Apparently, any user knows that sometimes it is recommended to boot the system using a special startup option called Safe Mode. Why you need to use it, and how to turn on your computer in safe mode, we’ll see further. It’s worth noting right away that the actions performed vary quite a lot, depending on the modification of the Windows operating system that the computer or laptop is running. However, despite this, we can also suggest general solution, which applies to any of the known versions.

What is Safe Mode and what is it used for?

First, let's briefly look at what this mode is and why its use is sometimes so important. In most cases it is used when unstable work operating system or if it is impossible to boot in normal mode to troubleshoot all sorts of problems. Typically, users do not pay attention to the options for starting the system and choose standard mode Safe Mode, but this is not always advisable, since in this case network drivers are completely ignored, and access to the Internet, for example, to download some important components the system itself turns out to be inaccessible.

In some situations, command line support may be required, since it is the command line tools that allow you to troubleshoot possible malfunctions and crashes when loading Windows as efficiently as possible. Actually, most users saw such instructions in the start menu of some Windows modifications, but simply ignored their application, but when choosing the wrong start method, some operations turned out to be impossible.

How to start your computer in Safe Start Mode in Windows 7 and below?

Now let's move on directly to activating such a start. How to start a computer of the seventh version and earlier modifications probably doesn’t need much explanation. Probably everyone has already guessed that we are talking about calling a special start menu in which you can select several types of actions.

Access to it is activated by pressing the F8 key at the very beginning of the system boot (after control is transferred to the bootloader from the BIOS, but before the Windows logo appears). In some cases, you may need to press the key several times, since a single press may not have an effect (the main thing here is not to miss the moment). On some non-standard keyboards where function keys combined with numeric buttons, you may need to simultaneously press additional keys like Alt, Fn or Shift.

How to enter the safe mode of the computer in the eighth and tenth versions of the system?

The release of the eighth version, its version 8.1, and then the tenth modification was marked by the indignation of users, since the use of a standard call boot menu disappeared in them, although it may have remained, which will be discussed a little later. In them, the computer turns on in safe mode using many additional steps, and without using removable media with a distribution kit or a recovery disk, it is extremely difficult for an ordinary user to get to this boot option.

In a running system, to do this, you need to enter the settings menu, select the recovery partition, and then use the special boot options item, then select boot options through the diagnostics and additional options items and press the restart button.

Only after this the computer or laptop restarts, and a start menu appears on the screen containing items for selecting the required action (the menu itself is blue and slightly different from what the user sees in Windows 7 and below).

Booting into Safe Mode: general settings for all systems

Now a few words about how to start a computer in safe mode, based on general methods that can be used, regardless of installed version Windows. For this purpose, any OS has special tool configuration, called from the “run” console with the msconfig command.

After entering the configurator, you need to go to the download tab and simply check the safe start option with loading the minimum configuration. But there are pitfalls here. The fact is that when this type of start is activated, loading in Safe Mode will be carried out constantly. I think it’s already clear how to disable safe mode on your computer. On a loaded system, you simply need to go to the configuration again and uncheck the above item.

Starting Secure Boot Using Removable Media

Finally, let's see how to start the computer in safe mode if the system does not boot at all and under no circumstances. To select the desired action you can use bootable media(For example, installation disk with any latest version Windows), after selecting language options, go to recovery, and then call command line, for which you can use either the corresponding main menu item or the shortcut Shift + F10. In the console you should enter the command “bcdedit /set (globalsettings) advancedoptions true” (without quotes). To cancel Safe Start on a loaded system, call the command console and run the above command, but without the additional “true” statement at the end. After this, the start will be made with normal loading.

How to return the start menu for Windows 8 and 10?

Naturally, many users of the last two modifications of the system would like to return to using the F8 key to call the start menu, since it is both simpler and more practical.

This can be done quite simply by starting a command prompt (necessarily as an administrator), and then running the command “bcdedit /set (current) bootmenupolicy legacy” (again, without the quotes at the beginning and at the end). Upon completion of all actions, a restart is performed, and pressing the F8 key gives the same result as in systems of the seventh modification and lower. By the way, this option is also good because you don’t have to give up using the special starting options that were mentioned above. Basically, it is designed to more conveniently call up the menu when starting the operating system, even if the system does not boot at all and it is impossible to get to the desired item.

The computer in safe mode (in English Safe Mode) loads a limited set of drivers and system files necessary for the startup and subsequent operation of the system. This tool allows you to perform many troubleshooting tasks that are difficult, impossible to do in a regular OS session. There are plenty of ways to start Windows 7 safe mode on your computer, which are detailed in the instructions.

Safe Mode included in three options (see screenshot below).

1. Basic - downloads all the necessary components to keep Windows running.
2. With network support – the same as the basic version, only with the ability to work over a network or access the Internet. The mode is useful if, to fix a problem, you need to download updates, drivers, and other files.
3. With the command line - requiring knowledge of commands.

