How to Start Windows in Safe Mode (2021 Guide)

Windows Safe Mode is a clean and basic operating system boot option. If your computer system crashes, freezes, or not able to load it is the best way to troubleshoot system damage. Issues can be caused by many factors like broken applications, drivers, or even virus infection. Windows starts with main OS settings, this option^[1] Safe Mode description on Wikipedia allows you to detect and repair problems on your PC.

OS	Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP.
Issue	Broken windows operating system.
Symptoms	Windows system works slow, stuck, doesn’t start.
Solution	Boot Windows in Safe Mode.
Damage	Windows System, Applications, Drivers, Programs.
Manual Fix	System restore to the previous working point or reinstall Windows.
Auto Fix	Free system scan with Restoro for a fix without OS reinstall.

5 Methods To Start Windows in Safe Mode

Remove Guide will provide five methods^[2] Safe Mode Boot Official Microsoft supportto boot windows in safe mode. The first method is useful then Windows OS doesn’t start at all. Depending on your computer brand, some methods can be disabled by manufactured. If the operating system is struggling to start with all the mentioned methods, use the last bonus method – force Windows automatic repair mode.

1. Method – Keyboard F8 Button

1. Press Power ON.
2. Press button F8 (repeatedly click).

Once the computer begins to load do not wait while Windows starts, begin clicking F8 repeatedly on your keyboard just after power on. Powerful PC starts really fast, you need to tap on F8 non-stop, like 15 times per 10 seconds. This method should work for all Windows OS.

Start Windows in Safe mode has three boot options. Use arrow keys to choose the right you need and press “Enter” button:

1. Safe Mode – system starts with limited services and drivers.
2. Safe Mode With Networking – adds an Internet/Network connection.
3. Safe Mode With Command Prompt – can launch programs in the command line without the start menu.

2. Method – Keyboard Shift Button + Click Restart.

• Click Start.
• Click Power.
• Hold Button Shift + Click Restart.

1. Click Troubleshoot.
2. Click Advanced Options.
3. Click Startup Settings.
4. Click Restart.
5. Choose Option You Need (F4, F5, F6)

3. Method – Sign-in Screen.

1. Load sign-in screen.
2. Press Shift key + Click Restart.
3. Click Troubleshoot>Advanced Options>Startup Settings>Restart>Choose (F4,F5, F6), like in method 2.

4. Method – Keyboard Win+I Buttons.

1. Press the Win+I button keys.
2. Click Update & Security.
3. Click Recovery.
4. Click Restart Now below the Advanced Setup section.
5. Click Troubleshoot>Advanced Options>Startup Settings>Restart>Choose (F4,F5, F6), like in method 2.

5. Method – Force/Unforce Boot

Note – this option will force always start Windows operating system in safe mode. If you want to quit this option unclick the Safe Boot option.

1. Press Win+R button keys.
2. In the Open Box Type MSConfig and click “Ok”.
3. Click on the Boot tab.
4. Click on the Safe Boot and choose an option:
   • Minimal – boots limited recourse mode.
   • Alternate Shell – boots with Command Prompt.
   • Active Directory repair – repairing mode.
   • Network – boots with network mode.
5. Click Ok.
6. Confirm and click Restart. The operating system needs to be rebooted to deliver changes.

Bonus – Force Windows Automatic Repair.

If any method above doesn’t work, and the operating system doesn’t start, use force automatic repair utility. It is a hidden option, to call this mode, follow the easy guide. Windows load should be interrupted three times in a row:

1. Press Power on button wait until you see the Windows Logo then press again power button and hold until shuts down. Repeat this action three times in a row.
2. If you did everything correctly press the power button and on the screen will appear “Preparing Automatic Repair” note.
3. You can be asked to choose an account. Admin account and password must be entered.
4. When the system starts click on see advanced repair options.
5. Click Troubleshoot>Advanced Options>Startup Settings>Restart>Choose (F4,F5, F6), like in method 2.