How to Boot Into Safe Mode in Windows

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If you're experiencing problems with Windows, you may be able to resolve them by restarting the computer in safe mode. This diagnostic mode allows only essential programs to run, and it disables third-party software or drivers that could cause conflicts with Windows. This can help you troubleshoot a problem and identify the source of the error, without having to reboot the computer multiple times.

While the safe mode in Windows provides a useful way to troubleshoot, there are also other ways to boot the operating system into this state, including using the Advanced Options menu on the blue Choose an option screen that appears when you restart your computer. The options available in this menu include Safe Mode, and also the option to load a network driver if you need to use the Internet while in safe mode.

When you're unable to use your computer normally, you might need to boot into safe mode to remove a virus or malware program that is infecting the machine, or to update device drivers that have become corrupt or are otherwise causing problems. In addition, you might need to run an antivirus program in safe mode to identify and eliminate a potential virus or spyware infection.

Aside from preventing you from running third-party applications that aren't necessary to the operation of your computer, safe mode is helpful because it starts the operating system with only the basic files needed for startup. As a result, you can easily isolate and troubleshoot problems that might be caused by a third-party application or a device driver.

Windows 95 introduced safe mode, but it wasn't included in NT-based versions of the OS at first. It became a feature of Windows 2000, and has been included in each successive version of the operating system since. When you boot into safe mode, the system displays a notice that explains the purpose of this operating mode, and it changes the desktop background to a solid black color with a watermark that says "Safe Mode" in each corner of the desktop.

You're able to invoke safe mode in Windows if you have a legacy BIOS and a hard drive that uses traditional spinning platters rather than solid-state drives. However, you can't use the F8 key to enter safe mode in modern computers that have a UEFI-based BIOS and SSD drives. You can still enable the safe mode function by using the bcdedit command to modify the operating system's boot configuration data. To do so, you must open an administrator Command Prompt window. Type the following command: bcdedit /set default bootmenupolicy legacy and press Enter. After is windows 11 good for valorant is executed, you're able to use the F8 key to boot into safe mode in Windows 10. The computer will now boot into safe mode and not rely on the boot sequence set by its UEFI firmware. When it boots back into normal mode, you'll see the Windows logo and the command line will disappear from the screen.