What is Windows 10 Safe Mode?

What is safe mode in Windows 10 and how to get into it if the operating system does not boot? If you're having problems booting Windows 10 (or 8.x), you can't use the usual "lifeline" that Windows 7 provides - using the F8 key during computer startup to access additional boot options. In particular, in this way in the seventh version you can get into safe mode and try to solve the problem using standard means. For example, if the solution to the problem may be to remove the driver or change the system settings. The Shift+F8 keys, which in theory can be used when loading Windows 10 to get into the system recovery environment (and this is an analogue of the Seven boot options), are not so easy to use in practice. You will need to practice several times to catch that very moment of reduced system loading when the Shift+F8 keys can work.

Why is it needed?

Safe Computer Mode is a specific Windows state designed to resolve various problems.

In this case, only the most necessary devices and components to maintain the functionality of the OS are used. Safe mode means that you can work with administrator rights; it also allows you to delete files that the system or third-party software would not allow you to delete under normal conditions.

OS Safe Mode is an environment used to remove incorrectly installed drivers and cancel unsuccessfully applied system settings. For example, if you set a screen resolution that is not supported by the monitor, it will not always be possible to change it to one supported by the latter within a fully functioning system. So, there may simply be no image on the screen, and if there is no other monitor at hand that can display the image with the applied resolution, there is no other way to solve the problem than using safe mode. Instead of a video driver, the monitor uses the VGA standard, which is supported by all video cards designed for Windows devices.

Safe mode is one of the solutions to the problem of viruses penetrating the OS and blocking the operation of anti-virus programs. If the part of the system registry responsible for loading safe mode is not damaged by malware, you can try to run an anti-virus scanner, delete the startup file and/or virus process in the task manager, and also apply other actions to resuscitate the system.

Running system configuration section

Using the configuration section of a running system, you can get into the safe mode of Windows 10 by making some settings and rebooting. Right-click on the “Start” button and select the “Run” function.

In the field for entering commands we write:

Msconfig

After pressing Enter we will see the system configuration window. We are interested in the “Download” tab, here we check the “Safe Mode” checkbox.

By default, the system configuration provides a minimum type of safe mode, when startup programs do not start, there is no sound, the network is disabled, only basic drivers for the video device, hard drive, keyboard mouse and other devices necessary to maintain the minimum performance of the operating system work.

You can install other types of Safe Mode in Windows 10. By selecting “Other shell”, safe mode will be without the usual graphical interface, but only with the command line. This may be relevant if explorer.exe, a system service that ensures the operation of the OS Explorer, fails.

The item “Restore Active Directory” provides for loading safe mode with a graphical interface and a minimum number of active services, including the Active Directory directory service. If you need to access network resources, then in this case you need to select the “Network” item. It provides, accordingly, for the operation of the network card driver.

Having made your choice, click “Apply” at the bottom of the window and then “OK”.

After rebooting, Windows will start in safe mode.

The process for setting up Windows 10 to boot normally is reverse. In the system configuration section, the “Safe Mode” checkbox must be unchecked.

Shift key and reboot button for a running system

Another way to get into safe mode if Windows is in a working state is to use a single press of the Shift key and the restart button. Open the Start menu, click on the shutdown button and, while holding down the Shift key on the keyboard, select the option to restart the computer.

This will take us to the Windows 10 recovery environment. Here we first need the diagnostics section, then the additional settings section.

All sorts of boot options will appear before us - by pressing the F4, F5 or F6 keys, you can get into the safe mode of the corresponding type.

Safe mode for a non-bootable system

If Windows does not start at all or, for example, a resolution that the monitor does not support is mistakenly applied, displaying a message about this on a dull black screen background, you can boot into safe mode and try to find a solution to the problem, as in the previous case, using the system recovery environment .

As mentioned above, pressing Shift+F8 while Windows is loading may not always work, so a more reliable way to get into the recovery environment would be to boot from the installation disk or from one previously created by standard system tools.

When booting from the latter, we find ourselves in the recovery environment immediately after selecting the language. If the computer is booted from the installation disk, click “Next” in the welcome window.

The next steps are “Diagnostics” and “Advanced options”.

In the command line window we write:

bcdedit /set (globalsettings) advancedoptions true

and press Enter.

The operation was successful, close the command line and in the action selection menu click Continue using Windows 10.

After which we will see a list of download options.

