Introduction
Safe mode is a diagnostic mode of a computer system that launches with only essential services and drivers. It is used to troubleshoot problems with programs and drivers that might not start correctly or that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. Starting your PC in safe mode allows you to diagnose and fix certain issues that can occur in Windows, such as a virus or malware infection. In this article, we will discuss the various ways to start a PC in safe mode.
Press F8 During System Startup
The most common way to start a PC in safe mode is by pressing the F8 key when the system starts up. This will bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu, which contains several options for starting the system in different modes. To use this method, follow these steps:
- Turn on the PC and wait for the initial startup screen to appear.
- Press the F8 key repeatedly until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears.
- Use the arrow keys to highlight the “Safe Mode” option, then press Enter.
- The system will now boot into Safe Mode.
Use the System Configuration Utility
The System Configuration Utility (also known as msconfig) is another way to start a PC in safe mode. To use this method, follow these steps:
- Open the Run command window by pressing the Windows key + R.
- Type “msconfig” and press Enter.
- In the System Configuration window, click on the “Boot” tab.
- Check the “Safe boot” checkbox and select the “Minimal” option.
- Click “OK” and restart the PC.
- The system will now boot into Safe Mode.
Enter ‘msconfig’ in the Run Command Box
Another way to start a PC in safe mode is to enter “msconfig” in the Run command box. To use this method, follow these steps:
- Open the Run command window by pressing the Windows key + R.
- Type “msconfig” and press Enter.
- In the System Configuration window, click on the “Boot” tab.
- Check the “Safe boot” checkbox and select the “Minimal” option.
- Click “OK” and restart the PC.
- The system will now boot into Safe Mode.
Open the Advanced Boot Options Menu
You can also open the Advanced Boot Options menu and choose the “Safe Mode” option. To use this method, follow these steps:
- Turn on the PC and wait for the initial startup screen to appear.
- Press the F8 key repeatedly until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears.
- Use the arrow keys to highlight the “Safe Mode” option, then press Enter.
- The system will now boot into Safe Mode.
Use a Windows Installation Disc or USB Drive
If you have a Windows installation disc or USB drive, you can use it to start your PC in safe mode. To use this method, follow these steps:
- Insert the Windows installation disc or USB drive into your PC.
- Restart the PC and boot from the disc or USB drive.
- When prompted, select the “Repair Your Computer” option.
- Select the “Troubleshoot” option.
- Select the “Advanced Options” option.
- Select the “Startup Settings” option.
- Select the “Enable Safe Mode” option.
- The system will now boot into Safe Mode.
Use the Shift+Restart Combination
You can also use the Shift+Restart combination to start your PC in safe mode. To use this method, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the Shift key while selecting the “Restart” option from the Start menu.
- When the system restarts, select the “Troubleshoot” option.
- Select the “Advanced Options” option.
- Select the “Startup Settings” option.
- Select the “Enable Safe Mode” option.
- The system will now boot into Safe Mode.
Use the Recovery Environment Option
Finally, you can use the Recovery Environment option to start your PC in safe mode. To use this method, follow these steps:
- Turn on the PC and wait for the initial startup screen to appear.
- Press the F8 key repeatedly until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears.
- Select the “Recovery Environment” option.
- Select the “Troubleshoot” option.
- Select the “Advanced Options” option.
- Select the “Startup Settings” option.
- Select the “Enable Safe Mode” option.
- The system will now boot into Safe Mode.
Conclusion
Starting your PC in safe mode can be a useful tool for diagnosing and fixing certain problems. There are several ways to start a PC in safe mode, including pressing F8 during system startup, using the System Configuration Utility, entering ‘msconfig’ in the Run Command Box, opening the Advanced Boot Options Menu, using a Windows Installation Disc or USB Drive, using the Shift+Restart Combination and using the Recovery Environment Option. Whichever method you choose, you can be sure that your PC will be running in safe mode in no time.
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