HOW TO START IN SAFE MODE?

Understanding Safe Mode in Windows 10

Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode in Windows that starts the operating system with a minimal set of drivers and services. This is particularly useful for troubleshooting problems that may prevent Windows from operating normally.

Accessing Safe Mode through Settings

To initiate Safe Mode using the Windows settings, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings
   Press the Windows logo key + I together on your keyboard to launch the Settings application.

2. Navigate to Recovery Options
   Click on "Update & Security," then select the "Recovery" option from the left sidebar.

3. Restart into Advanced Startup
   Locate the "Advanced startup" section and click the "Restart now" button. Your PC will reboot and display a "Choose an option" screen.

4. Access Startup Settings
   Upon rebooting, select "Troubleshoot," then "Advanced options," and navigate to "Startup Settings." Click on the "Restart" button to continue.

5. Select Safe Mode
   After your computer restarts, you will see a list of startup settings. To enter Safe Mode, press the F4 key. For Safe Mode with Networking, press F5.

Using the F8 Key (Limited Success)

Traditionally, pressing the F8 key during startup provided access to Safe Mode. However, Windows 10 assigns different criteria for accessing boot options:

1. Reboot Your Computer
   Start by restarting your machine.

2. Press F8 Key
   As your computer begins to boot, repeatedly tap the F8 key. Note that this method might not work on all Windows 10 configurations, as the feature is less reliable compared to earlier Windows versions.

3. Select Safe Mode from the Menu
   If the F8 menu appears, choose "Safe Mode" or "Safe Mode with Networking" using your keyboard.

If F8 Fails to Work

If you cannot access Safe Mode using the F8 key due to it being ineffective in Windows 10:

1. Restart with Shift Key Held Down
   Go to the Start menu, click on the "Power" button, and then hold down the Shift key while selecting "Restart."

2. Access Advanced Settings
   Follow the same route through "Troubleshoot," "Advanced options," and "Startup Settings."

3. Enter Safe Mode
   Once in the Startup Settings, press the F4 key to start in Safe Mode or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.

Booting into Recovery Mode

In certain circumstances, you may need to boot directly into recovery mode:

1. Use Recovery Media
   If Windows fails to start correctly, boot from a Windows installation DVD or USB flash drive.

2. Select Repair Your Computer
   Follow prompts to reach the “Repair your computer” option.

3. Use Task Options
   Access "Troubleshoot," then "Advanced options," and finally "Startup Settings" to enter Safe Mode with F4.

Troubleshooting Unbootable Systems

If your computer fails to boot even in Safe Mode, consider using recovery options available through Windows installation media or your system recovery partition:

• System Recovery Options
  Utilize tools such as "Startup Repair" or "System Restore" to resolve boot issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the purpose of Safe Mode?
Safe Mode allows Windows to run only the essential drivers and services, making it easier to diagnose and fix problems on the system.

2. Can I access Safe Mode without F8?
Yes, Safe Mode can be accessed through the Windows settings or by using recovery media.

3. What should I do if Safe Mode doesn’t resolve my issue?
If Safe Mode does not resolve the problem, consider using recovery tools like System Restore or Startup Repair available via the Windows installation media.