If in safe mode you can eliminate the reason that prevents booting, and you can avoid reinstalling the system, in the future the computer will always boot with a menu of boot options. It is very easy to fix this using the same command line, which we now open by selecting from the contents of the context menu on the “Start” button.

Enter the command:

bcdedit /deletevalue (globalsettings) advancedoptions

and press Enter.

That's it - now the computer will boot as usual, without any pre-boot states or menus.

Have a great day!

Read, how to boot into Windows Safe Mode. Let's look at the standard methods, using a recovery disk or using a specific keyboard shortcut. If the operating system does not boot or does not work correctly for one of many possible reasons, then sometimes the only way to restore its functionality and gain access to your data is to boot the computer in Safe Mode and correct errors using it.

Windows 10 Safe Mode

If you've been using Windows 10 for a while, you've probably noticed that the old ways of booting your computer into Safe Mode no longer work. Those. By pressing the F8 or Shift+F8 keys while the system is booting, you will no longer be able to boot the operating system in safe mode. But this does not mean that there are no more in Windows 10 Safe Mode. You just need to go through other procedures to download it. Let's look at them in more detail.

When you enter Windows 10 safe mode, the operating system loads a minimal interface and only the most necessary services and drivers that are necessary for the system to function.

Method 1: Using the System Configuration tool (msconfig.exe)

The easiest way to boot into Safe Mode Windows 10, this is using the . Many users know it by its executable name: msconfig.exe.

To run this tool, you need to open a window "Run"(Windows key combination + R) and enter msconfig.

Also, System configuration can be launched using the search box next to the menu button Start. Just enter .

In the tool window that opens, go to the tab Downloads, and in the section select Safe mode.

After this, the system will prompt you to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. You can continue working on your computer without restarting, or you can restart it and it will automatically boot into Safe Mode.

Method 2: Restart your computer by pressing the Shift key (Shift + Restart)

Another way you can run Safe mode Windows 10, this is to restart the computer while holding down the Shift key. To do this, open the menu Start, press the button Shutdown and hold down the Shift key and select .

This combination can also be used from the lock screen.

/ Extra options.

In the window Additional parameters select

Windows 10 will notify the user that the system can be rebooted to launch additional options, one of which is Safe mode. Click the button Reboot.

After the system reboots, select with which parameters you want to boot the system. To boot the system into Safe Mode There are three options (F4 – F6).

Method 3: Boot using a recovery disk

Windows 10 has a tool available to create recovery discs.

Boot into Windows 10 using the recovery disc created this way. After this, the system will prompt you to select a keyboard layout, then select the menu Troubleshooting / Extra options. Further actions are the same as those described in the previous section.

Method 4: Special boot options

Although there are several ways to boot Windows 10 into Safe Mode, this method will be the most correct - provided that the operating system that needs to be loaded into Safe Mode fully operational.

It's quite easy to do this:

• Open Options
• Go to Update and Security / Recovery
• In chapter Special download options press the key Reboot now
• After this, Windows 10 will reboot and prompt you to select one of the menu items. Select Troubleshooting / Extra options.
• Next, follow the steps described in Method 2

Described methods for loading the operating system into Safe Mode relevant for both Windows 10 and Windows 8.1. Starting with these versions of Windows Safe mode has ceased to be a function that only IT specialists use in their work. Now this is just another one of the functions of the operating system that is available to every user, and with the help of which the user can easily

The developers of Windows 10 have provided for system recovery processes to take place automatically, but they still retain the ability to enter safe mode. However, the login method familiar to earlier versions of Windows OS, using the “F8” key, no longer works in Windows 10.

How to activate a familiar function? What keys and buttons should I press when loading the OS to start in safe mode? Below is a detailed description of the various methods to boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode.

Enable Windows 10 to boot in safe mode via msconfig.

To do this you need:

1. Press the key combination “WIN” + “R”;
2. In the text area, enter the command - “msconfig”;
3. Confirm by clicking “OK”;
4. Then in the menu that appears, open the “Download” tab;
5. Select the operating system with a single click of the left mouse button and check the box in the “Safe Mode” column;
6. Also in this window, the user can select OS boot modes; it is recommended to leave the “Minimal” checkbox by default;
7. Click “Ok”;
8. Ready. After restarting, Windows 10 should boot into Safe Mode.

Note: To start Windows in normal mode, you need to uncheck the “Safe Mode” box using the same instructions.

This may seem strange to experienced users, but it is very important not to confuse Safe Mode with and be aware of the differences.

