When using a Windows product, Safe Mode is a setting that instructs the computer to operate with only the necessary basic files and drivers. Some commonly used applications that can be used while operating in Safe Mode include Outlook, Firefox, and Office tools (such as Word, Excel, and Powerpoint). Instructing a Windows computer to operate …
When using a Windows product, Safe Mode is a setting that instructs the computer to operate with only the necessary basic files and drivers. Some commonly used applications that can be used while operating in Safe Mode include Outlook, Firefox, and Office tools (such as Word, Excel, and Powerpoint).
Instructing a Windows computer to operate in Safe Mode is usually an easy task. However, it quickly becomes frustrating when it’s necessary to repeatedly reboot the PC to start in Safe Mode, hit the F8 key, or restart from Normal Mode. Luckily, there is an easier way to boot into Safe Mode.
The reasons behind running a computer in Safe Mode vary from user to user. The most common reason is to help identify if a problem is being caused by any recent add-ons, extensions, or customized settings. Additionally, running a device in Safe Mode can help fix hard drive issues and improve performance. Generally, Safe Mode is best utilized for maintenance purposes and not everyday use.
It’s important to note that there are some drawbacks in using Safe Mode. This setting does not provide full protection against all types of malware or other vulnerabilities. The device may run more slowly in Safe Mode and not all network drives and applications will be available. Despite these downsides, running Safe Mode on a device is still advisable when attempting to diagnose various issues.
Due to the variations across Windows products, there are a number of ways to start Windows in Safe Mode. One way is by pressing the F8 key during startup, which will instruct the device to open a menu of options. Alternatively, if using Windows 8 or 10, holding the shift key while clicking on the “Restart” button will also initiate Safe Mode. This guide was crafted with the intention that users may need to restart a device into Safe Mode multiple times in a row. Some examples where this may be necessary include when removing malware, adjusting a difficult driver, or running troubleshooting tools. Additionally, there is an option in System Configuration that enables Windows to always boot into Safe Mode. This method should work with every version of Windows.
To open Systems Configuration, press Windows+R to summon the Run box. Type “msconfig” in the box and press the Enter key.
Once the System Configuration window is open, locate the Boot tab. Click the Safe Boot box and then ensure that the “Minimal” option is selected. Once these steps are completed, select “OK.”
Windows will then inquire about restarting the PC immediately or at a later time. The next time the PC is restarted (whether at that moment or at another time) the PC will enter Safe Mode.
After the device has restarted, users will know the device is in Safe Mode as it will be presented on the corners of the screen.
Every time the device is restarted, Windows will operate in Safe Mode until it is turned off.
Now that the device no longer needs to be in Safe Mode, the “Safe Boot” option needs to be switched off.
To accomplish this, type “msconfig” into the Run box. Afterward, press Enter and open the System Configuration tool once again. Activate the Boot tab and un-select the “Safe Boot” option. Click “OK” and then restart the device.
