Going into safe mode on Windows 10 can be a useful troubleshooting tool when you encounter certain issues with your computer. Safe mode allows you to start your computer with minimal drivers and services, which can help identify the cause of problems such as software conflicts, driver issues, or malware infections. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to access safe mode on Windows 10 and discuss their pros and cons.
The Challenge of Going into Safe Mode on Windows 10
When faced with a Windows 10 system issue, the inability to boot into safe mode can be frustrating. Safe mode provides a way to start Windows in a limited state, bypassing unnecessary drivers and software. However, reaching safe mode on Windows 10 can be tricky, especially since the methods to access it have changed over the years. Below are four methods you can try to go into safe mode on Windows 10:
Video Tutorial:
Method 1: How to Go into Safe Mode on Windows 10 using System Configuration
If you can still boot into Windows, you can use the System Configuration tool to access safe mode. Here are the steps:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type "msconfig" and press Enter to open the System Configuration window.
3. In the System Configuration window, navigate to the "Boot" tab.
4. Under the "Boot options" section, check the "Safe boot" checkbox.
5. Select your desired safe mode option: Minimal, Alternate shell, or Network.
6. Click "Apply" and then "OK".
7. A prompt will appear to restart your computer. Click "Restart" to boot into safe mode.
Pros:
1. Easy to access if you can still boot into Windows.
2. Provides different safe mode options depending on your needs.
3. Can be useful for troubleshooting software-related issues.
Cons:
1. Requires access to Windows, which may not be possible if your computer is experiencing severe issues.
2. May not be effective in resolving hardware-related problems.
Method 2: How to Go into Safe Mode on Windows 10 using Shift + Restart
If you’re unable to access Windows, you can use the Shift + Restart method to boot into the recovery environment and access safe mode. Follow these steps:
1. On the Windows login screen, hold down the Shift key while clicking on the "Power" button in the lower right corner.
2. From the options menu, choose "Restart".
3. After your computer restarts, you will be presented with the "Choose an option" screen.
4. Select "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Startup Settings".
5. Click on the "Restart" button.
6. Your computer will restart again, presenting a Startup Settings menu.
7. Press the number key corresponding to the desired safe mode option.
8. Your computer will now boot into safe mode.
Pros:
1. Allows you to access safe mode even if you can’t boot into Windows normally.
2. Provides different safe mode options to suit your needs.
Cons:
1. Requires restarting your computer multiple times to access safe mode.
2. May not work if your computer’s boot process is severely damaged.
Method 3: How to Go into Safe Mode on Windows 10 using Recovery Drive
If the Shift + Restart method doesn’t work, or if you don’t have access to the Windows login screen, you can create a recovery drive to access safe mode. Follow these steps:
1. Create a recovery drive on a different Windows 10 computer. Go to "Control Panel" > "Recovery" > "Create a recovery drive".
2. Insert the recovery drive into the computer you want to boot into safe mode.
3. Power on your computer and press the necessary key to enter the boot menu (usually F12 or Esc).
4. From the boot menu, select the option to boot from the recovery drive.
5. When the recovery environment loads, choose your desired language and keyboard settings, then click "Next".
6. Select "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Startup Settings".
7. Click on the "Restart" button.
8. Your computer will restart again, presenting a Startup Settings menu.
9. Press the number key corresponding to the desired safe mode option.
10. Your computer will now boot into safe mode.
Pros:
1. Allows you to access safe mode without relying on Windows being functional.
2. Can be helpful when all other methods fail.
Cons:
1. Requires access to another Windows 10 computer to create a recovery drive.
2. Involves several additional steps and the use of external media.
Method 4: How to Go into Safe Mode on Windows 10 using Command Prompt
If you’re comfortable using the Command Prompt, you can access safe mode by executing a few commands. Here’s how:
1. Boot your computer using a Windows 10 installation media (DVD or USB).
2. On the Windows Setup screen, press Shift + F10 to open a Command Prompt window.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
bcdedit /set {default} safeboot minimal
4. Close the Command Prompt window and click "Next" on the Windows Setup screen.
5. On the next screen, select "Repair your computer" instead of installing Windows.
6. Select "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Command Prompt".
7. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot
8. Restart your computer, and it will now boot into safe mode.
Pros:
1. Allows you to access safe mode using the Command Prompt.
2. No need for external media or additional Windows installation.
Cons:
1. Requires familiarity with the Command Prompt interface.
2. Involves executing commands that could potentially affect your system if not done correctly.
Alternatives: What to Do If You Can’t Go into Safe Mode on Windows 10
If you’re unable to access safe mode using any of the methods described above, here are some alternative solutions you can try:
1. Use a System Restore Point:
If you have previously created a System Restore Point, you can restore your computer to a previous state when it was working properly. This can help undo any recent changes that might be causing the issue.
2. Use Startup Repair:
Boot your computer using a Windows 10 installation media, and select "Repair your computer". Choose "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Startup Repair". The Startup Repair tool can automatically fix many common boot issues.
3. Use a Recovery Image:
If you have a recovery image or system backup, you can restore your computer to its original state using that image. This will revert your system back to the exact state it was in when the backup was created.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to help you with safe mode on Windows 10:
1. Take note of your safe mode options:
When accessing safe mode, pay attention to the available options (e.g., Minimal, Alternate shell, Network). Choosing the appropriate option based on your needs can help troubleshoot specific issues more effectively.
2. Update your drivers:
If you encounter issues in safe mode, updating your drivers can sometimes resolve them. Use the Device Manager to check for any outdated or corrupted drivers and update them accordingly.
3. Scan for malware:
While in safe mode, it’s a good idea to run a thorough antivirus scan to detect and remove any potential malware or viruses that may be causing your computer problems.
5 FAQs about Going into Safe Mode on Windows 10
Q1: Can I access safe mode if I’m using a wireless keyboard?
A: Yes, you can access safe mode using a wireless keyboard. The key combination to access safe mode remains the same, regardless of the type of keyboard you use.
Q2: Can I access safe mode if I’m using a dual-boot setup with another operating system?
A: Yes, you can still access safe mode on Windows 10 even if you have a dual-boot setup with another operating system. The methods described in this blog post are specific to Windows 10 and should work regardless of other operating systems installed.
Q3: Will safe mode delete my files or settings?
A: No, safe mode does not delete any files or settings on your computer. It simply starts your computer with a minimal set of drivers and services, allowing you to troubleshoot and diagnose issues.
Q4: Can I access safe mode if I’m using a Microsoft account to log in to Windows 10?
A: Yes, you can access safe mode on Windows 10 regardless of whether you’re using a local account or a Microsoft account to log in. The methods described in this blog post are applicable to both account types.
Q5: How do I exit safe mode?
A: To exit safe mode on Windows 10, simply restart your computer. It will boot back into normal mode, loading all drivers and services as usual.
In Conclusion
Safe mode on Windows 10 is a powerful tool that allows you to troubleshoot various system issues. By using different methods such as System Configuration, Shift + Restart, Recovery Drive, or Command Prompt, you can access safe mode even when your computer is experiencing difficulties. Additionally, alternative solutions like using a System Restore Point or Startup Repair can help when safe mode access is not possible. Remember to consider the pros and cons of each method and try the suggested bonus tips to maximize your troubleshooting success.