Windows

How To Start Computer In Safe Mode Windows 8

Starting your computer in Safe Mode can be a useful troubleshooting method in Windows 8. It allows you to resolve issues caused by problematic software or drivers, and can help you diagnose and fix system errors. Knowing how to access Safe Mode can save you time and frustration when dealing with computer problems.

In order to start your computer in Safe Mode in Windows 8, you need to first access the Advanced Startup Options. This can be done by pressing the Shift key while clicking the "Restart" option in the Start menu. From there, you can navigate to the Troubleshoot menu, select Advanced Options, and then choose Startup Settings. Finally, you can click the Restart button and select the Safe Mode option that suits your needs. Starting your computer in Safe Mode can provide a clean environment to fix issues or uninstall problematic software.



How To Start Computer In Safe Mode Windows 8

Starting Your Computer in Safe Mode on Windows 8

If you're experiencing issues with your Windows 8 computer, such as frequent crashes or malware infections, starting your computer in Safe Mode can be a helpful troubleshooting step. Safe Mode allows you to boot up your computer with only essential drivers and services, which can help identify and resolve any software or hardware conflicts. In this article, we will guide you through the process of starting your computer in Safe Mode on Windows 8.

Method 1: Using the System Configuration Tool (msconfig)

The System Configuration tool, also known as msconfig, is a built-in utility in Windows 8 that allows you to configure various system settings, including boot options. Follow the steps below to start your computer in Safe Mode using this method:

  • Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type msconfig and press Enter.
  • In the System Configuration window, navigate to the Boot tab.
  • Under the Boot options section, check the box next to Safe boot. You can choose from three different options:
    • Minimal: Start your computer in Safe Mode with only essential drivers and services.
    • Alternate shell: Start your computer in Safe Mode with the Command Prompt.
    • Active Directory repair: Start your computer in Safe Mode with networking support and the ability to repair Active Directory.
  • Once you've selected the desired Safe Mode option, click Apply and then OK.
  • A dialog box will appear asking if you want to restart your computer. Click Restart to reboot your computer in Safe Mode.

Using the Advanced Startup Options

If you're unable to access the System Configuration tool, you can also start your computer in Safe Mode using the Advanced Startup Options. Here's how:

  • Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app.
  • Click on Update & Security.
  • In the left-hand menu, select Recovery.
  • Under Advanced startup, click the Restart now button.
  • Your computer will restart and display the Choose an option screen.
  • Click Troubleshoot.
  • On the Troubleshoot screen, click Advanced options.
  • Finally, click Startup Settings.
  • Click the Restart button to reboot your computer.
  • When the Startup Settings screen appears, press the corresponding number key to select the desired Safe Mode option. (For example, press 4 for Enable Safe Mode.)

Method 2: Using Shift + Restart

If your computer is already turned on and you can access the login screen, you can use the Shift + Restart combination to start your computer in Safe Mode. Follow these steps:

  • Click on the Power button on the login screen while holding down the Shift key.
  • A menu will appear. Click Restart while still holding down the Shift key.
  • Your computer will restart and display the Choose an option screen.
  • Follow the same steps as mentioned in Method 1, starting from step 6, to select and restart your computer in Safe Mode.

Using a Bootable USB or DVD

If your computer is not booting into Windows or you're unable to access the login screen, you can create a bootable USB or DVD to start your computer in Safe Mode. Here's how:

  • Insert a bootable USB or DVD into your computer.
  • Restart your computer and access the boot menu by pressing the corresponding function key (e.g., F2, F8, F12) during startup.
  • Select the bootable USB or DVD as the primary boot device.
  • Follow the on-screen prompts to boot your computer from the USB or DVD.
  • Once booted from the USB or DVD, select the desired language and keyboard layout.
  • Click Repair your computer in the bottom left corner of the screen.
  • On the next screen, select Troubleshoot.
  • Click Advanced options.
  • Finally, click Startup Settings and then Restart.
  • When the Startup Settings screen appears, press the corresponding number key to select the desired Safe Mode option.

Method 3: Using Command Prompt

If you're comfortable using the Command Prompt, you can start your computer in Safe Mode using a few commands. Here's how:

  • Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu.
  • In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: bcdedit /set {default} safeboot minimal
  • Once the command is executed successfully, restart your computer.
  • Your computer will start in Safe Mode with the Command Prompt.

Exiting Safe Mode

To exit Safe Mode and boot your computer normally, follow these steps:

  • Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type msconfig and press Enter.
  • In the System Configuration window, navigate to the Boot tab.
  • Under the Boot options section, uncheck the box next to Safe boot.
  • Click OK.
  • Restart your computer.

Starting your computer in Safe Mode on Windows 8 can be a useful troubleshooting technique when you encounter software or hardware issues. Whether you're using the System Configuration tool, the Advanced Startup Options, the Shift + Restart combination, or the Command Prompt, you now have multiple methods at your disposal to access Safe Mode and resolve any problems plaguing your computer.


