How to Use Windows 10 Safe Mode Like a Pro

Windows 10 Safe Mode is your best friend when it comes to fixing problems with your PC. It lets you start your system with only the essential drivers and programs, so you can find out what’s causing the trouble and fix it. In this article, I’ll show you three ways to get into Safe Mode and how to deal with some common issues along the way.

{tocify} $title={Table of Contents}

Windows 10

Method 1: System Configuration

$ads={1}

How to Boot into Safe Mode with msconfig?

System Configuration is a handy tool that lets you choose different options for Safe Mode:

1. Minimal Mode: This is the basic Safe Mode with only the necessary drivers and services.
2. Alternate Shell: This is for advanced users who want to use Command Prompt instead of the normal interface.
3. Active Directory Repair: This is for business users who need to access information specific to their machines.
4. Network: This is for online troubleshooting, as it enables networking features in Safe Mode.

To use System Configuration to boot into Safe Mode:

1. Type ‘msconfig’ in the Start Menu search bar and hit Enter.
2. Go to the Boot tab and check the Safe Boot box.
3. Pick the option you want (e.g., Minimal) and click OK.
4. Restart your PC and you’ll be in Safe Mode.

Method 2: Advanced Startup

$ads={2}

How to Access Safe Mode through Windows 10 Advanced Startup

1. Type ‘advanced start-up’ in the Start Menu search bar and hit Enter.
2. Click on ‘Restart Now’ under Advanced start-up.
3. When your PC restarts, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options.
4. Click on Start-up Settings > Restart.
5. When your PC restarts again, press the number key for the Safe Mode option you want.

Shortcut: You can also hold Shift and click Restart under Power in the Start Menu, then follow the same steps as above.{alertInfo}

Method 3: Tapping F8 During Startup

Windows 10

To Enable F8 Safe Mode Access using Command Prompt:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator from the Start Menu.
2. Type: bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy and hit Enter.
3. To undo this, type: bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy standard and hit Enter.

Note: By default, Windows 10 doesn’t let you use F8 to access Safe Mode, but this method enables it.{alertInfo}

What If I Can’t Get into Safe Mode?

Don’t panic, you still have some options:

Recovery Mode: Insert your installation media (DVD or USB) and choose Repair Your Computer. You’ll get some options like System Restore, System Image Recovery, and more.
System Repair Disc: You can create a disc that can help you fix your PC via Control Panel > System and Security > Back-up and Restore (Windows 7).

How Do I Exit Safe Mode?

That depends on how you got into Safe Mode If you used Method 1 (System Configuration), you need to uncheck the Safe Boot box in the same tool and restart your PC.
If you used Methods 2 or 3, you just need to restart or shut down your PC normally.

Caution: For Method 1, make sure you turn off Safe Mode before you restart your PC, otherwise you’ll be stuck in it.{alertWarning}

Conclusion: Using Windows 10 Safe Mode like a pro is a great way to troubleshoot your PC problems. With the three methods I showed you and some extra recovery options, you can fix your issues and get your PC back to normal. Just remember to always create a System Image or System Repair Disc as a backup for any future problems.

Tags:

• Windows 10 Safe Mode
• How to use Windows 10 Safe Mode
• Windows 10 Safe Mode guide
• Windows 10 Safe Mode tutorial
• Windows 10 Safe Mode tips
• Windows 10 Safe Mode troubleshooting
• Windows 10 Safe Mode methods
• Windows 10 Safe Mode options
• Windows 10 Safe Mode features
• Windows 10 Safe Mode benefits
• Windows 10 Safe Mode best practices
• Windows 10 Safe Mode vs normal mode
• Windows 10 Safe Mode for beginners
• Windows 10 Safe Mode for advanced users
• Windows 10 Safe Mode FAQ