How To Start Windows 8.1 In Safe Mode With Networking

Starting Windows 8.1 in Safe Mode With Networking can be a useful troubleshooting technique when you encounter issues with your computer. Did you know that Safe Mode allows you to start your computer with only the essential drivers and services running, which can help identify and resolve problems? Whether you need to remove a stubborn virus or troubleshoot a network connectivity issue, Safe Mode With Networking provides a way to access the internet and fix your computer.

To start Windows 8.1 in Safe Mode With Networking, you can follow a few simple steps. First, press the Windows key and the X key together to open the Power User menu. From there, select "Run" and type in "msconfig" to open the System Configuration window. In the window that appears, go to the "Boot" tab and check the "Safe boot" box under the Boot options section. Make sure to select the "Network" option as well to enable networking in Safe Mode. Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes. Finally, restart your computer, and it will start in Safe Mode with networking capabilities.

Why Start Windows 8.1 in Safe Mode With Networking?

Safe Mode with Networking is a troubleshooting mode in Windows 8.1 that allows you to start your computer with minimal drivers and software. This mode is particularly useful when you encounter issues such as blue screen errors, malware infections, or software conflicts. Safe Mode with Networking enables you to access the internet and network resources, making it easier to troubleshoot and resolve problems. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to start Windows 8.1 in Safe Mode with Networking.

Method 1: Using the System Configuration Tool

The System Configuration tool is a built-in utility in Windows that allows you to manage various system settings, including boot options. Follow the steps below to start Windows 8.1 in Safe Mode with Networking using the System Configuration tool:

• Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
• Type msconfig and press Enter to open the System Configuration tool.
• In the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab.
• Under Boot options, check the box next to Safe boot. Then, select the Network option below.
• Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.
• A dialog box will appear asking if you want to restart your computer now or later. Click Restart to start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking.

Troubleshooting in Safe Mode with Networking

Once you have successfully started your computer in Safe Mode with Networking, you can perform various troubleshooting steps to diagnose and fix issues. Here are some common troubleshooting tasks you can try:

• Scan for malware: Use your antivirus software or download a reputable malware scanner to scan your computer for any infections.
• Check for software conflicts: Disable any recently installed software or drivers to identify if they are causing the problem.
• Update drivers: If you suspect a driver issue, update the relevant drivers in Safe Mode with Networking.
• Perform a System Restore: Roll back your computer to a previous working state using System Restore.
• Disable startup programs: Use the System Configuration tool to disable unnecessary startup programs that may be causing the issue.

Method 2: Using Advanced Startup Options

If you are unable to start Windows 8.1 using the System Configuration tool, you can try accessing the Advanced Startup Options. Here's how:

• Restart your computer.
• When the computer starts booting, press and hold the Shift key.
• In the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.
• In the Troubleshoot menu, select Advanced options.
• In the Advanced options menu, select Startup Settings.
• Click the Restart button.
• When your computer restarts, you will be presented with a list of startup settings. Press the F5 key to select Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

Possible Issues

In some cases, you may encounter issues while trying to start Windows 8.1 in Safe Mode with Networking. Here are a few possible solutions:

• Black Screen: If you only see a black screen during startup, try pressing the Ctrl + Alt + Del keys and select Task Manager. Then, go to the File menu, select Run new task, and type explorer.exe before clicking OK.
• Automatic Repair Loop: If your computer enters into an automatic repair loop, try restarting it multiple times until you see the Advanced Startup Options screen.
• Unable to access Advanced Startup Options: If you are unable to access the Advanced Startup Options using the Shift key, you can create a Windows 8.1 USB recovery drive and boot from it.

Method 3: Using Command Prompt

If the previous methods did not work, you can try starting Windows 8.1 in Safe Mode with Networking using the Command Prompt. Here's how:

• Press the Windows key + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) to open an elevated Command Prompt.
• In the Command Prompt, type bcdedit /set {default} safeboot network and press Enter.
• Restart your computer to start Windows 8.1 in Safe Mode with Networking.

To exit Safe Mode with Networking, open the Command Prompt as an administrator again and type bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot. Restart your computer to start Windows 8.1 normally.





