How to Boot into Safe Mode in All Versions of Windows

Something every PC owner should know

If your computer is acting up, Windows Safe Mode can help you troubleshoot problems that interrupt or prevent Windows from starting normally. This way, you can make repairs on your own without having to visit a computer repair shop.

Safe Mode starts Windows in a basic state using a limited set of files and drivers so you can observe Windows and narrow down the source of the problem.

Prior to Windows 10, you could easily enter Safe Mode by repeatedly pressing theF8 keyduring a restart. Some computer manufacturers have since disabled the F8 key function, but you can still use the F8 method to enter Safe Mode in Windows 7, Vista and XP.

Here’s how to boot into Safe Mode in all versions of Windows.

Windows 10

In Windows 10, you can access Safe Mode using different methods including:

If you’re on the Windows sign-in screen, you can get into Windows safe mode in a few steps.

Note: If you’ve encrypted your computer, you may be asked to enter your BitLocker key before booting into Safe Mode. Safe Mode with Networking includes the services and network drivers needed to access other computers on your network and to access the internet.

There are several reasons why you may be seeing a blank orblack desktop screen. For instance, you may have encountered theWindows 10 Black Screen of Deathor there’s a problem with the screen.

You can still enter Windows Safe Mode from a black or blank screen, but you’ll need to enter the WinRE (Windows Recovery Environment) first.

If you can log into Windows 10, you can enter Safe Mode from the Settings app.

You cancreate a recovery driveif you don’t have one already and use it to access Safe Mode.

Note: If you don’t see the Choose an option menu, your computer may not be set up to boot from a drive, but you canchange the boot order.

You can also use the System Configuration tool to enter into Windows Safe Mode.

You can enter Safe Mode using the shutdown.exe command in Command Prompt.

To exit Safe Mode in Windows 10, simply restart your device.

Alternatively, you can open the System Configuration tool again, selectBoottab and then deselect theSafe Bootcheckbox underBootoptions.

Windows 8 and 8.1

Like Windows 10, you can access Safe Mode in Windows 8 from the Startup Settings menu in Advanced Startup Options.

You can access the Advanced Startup Options by holding down theShiftkey and selectingRestart. However, this method won’t work with the on-screen keyboard, so you’ll need to connect a physical keyboard to your computer to open the menus this way.

Alternatively, you can use theSettingsmenu to access the Advanced Startup Options menu and boot into Safe Mode in Windows 8/8.1.

Windows 7

Microsoft is no longer supporting Windows 7, which means you will no longer receive security updates and tech support. However, you can still enter Safe Mode in Windows 7 from the System Configuration utility.

Windows XP

Microsoft also ended support for Windows XP. While you’ll no longer receive security updates or patches, you can still access Safe Mode in the operating system.

If your computer was already powered on, use the steps below.

Solve All Kinds of Problems in Safe Mode

Knowing how to access Safe Mode can help you troubleshoot and complete several functions includingscanning for malware,uninstalling software, updating old drivers and restoring your entire system.

You may also be able to troubleshoot issues likeBlue Screen of Deatherrors and other problems involving DLL files and device drivers.

Leave a comment and let us know whether this guide helped you access Windows Safe Mode on your computer.

Elsie is a technology writer and editor with a special focus on Windows, Android and iOS. She writes about software, electronics and other tech subjects, her ultimate goal being to help people out with useful solutions to their daily tech issues in a simple, straightforward and unbiased style. She has a BCom degree in Marketing and currently pursuing her Masters in Communications and New Media.Read Elsie’s Full Bio

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