As a modern day computer user, it is important to know some basic troubleshooting methods that can help you resolve any issues you may experience. One such method is starting your Windows 10 operating system in Safe Mode.
Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode of operation in Windows 10 designed to help fix problems and troubleshoot various issues. In Safe Mode, Windows loads only the most essential drivers and services, thereby ensuring minimal interference from other programs or malware that could be causing problems with your system.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about starting your computer in Safe Mode on Windows 10.
Method 1: Using the Advanced Startup Option
One way to start your computer in safe mode on windows 10 is by using the advanced startup option. This option allows you to access a menu containing different options for booting up your PC, including Safe mode.
Here’s how:
Step 1: Press the “Windows” key + “R” key simultaneously on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type “msconfig” into the Run dialog box and press Enter.
Alternative Step: Another way of opening System Configuration (MsConfig) Window go [Start]: Search -> type msconfig -> click on System Configuration App link as shown below image,
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Step 3: Navigate towards Boot tab at top of Dialog window which appears,
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Step : Put tick ✔️ mark at against checkbox for Safemode (which ever suitable for current troublshooting scenario) also put untick ✖️ mark against boxes if they are already marked (neglect safeboot active since it might not be necessary)
*** Note:- You have different types of safe modes like Minimal – It just does whats necessary i.e needed files & drivers required for OS functioning; AlternateShell – Like shell which will replace normal explorer.exe environment called Isolated environment used when Explorer interface isn’t loading regularly; Network – In this mode along with essential files & drivers for safe mode, also network drivers will be enabled useful if troubleshooting is required over network based issues,
Step 4: Click Ok after selection.
Step 5: It prompt system restart click on Restart to process those configurations.
When your computer restarts, it automatically boots into Safe Mode. This option allows you to use various advanced troubleshooting methods in an environment where other non-essential applications and services are temporarily disabled.
Method 2: Making Changes through the System Configuration (Msconfig) Window
This step explains how you could start Windows 10 in Safe Mode using System Configuration (MsConfig):
Step #1 :- Press “Win” + “R” keys simultaneously to launch Run dialog box
step #2:- Input msconfig command inside the Open field then hit enter or OK,
Alternative Step – Start menu search -> type msconfig it shows results of app so select which opens by double-clicking it.
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Step #3:- Choose Boot tab from popping up window’s list of tabs next access to General tab & Services tab
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You’ll find numerous boot options in the Boot section including normal boot along with various types of safe modes like Minimal, AlternateShell or even well-known Diagnostic Modes suitable for Scenario basis.
For instance, suppose diagnostic mode gets selected as a choice, only basic software programs would run while serial ports alongside some features would get deactivated. Also NetBIOS over TCP/IP wouldn’t function properly any longer since investigations are conducted via Terminal Console under this scenario which means user login won’t occur instead diag credentials has used for login
With that said rest applicable processes similar when we opted earlier covering method#1 steps shared above.
Method 3 – Using Advanced Startup/Recovery Options Menu during Startup
The third way on How To Start Windows 10 In Safe Mode goes thus;
To open The Advanced Startup Menu follow Steps 1 & 2 mentioned in Method# “1 Using the Advanced Startup Option”, once the window is opened with Restart button as illustrated below,
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Step #3:- By holding down Shift key on your keyboard choose restart,
Step #4:- On subsequent screen you’d find options to troubleshoot upon choosing Troubleshoot ===> Advanced Options
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the Advanced Options menu will present various functions inclusive of System Restore feature, Command Prompt known to be useful for network related troubleshooting or Disk Management functionality.
Now select from list of Start-up settings considering whether such mode would permit application installations (but disable drivers that are unsigned) Accomplish this by selecting enable Safe Mode booting using numerical codes like F4, but if going under networking greater level just try pressing keyboards ‘5’ instead. Some are critical & require a reboot after making check changes.
Those functionalities could actually lead us to opening Safe Mode option specifically – Navigate through “Startup Settings” and it will take further steps before getting there where you need to choose Restart PC after clicking;
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Step #6: Boot Menu shall look like similar illustration below; press Numeric keys which corresponds with safe mode option available best suited for specified troubleshooting situation
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Congratulations 🎉 now windows has booted into safe mode :)! Via whichever method performed above you can start repairing major issues faced during normal OS operations
Conclusion
Starting your PC in Safe Mode using any of these three methods should provide access fix computer issues giving an opportunity understanding why its occurrence occurred highlighting possible solutions pertaining towards resolving inconsistencies. As always when venturing somewhere new ensure correct steps taken carefully enhancing effectiveness and optimizing effectiveness saving both time and resources.