Logging into Windows 10 in Safe Mode - Settings.

To restart Windows and open it in safe mode, you need to change the startup options. To do this you need:

1. Go to the Start menu;
2. Click “Options”;
3. Next, in the window that appears, go to the “Update and Security” tab;
4. Then in the menu that appears, open the “Recovery” tab;
5. Click the “Restart Now” button;
6. After that, click “Diagnostics”;
7. Click “Advanced options”;
8. Next, enter the “Download Options” menu;
9. Click “Reboot”;
10. Wait for the menu of additional options for starting the computer to appear on the monitor and, having highlighted the appropriate boot method, click on “Enter”;

Logging in safe mode allows you to solve many problems, such as when or you need to change tables, etc.

Reboot+Shift starts Windows 10 in safe mode.

The algorithm of actions consists of several sequential stages:

• Enter the “Shutdown” window through the “Start” button;
• Next, hold down “Shift” and click “Reboot”;
• Then, using the previous instructions, restart the PC.

But all these methods work when you can log into Windows 10 and it starts up successfully. What should you do if problems, such as others, occur when logging in? Let's look below.

Login to Safe Mode if Windows 10 won't start at all.

If all the above methods do not help, then you need to use a removable system installation media, boot disk or USB flash drive.

Algorithm of actions in this situation:

• Boot from a disk or flash drive by changing the startup settings in the BIOS;
• After downloading, select the “System Restore” section;
• Next, go to the “Diagnostics” section;
• Enter the “Additional parameters” subsection;
• Click “Command Line”;
• In the console that appears, type bcdedit /set (globalsettings) advancedoptions true
• Press the “Enter” and “Continue” keys;
• Wait for the additional startup options menu to appear on the monitor and select safe mode;

To restore the standard launch option, you will need to call the context menu “Start” - “Command Prompt” and enter the command:

Bcdedit /deletevalue (globalsettings)advancedoptions

When you restart, Windows 10 will work normally.

Here are some simple ways to start Windows 10 in safe mode. If you have anything to add, leave comments below.

Windows 10 Safe Mode is used to fix various problems. It starts when the system is unstable, during virus removal, or when installing new drivers. This mode will allow you to find out the reason for the blue screen of death.

How to enter safe mode?

Before the release of Windows 8, entering safe mode was possible by pressing the F8 key on the keyboard during a system reboot. But in new versions there are several options for enabling this mode.

Using the Msconfig utility

Press Win+R to open the Run window:

Run –> msconfig –> System Configuration –> Boot

Important! If you check the “Safe Mode” checkbox, the system will begin to boot constantly only in this state. To set the standard boot, go to “System Configuration” again and uncheck the box, then restart the PC.

Video

For more information on how to exit safe mode on a Windows 10 computer, watch the video.

From the Command Line

1. Launch Command Prompt with System Administrator rights. Run the command: bcdedit /copy (current) safeboot minimal .
2. Restart your computer. This can be done in the standard way, or from the Command Line using the command: Shutdown –f –r –t 0 . After this, Windows 10 will always boot in Safe Mode.

Healthy! In order for the startup method selection dialog to appear during a reboot, you need to enter the command in the Command Line: bcdedit /set (default) bootmenupolicy legacy. To return to standard boot, type bcdedit /set (default) bootmenupolicy standard .

While the computer is restarting

Using a boot disk/flash drive

This method is used if Windows 10 does not start on the computer at all. Create a boot disk or flash drive on another device, then follow all the steps that you do when reinstalling the operating system. In the language options window, click Next.

In the next dialog box, run System Restore. After that, follow the path:

Enter the command: bcdedit /set (default) safeboot minimal . Once completed, close the Command Prompt and click Continue. The computer will automatically restart in Safe Mode.

Conclusion

To increase the startup speed of Windows 10, the ability to enter safe mode while restarting the PC is disabled. You can enable the function in several ways, as described above and shown in the video. According to the editors, the best option is to use the Msconfig utility.

Safe Mode in Windows is a kind of “cure” for the ailments that plague your computer. Its essence is to load the operating system, and preferably nothing more. All programs from automatic startup, all services, drivers, and possibly viruses will not start in safe mode so that you can identify and fix the cause of your computer's malfunction. In Windows 10, developers removed the convenient function of entering safe mode using the F8 key, so I decided to tell you how to enter safe mode in Windows 10 in other ways:

• Through the reset button;
• Through the system configuration utility (msconfig);
• Advanced method using the command line;
• Using special download options;
• Using the Windows 10 installation disc.