Choose option 1 or 2, depending on the essence of solving the problem; you are unlikely to need option 3, because it requires knowledge of using cmd. Before restarting Windows remove the discs from the drive and USB drives. To get to the Safe Mode boot options, follow the steps below.

Launch via additional boot options

Additional boot options provide a list of OS startup tools in various modes for troubleshooting. To display the list and start safe mode, do the following:

1. Turn on or restart your computer or laptop via .

2. If several operating systems are installed, on the system selection screen, use the keyboard arrows (up, down) to select Windows 7. Next, press the top row button F8.

3. If one Windows 7 OS is installed, immediately after reboot, quickly press the F8 key. If you do not have time to press and see the Windows logo, then the system has started. Repeat step 1 and 3.

4. The steps above will take you to a list of download options. Use the keyboard arrows (up, down) to select one of three options for starting safe mode, then click Enter.

Enabling via system settings (MSCONFIG)

You can enable safe mode on Windows 7 in the OS settings. Do the following series of actions:

2. There are 5 tabs available in the system configuration. Visit the "download" tab. If you see several operating systems, select Windows 7. Next, check the “safe mode” option and specify the boot option:

1. Minimum – launching important drivers, services and graphical interface.
2. Another shell is to enable cmd and load important Windows components.
3. Recovery Active Directory– the same “Minimal” option, only with the Active Directory service.
4. Network - the same “Minimal” option, only with network support and Internet access.

3. After changes, click OK. To start Windows 7 safe mode on your computer, in the message, click “restart” (the PC will restart immediately) or “exit without rebooting” (restart itself).

4. After working in safe mode, open the system configuration window, on the “boot” tab, uncheck the “safe mode” boot option. Next, click OK and restart your computer. If you do not complete step 4, then this mode will load constantly.

Using the BCDedit Command

To use the method, . Type the command BCDedit, press Enter. In the "Windows Boot" area, note the "identifier" (on the screenshot (current)) and "description" (on Windows screenshot 7).

For example, to launch safe mode: minimal, for the data shown in the screenshot above, you need to enter the following construction:

bcdedit /set (current) safeboot minimal

Execute or close cmd and restart your PC in the traditional way.

After successfully logging in using one of 3 methods, you will see “safe mode” in each corner of the screen. At the same time, the visual design of the interface will disappear and many services will stop.

Fix any problems. Then do not forget to restart the computer if you used the first method or change the settings corresponding to normal mode (2, 3 methods) and restart the system. After studying the recommendations, you can easily start Windows 7 safe mode using a method that is convenient for you.

Safe Mode or Safe Mode is a diagnostic operating system startup mode or the so-called computer crash protection mode, designed to identify and fix problems caused by software and return Windows to a working state. This operating system startup mode is used when the operating system refuses to boot in normal or last known known configuration mode. This need arises after conflicts during the installation or operation of software or drivers.

When the operating system starts in safe mode, only the elements necessary for its launch and operation are loaded: system services, device drivers, applications, and the services themselves. All user programs and drivers peripheral devices at the same time do not load, which increases the chance of a successful boot of Windows, especially if the driver prevented this external device or user utility. In safe mode, you can fix virtually any problem that has arisen with your computer due to third party program, drivers and even as a result of malware activity.

Starting in Safe Mode Windows 7

Starting safe mode in Windows 7 is carried out in several ways: by calling additional parameters loading the operating system with the “F8” button during boot and through the menu Windows startup.

How to enter safe mode through advanced options?

1. When the computer boots, after initialization is completed and the basic input/output system is loaded, press the “F8” key. To be on the safe side, you can press it several times per second until a black screen appears called “More boot options.”

If you did not have time to do this and the operating system loading screen appears, reboot the computer using keyboard shortcut“Ctrl + Alt + Delete” or the hardware “Reset” key.

1. The list contains several options for loading the operating system in safe mode, select the one you need and press “Enter”.

Safe mode – launches the OS with the minimum set of services and drivers necessary for its functioning.

Safe Mode with Boot network drivers– the same thing, but with the connection of device drivers, services and other components that ensure work with global and/or local network to which the computer is connected.

Safe mode with command line support - instead of Windows Explorer the user will have to work with command console. The mode is intended for advanced users and system administrators.

Unless you are a complete newbie Windows users, select the latest boot mode. If necessary, you can always launch the familiar Explorer with a simplified interface by entering the command “explorer” or “explorer.exe” and confirming its launch with the “Enter” key.

Launching safe mode through the startup menu

1. Launch the “Run” window by pressing “Win ​​+ R” on the keyboard.
2. Enter the “msconfig” command in the window that appears and confirm its execution by clicking “Ok” or “Enter”.

1. In the “System Configuration” window, in its first tab, move the trigger switch to the “Diagnostic run” position and click “Apply”.

1. Close the window by clicking “OK”.
2. Reboot and Windows will boot into safe mode.

If we are talking about Windows 10 startup, where all the data is located, you can find out by clicking on the link.

How to enter Safe Mode in Windows 8?

