This article explains how to start Windows in "Safe Mode". In this scenario, only the operating system is loaded together with the hardware device drivers necessary for the computer to function properly, preventing third-party programs and apps from starting automatically. The "Safe Mode" is perfect for running diagnostic checks on your computer in case it has malfunctions or abnormal slowdowns in carrying out normal functions.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Windows 8 and Windows 10
Step 1. Suspend BitLocker protection in case it is active
Open the program management window and click on the "Suspend protection" link. If you do not suspend BitLocker protection, you will be prompted for the recovery password in order to start your computer in "Safe Mode".
Step 2. Restart your computer
Press the "Power" button on the device. If your computer is on, but it's frozen or not responding, you'll need to press and hold the power button to shut it down.
If you are already logged into Windows and want to restart the machine in "Safe Mode", open the "Start" menu by pressing the ⊞ Win key or clicking on the Windows logo located in the lower left corner of the desktop
Step 3. Click on the welcome screen
When the start-up procedure is complete, a screen should appear showing an image as wallpaper and the date and time in the lower left corner of the screen. By clicking on the image that appears you can select the user account with which to log in.
Step 4. Click on the "Stop" icon
It is located in the lower right corner of the screen. It is characterized by a circle intersected at the top by a vertical segment. A small drop-down menu will appear.
Step 5. Hold down the ⇧ Shift key as you click on the option Reboot the system.
This item is displayed at the top of the pop-up menu that appeared. Remember to hold down the ⇧ Shift key found on the left side of the keyboard. This will restart your computer again, but this time you will see the advanced menu with boot options.
After clicking on the option Reboot system, you may need to click on the button Restart anyway in order to actually restart the computer. In this case, keep holding the ⇧ Shift key while clicking on the indicated button.
Step 6. Click on the Troubleshoot item
It is one of the options listed in the advanced start menu. The latter is characterized by a blue screen with white characters.
Step 7. Click on the Advanced Options item
It is located at the bottom of the page.
Step 8. Click on the Startup Settings option
It is displayed on the right side of the page that appeared exactly below the item Command Prompt.
Step 9. Click on the Restart item
It is located in the lower right corner of the screen. This will restart the computer and display the boot modes menu.
Step 10. Press the button
Step 4
When the computer restarts, the "Startup Settings" menu will appear. At this point, press key 4 to start your computer in "Safe Mode".
Step 11. Wait for the computer to boot into "Safe Mode"
At the end of the boot process you will be able to use your computer in "Safe Mode".
To exit "Safe Mode", restart your computer as you normally do
Method 2 of 2: Windows 7
Step 1. Locate the F8 function key
It is located in the first row of keys on the keyboard starting from the top. To be able to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode", you must repeatedly press the F8 key during the early stages of the computer restart procedure.
Step 2. Turn on your computer
Press the "Power" button on the device. If your computer is already running or if it is frozen or unresponsive, first shut it down by pressing and holding the "Power" button.
If you are already logged in to Windows you can restart the machine by opening the "Start" menu, pressing the ⊞ Win key or clicking on the Windows logo located in the lower left corner of the desktop, and choosing the option Reboot the system.
Step 3. Press the F8 key repeatedly
Do this as soon as your computer starts booting. This will give you access to the Windows Advanced Start Menu. This is a black screen with white characters.
- The goal of this step is to press the F8 key before the Windows startup screen appears.
- If nothing happens when pressing the F8 key, try holding down the Fn key while pressing the F8 function key.
Step 4. Press the keyboard directional arrow ↓ until the "Safe Mode" option is checked
The directional arrows are located at the bottom right of the keyboard. When the "Safe Mode" option is highlighted in white it means that you have successfully selected it.
Step 5. Press the Enter key
This will restart your computer in "Safe Mode".
Step 6. Wait for the computer to boot into "Safe Mode"
After the boot process is complete, you will be able to use your computer in "Safe Mode".
