How to Start Windows in Safe Mode

Three Methods:Windows 8Windows XP, Vista, 7Windows as Part of a Multi-Boot System

Many times in order to remove a piece of spyware or for troubleshooting and diagnostic purposes, you'll have to start Windows in Safe Mode. While in Safe Mode, only specific programs and files needed to run the operating system are loaded. This will allow you to remove attempt to remove viruses, change bad drivers and other diagnostic tasks that cannot be removed in Normal Mode. Follow the instructions below to start Safe Mode for your specific version of Windows.

EditMethod 1 of 3: Windows 8

1. 1
   Set your computer to boot into Safe Mode. This step only works if your computer is currently able to access Windows normally. If you cannot access Windows, check the next step.^[1]
   • Open the Run dialog. You can access this by pressing the Windows + R keys.
     
   • Type “msconfig” and press Enter.
     
   • Click the Boot tab. Check the “Safe boot” box and select “Minimal” for a typical safe boot. Click Apply and your computer will boot into Safe Mode next time it restarts.
     
   • This will make your computer boot to Safe Mode every time. To undo it, repeat these steps and uncheck the “Safe boot” box.
     
2. 
   2
   Click the Power button on the Sign-In screen. Use this method if you cannot sign into Windows properly. Hold the Shift key and click Restart from the Power menu. This will open the Startup Settings after the computer reboots.^[2]
3. 
   3
   Select Safe Mode. Once you’re in the Startup Settings menu, scroll down and select Safe Mode with Networking from the list. If you think the network interface may be what is causing problems, you can open Safe Mode without it.

EditMethod 2 of 3: Windows XP, Vista, 7

1. 
   1
   Reboot the computer. Start tapping the F8 key as soon as your manufacturer’s logo appears. This will open the Windows Advanced Options Menu.^[3]
   • If you begin tapping the F8 key too soon, some computers display a "keyboard error" message. To resolve this, restart the computer and try again.
   • If you see the Windows logo, it means you did not start pressing the F8 button soon enough. You will need to reboot and try again.
2. 
   2
   Select your Safe Mode option. You can choose regular Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking, and Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
   • Regular Safe Mode will open Windows with minimal drivers and no internet connection. This is the most recommended method for dealing with viruses and other malware.
     
   • Safe Mode with Networking will open windows in Safe Mode with your network connection settings. This mode is useful if you need to use the internet to troubleshoot or download drivers.
     
   • Safe Mode with Command Prompt will put you at a DOS command prompt as opposed to Windows. This is useful for running command prompt tools such aschkdsk.
     
3. 
   3
   Press Enter. The computer then begins to start in Safe mode. Your computer will attempt to boot normally the next time you restart.
4. 4
   Set your computer to boot into Safe Mode. This step only works if your computer is currently able to access Windows normally. If you cannot access Windows, check the next step.
   • Open the Run dialog. You can access this by pressing the Windows + R keys.
     
   • Type “msconfig” and press Enter.
     
   • Click the Boot tab. Check the “Safe boot” box and select “Minimal” for a typical safe boot. Click Apply and your computer will boot into Safe Mode next time it restarts.
     
   • This will make your computer boot to Safe Mode every time. To undo it, repeat these steps and uncheck the “Safe boot” box.
     

EditMethod 3 of 3: Windows as Part of a Multi-Boot System

1. 
   1
   Reboot the computer. This method is for computers with multiple operating systemsinstalled. When the Boot loader menu (list of the available operating systems) appears, use the arrow keys on the keyboard to select the version Windows what you want.^[4]
   • If you have multiple versions of Windows installed and want to enter Safe Mode in the older one, select “Earlier Version of Windows”
2. 
   2
   Press Enter, and then immediately begin tapping the F8 key. The Windows Advanced Options menu appears.
   • If the Windows logo appears, you will need to restart the computer and try again.
3. 
   3
   Select your Safe Mode. There are several Safe Mode options available. Select the option you need and then press Enter.

EditVideo

EditTips

• In most computers, when the OS has not been loaded, the combination of keys to restart is Ctrl+Alt+Del.

EditWarnings

• If you are not completely sure you know what you are doing, leave this work to a professional.