Starting Windows 8.1 in Safe Mode With Networking

Safe Mode with Networking allows users to start their Windows 8.1 operating system with minimal drivers and services, while still having access to the internet. This can be useful for troubleshooting network-related issues or downloading necessary updates or drivers. Here are two methods to start Windows 8.1 in Safe Mode with Networking:

Method 1: Using System Configuration

1. Press the Windows + R keys simultaneously to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type "msconfig" in the Run dialog box and press Enter.

3. In the System Configuration window, navigate to the "Boot" tab.

4. Under the "Boot options" section, check the box next to "Safe boot" and select the "Network" option.

5. Click Apply and then OK.

6. Restart your computer to start Windows 8.1 in Safe Mode with Networking.

Method 2: Using Shift + Restart

1. From the Windows Start menu, click the Power button.

2. Hold down the Shift key while clicking on the Restart button.

3. The Advanced Startup options menu will appear.

Key Takeaways - How to Start Windows 8.1 in Safe Mode With Networking:

• Safe Mode With Networking allows you to troubleshoot networking issues in Windows 8.1.
• To start Windows 8.1 in Safe Mode With Networking, press the Windows key + R and type "msconfig".
• In the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab and check the "Safe boot" option.
• Under the "Safe boot" option, choose "Network" to enable networking in Safe Mode.
• Click Apply and then OK to save the changes and restart your computer in Safe Mode With Networking.



Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we will answer some frequently asked questions about how to start Windows 8.1 in Safe Mode with Networking.

1. How do I boot Windows 8.1 into Safe Mode with Networking?

To boot Windows 8.1 into Safe Mode with Networking, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type "msconfig" and press Enter.
3. In the System Configuration window, navigate to the "Boot" tab.
4. Under the "Boot options" section, check the box next to "Safe boot" and select "Network".
5. Click "Apply" and then "OK".
6. Restart your computer. Safe Mode with Networking allows you to access the internet while in Safe Mode, which can be useful if you need to troubleshoot network-related issues or download updates.

2. Can I start Windows 8.1 in Safe Mode with Networking if I don't have internet access?

Yes, you can start Windows 8.1 in Safe Mode with Networking even if you don't have internet access. Safe Mode with Networking simply enables network drivers, allowing you to connect to the internet if it is available. If you don't have internet access, you can still use Safe Mode with Networking for troubleshooting other issues or performing offline tasks.

3. How can Safe Mode with Networking help me troubleshoot network-related issues?

Safe Mode with Networking can be useful for troubleshooting network-related issues because it starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services. By enabling network drivers, you can test your network connectivity, diagnose any network-related problems, and make necessary changes to resolve them. It allows you to access networking tools, such as command prompt or network diagnostics, to troubleshoot and fix network issues while in Safe Mode.

4. What is the difference between Safe Mode and Safe Mode with Networking?

The main difference between Safe Mode and Safe Mode with Networking is that Safe Mode with Networking enables access to the internet and network drivers, while Safe Mode disables network drivers. Safe Mode is primarily used for troubleshooting issues within the operating system, while Safe Mode with Networking is helpful for troubleshooting issues related to network connectivity or updating network-related components.

5. How do I exit Safe Mode with Networking and boot back into normal mode?

To exit Safe Mode with Networking and boot back into normal mode, simply follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type "msconfig" and press Enter.
3. In the System Configuration window, navigate to the "Boot" tab.
4. Under the "Boot options" section, uncheck the box next to "Safe boot".
5. Click "Apply" and then "OK".
6. Restart your computer. After restarting, Windows will boot into normal mode, and you will have full access to all the features and functionalities of your computer.




Starting Windows 8.1 in Safe Mode with Networking is a useful troubleshooting option that allows you to access the internet while diagnosing and solving issues with your computer. To start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking, you can follow these simple steps:

First, press the Windows key and the "R" key simultaneously to open the Run dialog box. Then, type "msconfig" and click "OK" to open the System Configuration window. Next, go to the "Boot" tab and check the box that says "Safe boot" under the Boot options section. Finally, select the "Network" option under the Safe boot section, and click "Apply" and "OK" to save the changes.