How To Boot Up On Safe Mode Windows 10

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Safe Mode is a troubleshooting option that starts your computer with only the basic files and drivers necessary to run Windows. This mode allows you to diagnose and fix problems that may be preventing your computer from starting normally. Booting up in Safe Mode can be helpful when you are experiencing issues such as system crashes, driver conflicts, or malware infections.

In this blog post, we will explore the various methods to boot up in Safe Mode on Windows 10. We will outline step-by-step instructions for each method, along with their pros and cons. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, this guide will provide you with the necessary knowledge to access Safe Mode on Windows 10.

Video Tutorial:

The Challenge of Booting Up on Safe Mode Windows 10

Booting up on Safe Mode in Windows 10 can sometimes be a bit tricky, especially if you are not familiar with the different methods available. The challenge lies in understanding the various ways to access Safe Mode and choosing the one that suits your needs and situation the best.

Additionally, the process of accessing Safe Mode can vary depending on the hardware or device you are using. Different computer manufacturers may implement their own methods for accessing Safe Mode, which can add to the challenge.

Things You Should Prepare for

Before attempting to boot up in Safe Mode on Windows 10, there are a few things you should prepare for to ensure a smooth troubleshooting experience. Here are some essential items you should have:

A Windows 10 installation media or USB recovery drive
An administrator account with the necessary privileges
Basic knowledge of navigating the Windows 10 interface

Having these items ready will help you in case you encounter any issues during the process of accessing Safe Mode. It’s always better to be prepared than to be caught off guard.

Method 1. How to Boot Up on Safe Mode Windows 10 via System Configuration

The first method we will explore is using the System Configuration tool, also known as msconfig, to boot up in Safe Mode on Windows 10.

Open the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows key + R.
Type msconfig in the Run dialog box and press Enter.
In the System Configuration window, go to the "Boot" tab.
Under the "Boot options" section, check the box next to "Safe boot."
Select the type of Safe Mode you want to boot into (Minimal, Alternate shell, or Network).
Click "Apply" and then "OK."
Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Pros	Cons
Easy to access and configure	Requires a system restart
Allows fine-grained control over Safe Mode options	Requires administrative privileges
Does not require any additional tools or media	Not suitable for advanced troubleshooting

Method 2. How to Boot Up on Safe Mode Windows 10 via Advanced Startup Options

The second method involves accessing the Advanced Startup Options menu to boot up in Safe Mode on Windows 10. This method is useful when you are unable to access the regular Windows interface.

Click on the "Start" menu and select the "Settings" gear icon.
In the Settings window, click on "Update & Security."
In the left-hand menu, select "Recovery."
Under "Advanced startup," click on "Restart now."
Your computer will restart and boot into the Advanced Startup Options menu.
From the menu, select "Troubleshoot" and then "Advanced options."
Click on "Startup Settings," and then click "Restart."
In the Startup Settings menu, press the number key corresponding to the Safe Mode option you want to use.

Pros	Cons
Works even if you are unable to access the regular Windows interface	Requires navigating through multiple menus
Does not require administrative privileges	Requires a system restart
Allows access to additional troubleshooting options	May not be available on certain devices or hardware

Method 3. How to Boot Up on Safe Mode Windows 10 via Shift + Restart

The third method involves using the Shift + Restart combination to access the Advanced Startup Options menu directly from the Windows interface.

Click on the "Start" menu and select the "Power" button.
Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard and click on "Restart."
Your computer will restart and boot into the Advanced Startup Options menu.
From the menu, select "Troubleshoot" and then "Advanced options."
Click on "Startup Settings," and then click "Restart."
In the Startup Settings menu, press the number key corresponding to the Safe Mode option you want to use.

Pros	Cons
Quick and easy method	Requires navigating through multiple menus
Does not require administrative privileges	May not be available on certain devices or hardware
Works without the need for additional tools or media	Requires a system restart

Method 4. How to Boot Up on Safe Mode Windows 10 via Command Prompt

The fourth method involves using the Command Prompt to access the Advanced Startup Options menu and boot up in Safe Mode on Windows 10.

Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" to open an elevated Command Prompt.
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: shutdown /r /o
Your computer will restart and boot into the Advanced Startup Options menu.
From the menu, select "Troubleshoot" and then "Advanced options."
Click on "Startup Settings," and then click "Restart."
In the Startup Settings menu, press the number key corresponding to the Safe Mode option you want to use.

Pros	Cons
Does not require navigating through multiple menus	Requires administrative privileges
Allows direct access to the Advanced Startup Options menu	Requires knowledge of Command Prompt commands
Works without the need for additional tools or media	Requires a system restart

Why Can’t I Boot Up on Safe Mode Windows 10

There can be several reasons why you may be unable to boot up in Safe Mode on Windows 10. Here are some common issues and their possible fixes:

1. Missing Safe Mode Option

Q1: Why can’t I see the Safe Mode option in the Advanced Startup Options menu?

A: Some devices or hardware may not support the Safe Mode option in the Advanced Startup Options menu. Try using one of the other methods described in this guide to access Safe Mode.

2. Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)

Q1: Why am I getting a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) when trying to boot up in Safe Mode?

A: A Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error can occur due to various reasons, such as incompatible drivers or hardware issues. Try updating your drivers or running hardware diagnostics to identify and resolve the issue.

3. System File Corruption

Q1: Why can’t I boot up in Safe Mode due to system file corruption?

A: System file corruption can prevent Windows from starting in Safe Mode. Use the System File Checker tool to scan and repair corrupted system files. Open an elevated Command Prompt and run the command sfc /scannow.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips to enhance your Safe Mode experience on Windows 10:

Keep track of the changes you make in Safe Mode to help identify the cause of the issue.
Disable unnecessary startup programs to improve Safe Mode performance.
Make sure to scan your computer for malware while in Safe Mode.

5 FAQs about Booting Up on Safe Mode Windows 10

Q1: Can I access the internet in Safe Mode?

A: Yes, you can access the internet in Safe Mode if you choose the "Safe Mode with Networking" option. This allows you to troubleshoot internet-related issues while in Safe Mode.

Q2: How do I exit Safe Mode?

A: To exit Safe Mode, simply restart your computer. Upon restart, Windows will boot up normally and exit Safe Mode.

Q3: Can I use Safe Mode to uninstall programs?

A: Yes, you can uninstall programs in Safe Mode. Open the Control Panel, go to the "Programs and Features" section, and uninstall the desired program as you would in normal mode.

Q4: Can I update my drivers in Safe Mode?

A: It is generally recommended to update drivers in normal mode. However, you can try updating drivers in Safe Mode if you are experiencing issues with your current drivers.

Q5: Why is Safe Mode necessary?

A: Safe Mode is necessary for troubleshooting various issues with your computer, such as system crashes, driver conflicts, or malware infections. It allows you to diagnose and fix problems that may be preventing Windows from starting normally.

In Conclusion

Booting up on Safe Mode in Windows 10 is a valuable troubleshooting tool that can help resolve various issues with your computer. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can easily access Safe Mode and diagnose problems that may be affecting your system.

Remember to be prepared with the necessary tools and knowledge before attempting to boot up in Safe Mode. With the right approach and understanding, you can effectively resolve issues and restore the normal functionality of your Windows 10 computer.