How To Start Computer In Safe Mode Windows 8

Starting Your Computer in Safe Mode in Windows 8

Safe Mode is a feature in Windows 8 that allows you to troubleshoot and fix issues with your computer. To start your computer in Safe Mode, follow these simple steps:

  • Press the "Windows" key + "C" on your keyboard to open the Charms bar.
  • Click on the "Settings" option, then select "Power" and hold down the "Shift" key on your keyboard.
  • While holding the "Shift" key, click on "Restart".
  • Your computer will restart and a blue Startup Settings screen will appear.
  • Press the "F4" key on your keyboard to start your computer in Safe Mode.

If you need to access more advanced options, such as Safe Mode with Networking or Command Prompt, press the corresponding key (F5 or F6) on the Startup Settings screen. Once in Safe Mode, you can diagnose and resolve any issues with your computer without interference from unnecessary programs or drivers. Remember to restart your computer in normal mode once you have completed your troubleshooting.


Key Takeaways - How to Start Computer in Safe Mode Windows 8

  • Safe mode allows you to troubleshoot and fix issues with Windows 8.
  • To start your computer in safe mode, press the "Shift" key and restart your computer.
  • In the "Advanced Startup Options" menu, select "Troubleshoot" and then "Advanced options".
  • Click on "Startup Settings" and then "Restart" to enter the Startup Settings menu.
  • Choose the "Safe Mode" option from the Startup Settings menu to start your computer in safe mode.

Frequently Asked Questions

Starting your computer in Safe Mode can be a useful troubleshooting step, especially when dealing with system-related issues. Here are some frequently asked questions about starting a computer in Safe Mode in Windows 8.

1. How do I start my Windows 8 computer in Safe Mode?

To start your Windows 8 computer in Safe Mode, follow these steps:

  • Hold down the "Shift" key and restart your computer.
  • From the Windows Recovery Environment, select "Troubleshoot".
  • Click on "Advanced options".
  • Choose "Startup Settings".
  • Click on "Restart".
  • After your computer restarts, press the "F4" key to start in Safe Mode.

This will boot your Windows 8 computer into Safe Mode.

2. Can I start my Windows 8 computer in Safe Mode using the System Configuration tool?

Yes, you can start your Windows 8 computer in Safe Mode using the System Configuration tool. Here's how:

  • Press the "Win + R" keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type "msconfig" and press Enter.
  • In the System Configuration window, go to the "Boot" tab.
  • Check the "Safe boot" option under "Boot options".
  • Choose the type of Safe Mode you want (Minimal, Alternate shell, or Network).
  • Click "OK" and then "Restart".

After your computer restarts, it will boot into the selected Safe Mode.

3. What if I can't access Windows 8 to start in Safe Mode?

If you're unable to access Windows 8 to start in Safe Mode, you can try the following steps:

  • Boot your computer using a Windows 8 installation media.
  • Select your language preferences and click "Next".
  • Click on "Repair your computer".
  • Select "Troubleshoot" and then "Advanced options".
  • Choose "Command Prompt".
  • Type the command "bcdedit /set {default} safeboot minimal" and press Enter.
  • Restart your computer.

This will force your computer to start in Safe Mode upon restart.

4. How do I exit Safe Mode in Windows 8?

To exit Safe Mode in Windows 8, follow these steps:

  • Press the "Win + R" keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type "msconfig" and press Enter.
  • In the System Configuration window, go to the "Boot" tab.
  • Uncheck the "Safe boot" option.
  • Click "OK" and then "Restart".

Your Windows 8 computer will now boot normally.

5. What is the purpose of Safe Mode in Windows 8?

Safe Mode in Windows 8 is a diagnostic mode that allows you to troubleshoot and fix system-related issues. It loads only essential drivers and services, making it easier to identify and resolve problems.



Starting a computer in Safe Mode on Windows 8 is a simple and useful skill to have. It allows you to troubleshoot problems, remove malware, or perform system maintenance without interference from unnecessary programs or drivers. To start your computer in Safe Mode, follow these steps:

  1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type 'msconfig' and hit Enter to open the System Configuration window.
  3. In the System Configuration window, click on the 'Boot' tab.
  4. Under Boot options, check the box that says 'Safe boot'.
  5. Choose the type of Safe Mode you want to start your computer with:
    • Minimal: Safe Mode with essential drivers and services.
    • Alternate Shell: Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
    • Network: Safe Mode with networking capabilities.
  6. Click 'OK' and then 'Apply' to save the changes.
  7. Restart your computer and it will start in Safe Mode.

Starting your computer in Safe Mode can be a helpful troubleshooting step if your computer is experiencing issues. Remember to return to the System Configuration window and uncheck the 'Safe boot' option when you want your computer to start normally again.


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