Can you enter Safe Mode from boot menu?
SymptomsHow to boot into Safe Mode with NetworkingDuration: 0:50 Show
Safe Mode starts Windows in a basic state, using a limited set of files and drivers. If a problem does not happen in Safe Mode, this means that the default settings and basic device drivers are not causing the issue. Observing Windows in Safe Mode enables you to narrow down the source of a problem, and can help you troubleshoot problems on your computer. There are three different types of Safe Mode boot options that are available in the Advanced Boot Options.
NOTE: The Windows installer service is disabled in Safe Mode and Safe Mode with Command Prompt. Applications cannot be installed or uninstalled in these two modes. CauseIn Safe Mode, Windows has reduced functionality. The task of isolating problems is easier since many nonessential components are disabled, such as sound, third-party drivers and services, nonessential Windows services, and more. Corrupt software, drivers, or the installation of poorly configured software prevents Windows from successfully booting into normal mode. ResolutionBoot into Safe Mode from Windows 11 or Windows 10
Boot into Safe Mode from the sign-in screen in Windows 11 or Windows 10
Boot into Safe Mode from outside of Windows 11 or Windows 10Windows 11 and Windows 10 automatically boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) if Windows fails to start three times in a row. Three consecutive failed attempts trigger this action. Booting to Safe Mode outside of Windows is achieved in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Follow these steps to enter Safe Mode from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE):
Additional InformationChromebox, Alienware, Inspiron, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS, G Series, Chromebook, G Series, Alienware, Inspiron, Latitude, Vostro, XPS, Fixed Workstations, Mobile Workstations This guide explains how to boot into Safe Mode for the following Windows versions: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1 and 10 Contents
About the Safe ModeIn Safe Mode, your computer is running with non-core components disabled which makes it easier to fix potential errors or remove various software that, in normal conditions, can’t be fixed or removed. If you boot into Safe Mode, you can use various diagnostic tools:
For more information on how to run these diagnostic tools, go to Diagnostic tools in Safe Mode. In Windows XP, the Windows Advanced Options Menu shows the Safe Mode option available: Advanced Options Menu in Windows XP Usually, you can choose from 3 options: Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking and Safe Mode With Command Prompt:
In Windows Vista, the equivalent of Windows Advanced Options Menu of Windows XP, the Advanced Boot Options, also lists the 3 options available for Safe Mode: Advanced Options Menu in Windows Vista Windows 7 is the same: Advanced Options Menu in Windows 7 Windows 8 has the same options, but the interface is different: Startup Settings screen in Windows 8 And the Windows 10 screen is slightly different as well: Startup Settings screen in Windows 10 OptionsThe Safe Mode of Windows has 3 options available:
How to boot into Safe ModeTo boot into Safe Mode, you need to press the F8 key while your Windows is booting, but before the logo appears. For Windows 8 and Windows 10, the combination of Shift and F8 keys might work, but it work for computers with UEFI/EFI. For Windows-specific steps, follow the steps below. Safe Mode in Windows XPFor Windows XP to start in Safe Mode, follow these steps:
Advanced Options Menu in Windows XP Safe Mode in Windows VistaFor Windows Vista to start in Safe Mode, follow these steps:
Advanced Options Menu in Windows Vista Safe Mode in Windows 7The steps to boot a Windows 7 system into Safe Mode are similar to those of Windows Vista:
Advanced Options Menu in Windows 7 Safe Mode in Windows 8, 8.1 and Windows 10For Windows 8 or Windows 10 to boot into Safe Mode, follow these steps if you can boot into Windows:
If F8 or Shift + F8 doesn’t work, go to Windows 8 – F8 key not working or follow the alternative instructions below:
Another method is the combination of Shift and Restart keys at the login window:
Windows Startup Settings screen It is also possible to use the installation CD/DVD to boot into Safe Mode:
Windows 8 Setup Screen Diagnostic tools in Safe ModeYou can run various diagnostic tools in Safe Mode. System Restore
For more details on System Restore, follow our guide Windows System Restore. Device ManagerFollow these instructions on how to open and edit configuration in Device Manager while in Safe Mode:
Device Manager in Windows Vista You can use Device Manager and edit configurations only if you are logged in as an administrator. Changes that you do under a non-administrative account will apply to that user only. Event ViewerFollow these instructions on how to open Event Viewer while in Safe Mode:
Command PromptFollow these instructions on how to open Command Prompt while in Safe Mode:
Command Prompt screen TroubleshootSafe Mode not workingIf you can’t boot into Safe Mode, consider the following tips:
If the F keys don’t work to boot into Safe Mode even after following the above tips, you can also run msconfig from within Windows (you need to boot into Windows first):
Msconfig screen in Windows Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 users can open Run by pressing the and R keys. If you can’t boot into Windows to run msconfig, you can use the original installation disc or Easy Recovery Essentials to run Command Prompt and run chkdsk and bootrec commands. chkdsk and bootrec utilities will attempt to fix any issues found on your hard drive or during the booting process of your Windows. After that, you can try again to boot into Safe Mode. For more information on chkdsk, read our guide: chkdsk. For more information on Bootrec, read our guide: Bootrec. The instructions for Windows XP are:
Windows XP setup screen The instructions for Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1 and 10 are:
Windows 7 setup screen If you don’t have an original installation disc, you can run Command Prompt from Easy Recovery Essentials:
Windows 8, 10 – F8 key not workingIf you use Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 and have a computer with UEFI/EFI, the F8 key would not work to boot into Safe Mode as Windows 8 and Windows 10 are optimized to boot very quickly. To enable the F8 key, follow these steps:
Bcdedit utility results screen If you can’t boot into Windows to run Command Prompt, you can open it from the installation disc (CD/DVD for Windows 8 and Windows 10; USB drive for Windows 8.1):
If you don’t have the installation disc, use Easy Recovery Essentials to have access to Command Prompt:
More InformationSupport Links
Applicable SystemsThis Windows-related knowledgebase article applies to the following operating systems:
Propose an edit Can I boot into Safe Mode from BIOS?F8 or Shift-F8 during boot (BIOS and HDDs only)
Can you boot into Safe Mode from command prompt?Step 1: Press the Win + R keys together on your PC to open the Run command window. Step 2: In the Run command window, type cmd and press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter shortcut keys to open the Command Prompt in elevated mode. Now, Restart your PC and it will start into safe mode.
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