then click the “Update and Security” option.
In the left pane, go to the Recovery tab. In the right pane, scroll down a little and click the “Restart Now” button in the “Advanced Start” section.
If you use one of these methods (Shift + Restart or the Settings app), you will enter the recovery environment, which we will explain a little later in our section on the second step of this process.
If your PC cannot start Windows normally.
If your PC does not normally start Windows twice in a row, you should automatically see a “Recovery” option that allows you to view advanced repair options.
Note: We are talking specifically about whether your PC can be switched on and running successfully during hardware initialization, but Windows cannot be loaded properly. If your PC is having trouble reaching the Windows loading phase, see our guide on what to do if Windows doesn’t start for help.
If your PC does not display this screen, you can try booting your PC from a USB recovery drive. It is best if you have created one in advance. However, if necessary, you can create one from another PC with the same version of Windows.
You may also be able to shuffle the F8 key at startup (but before Windows starts) to be able to access these screens. Some PC builders and manufacturers disable this action, and on some PCs, the startup is so fast that it is difficult to press the key at the right time. But there is nothing wrong with trying.
In both cases, you access the recovery environment and have access to advanced troubleshooting tools that can help you recover a PC that doesn’t start normally. Safe mode is included in these tools.
Force Windows to Boot or Start in Safe Mode until prompted
Sometimes you have to fix problems where you have to start several times in Safe Mode. Going through the whole process just described becomes a real problem if you have to restart it every time you restart your PC. Fortunately, there is a better way.
With the Windows Integrated System Configuration Tool, you can activate the “Safe Start” option. Basically, this forces Windows to start safe mode each time the PC is restarted. To restart Windows normally, you must return to the System Configuration Tool and disable the option.
You can even choose Safe Mode in which to start Windows:
- Minimum: normal safe mode
- Alternate Shell: Safe mode that only uses the command prompt
- Active Directory Repair – Only used to repair an Active Directory server
- Network: Safe mode with network support