What is Windows 10 Safe Mode and How to Access?
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4 January 2021 Senior Product Manager
Summary
Being a special mode in Windows system, Safe mode can help to fix some error in Windows quickly. But when do we need to get access to safe mode? And how can we get access to safe mode in Windows 10? Related solutions will be provided here!
It is inevitable for us to get access to safe mode when using Windows 10. But have you ever encounter some problems when accessing to safe mode? Do you know how to get into and exit safe mode in Windows 10? How to deal with safe mode failure? This passage will provide solutions to all problems you may encounter when accessing Windows 10 safe mode.
- How to Get Access to Safe Mode in Windows 10?
- Get into Safe Mode with F8
- How to Get into Safe Mode when Windows 10 Works?
- How to Get into Safe Mode when Windows 10 Fails to Work?
- Get Access to Safe Mode in Login Page
- Trouble 2: How to Exit Safe Mode in Windows 10 if it Keep Enter Automatically?
- Exit Safe Mode via System Configuration
- Exit Safe Mode via Command Prompt
What is Safe Mode?
Being a special boot mode in Windows system, safe mode can boot PC without loading drivers for other third party devices. In safe mode, we can fix some system bug without efforts. If you encounter system unstable or automatic startup, it is recommended to fix these problems by getting access to safe mode.
What are the Functions of Safe Mode?
The functions of safe mode are useful. Here, we will introduce some main functions:
1. Delete Stubborn Files
You may have received such notification when try to delete files in Windows: “it is being used” or “can not delete”. However, these files are not using. When we encounter such files, we can delete it after getting access to safe mode.
2. Clear Virus
When computer get infected with virus which can not be deleted totally and even get cross infection, we can clear these virus in safe mode. Because only basic drivers will be loaded in safe mode, which can help us clear the virus in a better way.
3. Fix System Error
When Windows fails to work like get unstable or keeps reboots, blue screen or black screen, we can try to fix it with safe mode (Windows can fix some error by booting with safe mode) before reinstalling system. Then we can restart the computer to test whether the problem we have encountered gets fixed.
If you are not clear about the cause of the error, you can also get into safe mode and try the [Troubleshoot] function to solve the problem.
4. Restore System Settings
If system fails to work after you install some new software or change the configuration of system, it is available to uninstall the new software or correct the related configurations in safe mode which will boot the system with basic drivers and boot the system in the simplest way.
5. Uninstall Malicious Software
If you install some software which is malicious or not compatible with system, you may fail to connect the Internet or encounter some error. If we encounter such situations, we can get access to safe mode with Internet connection. If it is all right, the problem you encountered could be caused by some auto-start software or service.
Types of Safe Mode
Windows 10 provides different safe mode. We can make the choice according to our needs. Here are 3 different safe modes:
1. Safe Mode: The most common safe mode. And this safe mode will only run the basic components of the system. Other components like that in the pictures will not be started.
2. Safe Mode with Networking: Internet connection and dial-up service will be started to enable basic Internet services in this safe mode.
3. Safe Mode with Command Prompt: This safe mode will pop up command prompt window after entering.
| Enable Safe Mode | Enable safe mode with Networking | Enable safe mode with Command Prompt | |
| Third-party drivers | × | √ | × |
| Internet service | × | √ | × |
| Get access to shared folder | × | √ | × |
| Get to Internet with Dial-up service | × | √ | × |
| Install new software | × | √ | × |
| Uninstall software | √ | √ | × |
| Operate computer with command prompt | × | × | √ |
How to Get Access to Safe Mode in Windows 10?
Fast startup is adapted in Windows 10. As a result, we can not get access to safe mode by pressing F8. Then how can we set it to start safe mode with F8?
Steps of Getting Access to Safe Mode with F8
Steps:
Step 1: Right-click the [Start] icon and enter [Command Prompt] in search. Then please right click [Command Prompt] in search result and select [Run as administrator] in the menu.
If you do not have administrator, you could create one with Rene Passnow.
If you do not have administrator, you could create one with Rene Passnow.
Step 2: Enter [bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy]. Press [Enter] and then please restart the computer after process finished.
Step 3: Restart computer and press F8 before you see the Windows logo. Then you will start the computer with safe mode.
TipsIf you want to disable this settings, please repeat the above steps and enter [bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy standard] in command prompt window. Then press [Enter] to process the command to enable Fast startup of Windows.
Here, methods about accessing to safe mode under different computer situations will be introduced as well.
How to Get into Safe Mode when Windows 10 Works?
If your Windows starts well, you can get access to safe mode with methods below.
Method 1: Click “Restart” after pressing “Shift”.
Steps:
Step 1: Hold [Shift] button and then click the [Start] icon to find the [Power] button and select [Restart].
Step 2: Please choose [Troubleshoot] when you are asked to select an item.
