Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode in Windows 10 that allows you to start your computer with only the essential drivers and services needed to run the operating system.
It’s a troubleshooting tool that can help you identify and resolve issues that may be caused by incompatible software, malware, driver conflicts, or other problems.
When you boot your Windows 10 computer in safe mode, it loads a minimal set of drivers and services, bypassing unnecessary programs and processes that may be causing issues.
This can help you troubleshoot problems, such as blue screen errors, freezing, or startup failures, by isolating the cause of the issue.
There are several methods to boot Windows 10 in safe mode, including using built-in Windows 10 options, using the Shift + Restart method, or using a Windows 10 installation media. Let’s explore each method in detail:
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Method 1: Using the Shift + Restart Method
1. If you’re currently logged into Windows 10, click on the “Start” button located at the bottom left corner of the screen and then click on the “Power” icon, which will reveal additional power options.
2. Hold down the “Shift” key on your keyboard and click on the “Restart” option, which will initiate a restart of your computer and bring up the Advanced Startup Options menu.
3. In the Advanced Startup Options menu, select “Troubleshoot” to access further options.
4. In the Troubleshoot menu, select “Advanced options”.
5. In the Advanced options menu, select “Startup Settings” to access the Startup Settings options.
6. Click on the “Restart” button, which will restart your computer and present you with a list of startup options.
7. In the Startup Settings options menu, press the “4” or “F4” key on your keyboard to boot Windows 10 in “Safe Mode”. If you need to enable safe mode with networking, you can press “5” or “F5” key instead.
8. Windows 10 will now start in safe mode, and you can troubleshoot the issue that you’re facing.
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Method 2: Using the System Configuration (msconfig) Tool
1. Press the “Windows” key + “R” key on your keyboard to open the “Run” dialog box.
2. Type “msconfig” (without quotes) in the Run dialog box and press “Enter” to open the System Configuration utility.
3. In the System Configuration window, go to the “Boot” tab.
4. Under the “Boot options” section, check the box next to “Safe boot” and select “Minimal” for safe mode with minimal drivers and services, or “Network” for safe mode with networking.
5. Click on the “OK” button to apply the changes.
6. You will be prompted to restart your computer. Click on the “Restart” button to reboot your computer in safe mode.
7. Windows 10 will now start in safe mode, and you can troubleshoot the issue that you’re facing.
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Method 3: Using the Settings App.
1. Click on the “Start” button and then click on the “Settings” icon, which looks like a gear wheel, to open the Settings app.
2. In the Settings app, click on the “Update & Security” option.
3. In the Update & Security window, click on the “Recovery” option in the left-hand menu.
4. Under the “Advanced startup” section, click on the “Restart now” button to initiate a restart of your computer into the Advanced Startup Options menu.
5. Your computer will now restart, and you will see a blue screen with several options. Click on the “Troubleshoot” option to access further options.
6. In the Troubleshoot menu, select “Advanced options”.
7. In the Advanced options menu, select “Startup Settings” to access the Startup Settings options.
8. Click on the “Restart” button, which will restart your computer and present you with a list of startup options.
9. In the Startup Settings options menu, press the “4” or “F4” key on your keyboard to boot Windows 10 in “Safe Mode”. If you need to enable safe mode with networking, you can press “5” or “F5” key instead.
10. Windows 10 will now start in safe mode, and you can troubleshoot the issue that you’re facing.
Once you’re done troubleshooting in safe mode, you can restart your computer normally to exit safe mode. Simply click on the “Start” button, click on the “Power” icon, and select “Restart” to reboot your computer in normal mode.
Summary
Booting Windows 10 in safe mode can be a helpful troubleshooting step when you’re facing issues with your computer, such as blue screen errors, freezing, or startup failures.
Using the Settings app to boot into safe mode provides a straightforward method to access the Advanced Startup Options menu and select safe mode as a startup option.
Remember to restart your computer normally after troubleshooting in safe mode to exit safe mode.
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Originally posted on April 14, 2023 @ 3:55 pm
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