What is a Safe Mode? How to reboot Windows 10 in safe mode? In this guide, we’ll discuss the safe mode in Windows 10, why do you need it, how to start a safe mode in Windows 10 PC.
Safe Mode is an alternate boot method in Windows which only allows important system files and programs to load when the system is started. It is basically a restricted version of Windows which is mostly used to fix issues with the PC.
When you enter safe mode in Windows 10, the only programs that load are - OS files, display drivers and other drivers for mouse and keyboard.
You could enable Safe Mode in earlier Windows versions by just pressing the F8 key while at the boot. In Windows 10, pressing the F8 for Safe Mode doesn’t work anymore.
F8 for Safe Mode Doesn’t Work in Windows 10
I am sure you may have already tried the F8 button to boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode, but it didn’t work. And, you may be wondering if Microsoft has removed the Safe Mode option from Windows 10 as you couldn’t enter Safe Mode in Win10 with F8.
Well! It is not! Microsoft disabled the F8 for Safe Mode in Windows 10 to speed up the startup process. You may notice that the bootup process of your Windows 10 is speedy to provide any bootup options.
However, that doesn’t mean there’s no Safe Mode in Windows 10. You can go to Advanced Boot Option and manually enable the Safe Mode feature in Windows 10.
Let’s see the best ways to reboot your Windows 10 in Safe Mode.
Best Ways to Boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode
You want to boot your Windows 10 system in safe mode to identify the issues and fix them. Although, as we discussed above, the F8 key which was previously the efficient key to startup in Safe Mood is no longer available.
Don’t panic! As we have shortlisted some of the easy ways to boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode below:
If you can’t Log in to Windows 10, go through these simple methods below:
1. Use the Key Combination to boot windows 10 in Safe Mode:
This is the most basic and useful method, if you can’t log into Windows 10, but can get through the sign-in screen. Now, follow the steps below to start the process:
- Press and hold the SHIFT key and Power button together
- A startup menu appears, click on the Restart option
- Windows 10 restarts and a list of options appears, select Troubleshoot
- In the Troubleshoot window, select Safe Mode
- On the Advanced options menu , click on Startup settings
Note: if you can’t see the Startup Settings option, hit on the “See more recovery options” icon and then click on the Startup Settings menu
- Now, click on the Restart icon, to restart to change some Windows option including “Enable Safe Mode .”
Now, as your windows system restarts again, you are provided with the option you want to enable. Also, there are three options you have to choose from to enable Safe Mode, and they are:
- Safe Mode with Networking - Press F5
- Safe Mode with Command Prompt - Press F6
- Standard Safe Mode - Press F4 Key
That’s it! Now, log in to Windows Safe Mode with an administrator user account and make your preferred changes.
2. Use Windows 10 flash USB Recover Drive
For those who don’t know, you can create a system recovery USB drive . However, generate this USB recovery drive on another Windows 10 PC, as your PC is not working currently. After you create this USB drive, it asks you to load its table of contents.
The first screen which appears is to select your preferred Keyboard layout. And once you have done that, go to Troubleshoot and repeat the all the steps from the previous method
- On the Advanced options icon, click on the Startup settings
- Now, click on the Restart button , to change some Windows option including “Enable Safe Mode.”
- Press the F4 key on your keyboard to boot into minimal Safe Mode, press F5 to boot into “Safe Mode with Networking,” and press F6 to go into “Safe Mode with Command Prompt.”
You’re done! You have enabled your Window into Safe Mode.
If you can Log in to Windows 10, go through these simple methods below
3. Use the System Configuration Tool
Using the system configuration tool that is “msconfig.exe” is the easiest method, if you can log in to your windows 10. Follow the steps to do so:
- Go to Search , and type System Configuration
- Click on the System configuration shortcut in the results
- The System Configuration window opens. Now, click on the Boot tab in the Boot options
- Choose the Safe boot option
- Click on OK to save the changes
- Reboot your system
Your windows 10 system automatically reboots in Safe Mode.
This is another easy way to get your Windows 10 in Safe mode by using the options provided in the Start menu . Let us see how to do so:
- Press and hold SHIFT key + Start button
- Then press the Power icon followed by the Restart option
- The Windows 10 restarts with many options on the screen. Select Troubleshoot
- On the Advanced options icon, go to Startup settings
- Now, click Restart button and change some Windows option including “Enable Safe Mode.”
- Press the F4 key to minimal Safe Mode, press F5 to boot into “Safe Mode with Networking,” or press F6 to go to the “Safe Mode with Command Prompt.”
5. Use the Settings App
Operate the Settings app to access the Recovery options and boot in Safe Mode. Follow the below-listed steps to do so,
- Press and hold Windows + I keys, to open Settings
- Go to Update & Security
- Press Recovery (to the left side)
- In the Advanced Startup option , click on the Restart icon
- Again the Windows 10 reboots. Click on the Troubleshoot icon
- Go to Startup settings, on the Advanced options icon
- Click Restart button and change some Windows option “Enable Safe Mode.”
- To minimal Safe Mode, press the F4 key, press F5 to boot into “Safe Mode with Networking,” or to go to the “Safe Mode with Command Prompt.”, press F6
Now, we know how to boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode without the function key F8.
Which Safe Mode Should You Use?
You can now directly reboot your system in Safe Mode, but there are three options to choose which Safe Mode you prefer to use.
It means the Safe Mode only boots your PC with a limited set of files, drivers and programs. So according to your preference, you can choose one of these:
1. Safe Mode
This is a fundamental configuration where you can see the fonts and icons look different and significant as the drivers are very basic. The Safe Mode logo will appear on the four corners of your screen and only allows the access to Start Menu, Keyboard and Mouse.
Although, this mode is beneficial when you want to run your antivirus scanning process or use the system restore.
2. Safe Mode with Networking
This acts like a Safe mode with some additional networking drivers which allows your Windows PC to connect your Internet. However, we suggest you avoid surfing the internet on Safe Mode as your PC is in an insecure mode.
3. Safe Mode with Command Prompt
This mode directly takes you to the Command Prompt window to operate some technical programs. This mode is generally used by professionals or technicians to identify a significant problem or start a particular advanced service.
However, this mode isn’t accessible on every Windows 10 versions. Ensure you are familiar with the Safe Mode with Command Prompt before you enable it.
Finally! We now know all about rebooting Safe Mode with its various functions, and types. Let us know in the comments section below which Safe Mode would you prefer to use and which method works the best for you to reboot your Windows in Safe Mode.
Also Read:
- How to Disable Windows 10 Auto Reboot after Updates Installation?
- What to do when Windows 10 Won’t Boot or Won’t Start?