Step 3: Select [Advanced options] then [Startup Settings] and finally [Restart].
Step 4: Please select the desired safe mode in the Startup menu. You can press number 4, 5, 6 or F4, F5 and F6 to select the safe mode you want.
Method 2: Enable Safe Mode in Windows Settings
Steps:
Step 1: Go to Control Panel by pressing [Win + I].
Step 2: Select [Update & security] in Setting window.
Step 3: Select [Recovery] in the left side and click [Restart now] under [Advanced startup] on the right side.
Step 4: Please select [Troubleshoot] after restart.
Step 5: Select [Advanced options] then [Startup Settings] and finally [Restart]. And select the desired safe mode in the Startup menu after restart.
Method 3: Enable Safe Mode Startup with System Configuration
This method is required with Administrative privilege. If you do not have administrator account, it is recommended to create one with Renee Passnow.
Steps:
Step 1: Press [Win +R] button.
Step 2: Enter [msconfig] in Run.
Step 3: Click [Boot] in system configuration. Then please select your Windows version accordingly. Select [Safe Boot] and click [Apply] and [OK] to save the settings.
Step 4: When you receive the notification of that “Restart computer to apply these settings”, please click [Restart]. Then you will get into safe mode automatically.
TipsAfter selecting [Safe boot] in this method, you will get into safe mode automatically when you start computer. If you want to return to normal Windows 10 startup mode, please do not select the [Secure boot] option in Step 3.
Method 4: Enter Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Steps:
Step 1: Press [Win + R] to open Run.
Step 2: Enter [shutdown /r /o] and press [OK] to process. Then you will be required to restart the computer in one minute. (If you do not have administrator account, you can create one with Renee Passnow.)
Step 3: Please choose [Troubleshoot] after restart. Select [Advanced options] then [Startup Settings] and finally click [Restart].
Step 4: Please select the desired safe mode in the Startup menu. For example, if you want to connect to Internet in Safe Mode, just select [Safe Mode with Networking].
TipsAfter getting access to safe mode with this method, you will get into safe mode automatically when you start computer. If you want to return to normal Windows 10 startup mode, please press [Win + R] and then enter [msconfig] in Run. And do not select the [Safe boot] option in [Boot] option.
How to Get into Safe Mode when Windows 10 Fails to Work?
If you computer fails to work, please get into safe mode with methods below.
Method 1: Break the Normal Startup of Windows 10 by Press Restart Button 3 Times
Steps:
Step 1: Start computer and press restart or shut down button when you see the Windows 10 logo. Repeat 3 times.
Step 2: After getting access to Windows 10 Recovery environment with force reboot, please select [Troubleshoot].
Step 3: Then please select [Advanced options] and then [Startup Settings].
Step 4: Click [Restart].
Step 5: Please select the desired safe mode in the startup settings menu.
TipsAlthough we can get into safe mode with the force boot when starting the computer, it could damage the computer again. It is recommended to get access to safe mode with other methods.
Method 2: Get Access to Safe Mode with Windows Installation Disk
Step 1: Connect the Windows installation disk to computer (If you do not have the Windows installation disk, please refer to “How to create Windows Bootable USB”).
Step 2: After booting the computer from the Windows installation USB, please select [Repair your computer] on bottom-left corner of the installation interface.
Step 3: Please select [Troubleshoot], [Advanced options] and finally [Command Prompt] after getting into Windows Recovery Environment.
Step 4: Please enter the following command in the command prompt window [bcdedit /set {default} safeboot minimal], please press [Enter].
Step 5: After the command processed, please close the command prompt window. And then click [Continue]. Then the computer will restart and enter safe mode.
TipsAfter getting access to safe mode with this method, you will get into safe mode automatically when you start Windows 10. If you want to return to normal Windows 10 startup mode, please go to command prompt window with steps above and then enter [bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot]. Finally, press [Enter] to save the settings.
Get into Safe Mode in Windows Login Page
If you can get access to Windows login page, you can get access to safe mode with the following steps:
Steps:
Step 1: Holding [Shift] and then click the power button on the right-bottom corner and then select [Restart].
Step 2: Choose [Troubleshoot] after computer restart.
Step 3: Then please select [Advanced options] and then [Startup Settings]. Click the [Restart] button.
Step 4: Please select the desired safe mode in the startup settings menu.
Trouble 1: Fail to Uninstall Software under Windows 10 Safe Mode
We will try to uninstall software in safe mode if we fail to make it as usual. But what should be done if safe mode can not help us to uninstall software as well?
Steps to solve this problem:
Step 1: Run command prompt as administrator (If you do not have administrator account, please create one with Renee Passnow). Then enter [REG ADD “HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot\Minimal\MSIServer” /VE /T REG_SZ /F /D “Service”] in the pop-up window. Then please press [Enter] to add registry.
