How to Run Windows 10 in Safe Mode
What is Safe Mode?
Windows 10 has a special mode called Safe Mode that allows you to start your system with a minimal set of drivers and services, making it easier to troubleshoot and diagnose any issues. Safe Mode is particularly useful when your system is not booting properly or you suspect a specific program or driver is causing the problem. In this article, we will guide you on how to run Windows 10 in Safe Mode.
Why Use Safe Mode?
Running Windows 10 in Safe Mode is beneficial in several situations:
• Troubleshooting: Safe Mode helps you isolate issues by disabling many third-party drivers and services, making it easier to identify the root cause of the problem.
• Diagnostic Tool: Safe Mode loads only basic drivers and services, allowing you to use built-in diagnostic tools like Event Viewer, System Configuration, and Performance Monitor to troubleshoot system issues.
• Malware Scanning: Safe Mode can help you scan for malware without the risk of the malware interfering with the scan.
• Reinstalling programs: Safe Mode provides a clean environment to reinstall software or try new settings without affecting your regular system.
How to Run Windows 10 in Safe Mode
There are two ways to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode:
Method 1: Restart and Press the F8 Key
- Restart your computer: Shut down your system and restart it.
- Press and hold F8: As your computer boots, press and hold the F8 key. This will open the Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Select Safe Mode: Use the arrow keys to navigate to the Safe Mode option and press Enter.
Method 2: Use the Boot Menu
- Restart your computer: Shut down your system and restart it.
- Enter the Boot Menu: Press the Shift key while restarting. This will open the Boot Menu.
- Select Safe Mode: Use the arrow keys to navigate to the Safe Mode option and press Enter.
Tips and Tricks
- Be patient: Starting in Safe Mode can take a few extra seconds, so be patient during the boot process.
- Disable fast startup: If you have fast startup enabled, you may need to disable it to run in Safe Mode. Go to Settings > Power & Sleep and toggle off Fast startup.
- Check for updates: Make sure your system is up-to-date before running in Safe Mode, as updates often resolve common issues.
- Warning messages: Be aware that running in Safe Mode may display warning messages or banners for outdated drivers or services. These messages are usually harmless.
Troubleshooting in Safe Mode
Once you’re in Safe Mode, you can use various built-in tools to troubleshoot your system:
- System Configuration: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog, type msconfig, and press Enter to open System Configuration. Here, you can disable startup items, services, and applications.
- Event Viewer: Open Event Viewer to view system logs, diagnose issues, and troubleshoot errors.
- Performance Monitor: Use Performance Monitor to monitor system performance, identify resource bottlenecks, and adjust settings.
Conclusion
Running Windows 10 in Safe Mode is a valuable troubleshooting tool that can help you diagnose and fix system issues. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily boot into Safe Mode and start troubleshooting your system. Remember to be patient, disable fast startup, and check for updates before running in Safe Mode. With these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to troubleshoot and fix common Windows 10 issues.