Attention! If you don't understand how to perform these methods, there is a video below that will help you figure this out.

Safe Mode with Restart Button

This method is convenient and simple, so I decided to talk about it first. You need to click on “Start”, then on the “Shut down” button. A menu will pop up with three ways to shut down; hold down the “Shift” key and select “Reboot”.

The monitor image will turn blue and the message “Please Wait” will appear. After loading, we will see three possible options for further actions. The first allows you to continue working on the computer, the second takes you to a further selection menu, and the third shuts down the operating system. You need to select the second option “Diagnostics”.

The Diagnostics menu appears. Now you have to click on “Advanced Options”.

If we click on it, we will see a menu with many icons, select the “Boot Options” item, which will allow us to configure the Windows boot settings to get into safe mode.

Here you will find system boot options that will allow you to select safe mode. Now you need to click on “Restart”:

After a quick reboot, you will see a blue screen with boot options. We are interested in the options that are under points: 4, 5 and 6. They differ from each other in the loaded drivers and services that can enable network mode or command line. But we need to select the mode number 4, to do this, press the F4 key.

Starting Safe Mode with msconfig

The utility is a very useful tool for working with the operating system. Using it, we will now launch safe mode in Windows 10.

To run this program, you need to press the key combination “Win” + “R” on your keyboard and enter “msconfig” in the window that appears, click “OK”. You can also launch the “Run” window in a simpler way - right-click on “Start” and select “Run”.

The system configuration window appears. It contains five tabs, each of which is responsible for specific functionality. Go to the “Boot” tab, it contains settings for safe mode. The first step is to choose an operating system that will boot securely.

In the group of elements called “Boot Options” you need to check the box next to “Safe Mode”, under it you can use the switch to select the boot type, minimal – standard mode, another shell – allows you to use the command line and network – allows you to work with a local network and Internet. We will also set a parameter that defines the timeout, i.e. a time delay before selecting a boot type before starting the operating system.

If such boot settings for a given OS should be made permanent, you can check the box next to the corresponding item. Done, all you have to do is click apply and the next time you reboot you will be asked to choose which mode to start Windows 10 in.

After you enter safe mode and do all the necessary steps, you can go to msconfig and boot the system normally.

Using the Command Prompt to Enter Safe Mode

I find this method quite advanced and interesting. We will need a command line, to launch it, right-click on “Start” and select “Command Prompt (Administrator)” from the menu that appears.

A small black window appears into which you can enter various commands that the program will execute with the specified parameters. Let's enter the following line: bcdedit /copy (current) /d “Safe Mode”(or any other name) and press Enter. You can now close the command prompt.

The command entered above will create a new parameter in the msconfig program (we looked at it earlier). In the “Boot” section there will be a new option to launch the operating system, which will be called “Safe Mode”.

When you go to “System Configuration” and go to the “Boot” tab, you need to click on the 2nd item - “Safe Mode (C:/Windows)” and check the box next to “Safe Mode”. Also pay attention that the timeout is at least 10, since if it is less, you may not have time to select the parameter you need.

Now this option will always be present on your system; if it interferes and creates some inconvenience, then this function can be disabled. To do this, you need to run the utility - press the “Win” + “R” keys and enter “msconfig” and press Enter.

A familiar window will appear, go to the “Download” tab. To delete, select the desired item with the left mouse button and click on the “Delete” button.

Now when you turn on the computer, everything will happen without delay.

Special download options

To use this method, click on the notification icon in the lower right corner of the desktop. And select “All parameters”.

The next stage and all subsequent ones are the same as in the first method described in this article, we confirm the reboot.

The computer will shut down and a boot method selection window will appear before Windows starts. Options 4,5 and 6 correspond to the F4, F5 and F6 keys. All these modes are briefly described in the first method discussed in this article.

Bcdedit /set (default) safeboot minima l and press Enter. Now restart your computer and you will automatically be in safe mode. If you need to return it to its original state (as it was), then enter bcdedit /deletevalue (default) safeboot.

You can also use another method, enter bcdedit /set (globalsettings) advancedoptions true into the command line and then reboot the system. Next, the system will show boot options, where there will be a safe mode. To disable this option, you need to enter in the command line bcdedit /deletevalue (globalsettings) advancedoptions. Attention! This command can be entered in normal Windows mode.