Step 2: Enter and run [NET START MSISERVER] command to launch Windows installation program. Then you can install or uninstall software.
Trouble 2: How to Exit Safe Mode in Windows 10 if it Keep Enter Automatically
If your computer keep accessing to safe mode automatically and can not boot computer as usual, please exit Windows 10 safe mode with methods below.
Exit Safe Mode via System Configuration
Steps:
Step 1: Press [Win + R] button after getting access to safe mode to launch Run.
Step 2: Enter [msconfig] in Run and click [OK] to process the command. (If you do not have administrator account, please create one with Renee Passnow.)
Step 3: Click [Boot] in System Configuration tab and select your Windows system. Please do not check the option [Safe boot]. Click [Apply] and [OK] to save the settings. Finally, please restart the computer to get to your Windows system as usual.
Exit Safe Mode with Command Prompt
If you can not exit the safe mode with method above, please run the command prompt window as administrator. (If you do not have administrator account, please create one with Renee Passnow.) Then follow steps below to exit the safe mode.
Steps:
Step 1: Click [Start] and enter [CMD] in the search box. Select [Command Prompt] and choose [Run as administrator].
Step 2: Enter [bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safeboot] in the pop up window and then press [Enter] to process the command. Restart the computer and you will return to Windows normal startup mode.
TipsYou can also enter a simpler command [shutdown /r /t 00]. Similarily, press [Enter] to process the command. Restart the computer and you will return to Windows normal startup mode.
Trouble 3: What to Do when Windows 10 and Safe Mode Fail to Work?
If your computer fails to login Windows or get access to safe mode, you can fix the system file or restore the system.
Fix System File by Running sfc/scannow Command
Steps:
Step 1: Connect the Windows installation disk to computer (If you do not have the Windows installation disk, please refer to “How to create Windows Bootable USB”).
Step 2: Change the boot order to make the computer boot from USB disk.
Step 3: After booting the computer from the Windows installation USB, please select [Repair your computer] on the bottom-left corner of the installation interface.
Step 4: Please select [Troubleshoot], [Advanced options] and finally [Command Prompt] after getting into Windows Recovery Environment.
Step 5: Enter [sfc/scannow] in the command prompt window and press [Enter] to process.
Tips[sfc/scannow] can scan the complicity of all protected system files and fix the problematic one.
Restore System with Windows Recovery Environment
Steps:
Step 1: Start computer and press restart or shut down button when you see the Windows 10 logo. Repeat 3 times. After getting access to Windows 10 Recovery environment with force reboot, please select [Troubleshoot].
Step 2: Then please select [Advanced options] and then [System Restore]. Then please select the latest restore point you created and process the restoration.
Please note that system restoration may lead to lose parts or all important data. You can prevent such data disaster by transferring important data with data transfer function provided by Renee Passnow.
Transfer Important Files or Create New Administrator Account with Renee Passnow
Windows Rescue Software – Renee Passnow
| Enable/Create Windows Account | Create new account and enable disabled account (Including Administrator and local account) |
| Reset Windows Password | Whole Windows password reset process just take 5 minutes without damaging data inside. 100% Safe. |
| Delete Windows account password | Support to remove login password for local account and administrator in Windows 10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista |
| User-friendly | No need of any professional knowledge or password reset disk. Users can reset Windows login password by themselves. |
| Overall solution to Windows Troubles | Provides solution to hard disk clone, data transfer, disk erase, Windows startup problem, disk test and data recovery, etc. |
Transfer Important Files
Steps:
Step 1: Download and install Renee Passnow on another workable computer.
Step 2: Connect USB disk or CD to this computer and launch Renee Passnow. Select one option from [Crate a Live USB] and [Create a Live CD]. Then, select [x64] or [x86] according to your computer. Next, click on [Download Now] to download the licensed ISO. Remember to activate the software beforehand. After that, click on [Create USB] to create the boot media.
Step 3: Boot target computer and get into BIOS. Please set the computer to boot from USB/CD.
Step 4: Please choose [Data Transfer] after getting into Renee Passnow.
Step 5: Please select the original disk and target disk which you want to save the important data. Then drag the target files to target disk.
Create New Administrator Account in Windows 10
Steps:
Step 1: Repeat the first 3 steps of data transfer above. Then please select [Passnow!] on the software interface.
Step 2: Select your system and then click [Create new account]. Then Renee Passnow will create a new administrator account which is with account name [Renee] and password [123456789].
If you did not create restore point or you still can not figure out the problem you have met after system restoration, please reinstall system. Attention, please create backup for your important files with method above.
TipsOf course, if you can not create the backup before your system fails, you can also try to recover the lost files from you broken Windows system with Undeleter function in Renee Passnow.
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