If booting into safe mode in Windows XP and Seven was not a problem, then in the new edition of the operating system users are having problems with this.

1. Press “Win ​​+ R” and write “msconfig” in the window that appears, as in Windows 7.
2. Move to the second tab called “Download”.
3. Check the box next to “Safe Mode”.
4. We move the trigger switch to the “Minimum” position.
5. If necessary, change the delay time before loading in the “Timeout” form and click “Apply”.

6. Close the window and reboot.

Boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode

To start Windows 10 in diagnostic mode, perform the following steps.

1. Click on the “Windows” button and select “Options”.

1. Go to “Update and Security”, where we select “Recovery”.
2. In the “Special boot options” section, click “Restart now”.

1. Once in the “Boot Options”, select the mode we need using the F4-F6 keys on the keyboard.

In Windows 8 and 10 versions, safe mode is also launched as in Windows 7 - by calling up the menu of additional boot options by pressing “F8” immediately after loading the BIOS. You can learn how to enable safe mode on Windows 10 using other methods in our next article.

If you have any questions about the topic "What is Windows Safe Mode?”, you can ask them in the comments

Windows Safe Mode is a very convenient and necessary tool. On computers that are infected with viruses or have problems with hardware drivers, safe mode may be the only way solve a computer problem.

When Windows boots into Safe Mode, no third party software is loaded software or driver, thus increasing the likelihood that the download will be successful and you will be able to fix the problem in safe mode.

In theory, your computer should start Windows Safe Mode on its own if a failure occurs during boot, however, sometimes it is necessary to manually start Safe Mode, which is done as follows:

• IN Windows 7 and more earlier versions: You need to press F8 after turning on the computer, as a result a menu will appear in which you can choose to boot into safe mode. More details about this in the article
• IN Windows 8: You need to press Shift and F8 when you turn on the computer, but this may not work. More details: .

What exactly can be fixed in safe mode?

After you have launched safe mode, you can perform the following actions with the system to correct computer errors:

• Scan your computer for viruses, perform virus treatment - very often those viruses that the antivirus cannot remove in normal mode are easily removed in a safe way. If you don't have an antivirus, you can install it while in safe mode.
• Run System Restore- if just recently the computer was working stably, but now it’s starting to crash, use system restore to return the computer to the state it was in before.
• Remove installed software- if there are problems with starting or Windows operation started after some program or game was installed (especially for programs that install their own drivers), began to appear blue screen death, you can remove the installed software in safe mode. It is very likely that after this the computer will boot normally.
• Update hardware drivers - provided that system instability is caused by system device drivers, you can download and install latest drivers from the official websites of equipment manufacturers.
• Remove banner from desktop - safe mode with command line support is one of the main ways to get rid of SMS ransomware, how to do this is described in detail in the instructions.
• See if crashes occur in Safe Mode - If during normal booting of Windows the computer has problems - blue screen of death, automatic reboot or similar, but they are absent in safe mode, then most likely the problem is software. If, on the contrary, the computer does not work in safe mode, causing the same failures, then there is a possibility that they are caused by hardware problems. It is worth noting that normal operation in safe mode does not guarantee that there are no hardware problems - it happens that they arise only when the equipment is heavily loaded, for example, a video card, which does not happen in safe mode.

Here are some of the things you can do in Safe Mode. This is far from full list. In some cases, when solving and diagnosing the causes of a problem takes an prohibitively long time and takes a lot of effort, the best option may be reinstalling Windows.

Any computer running the Windows operating system can be started in safe mode. In this mode, only the most basic components of the operating system are loaded. This allows you to start your computer even if serious problems occur. software conflicts or problems. From safe mode you can remove programs that block the operation of the operating system or cannot be removed during normal operation.

If you are having problems and need to start your computer in safe mode, then this material should help you. Here you can find out how this is done in the Windows 7 operating system, as well as new operating systems Windows systems 8 and .

How to start your computer in safe mode (Windows XP or Windows 7)

If you are using Windows XP or, then starting your computer in safe mode will be quite simple. To do this, you need to restart the computer (if the computer is turned off, just turn it on) and when the computer starts booting, press the F8 key on the keyboard. You need to press the F8 key until a list of methods appears on the computer screen Windows boot.

In this list we are only interested in the first three items. Let's look at them in more detail:

• Safe Mode– standard safe mode. In this mode, the computer will start using only the most necessary components. In most cases, this is the safe mode option that is used.
• Safe mode with loading network drivers– safe mode is similar to the previous one, but with loading of network drivers. When loading into this mode you will be able to work with the local network and the Internet.
• Safe Mode with Command Line Support– safe mode without GUI. After loading in this mode, a command line appears on the screen with which you can interact with the system.

Please note that the F8 key must be pressed immediately after the computer starts up. If you are a little late, the list of boot methods will not appear and the computer will start in normal mode.

How to start your computer in safe mode (Windows 8 and Windows 10)

If you are using Windows 8 or, then you will not be able to start your computer in safe mode using the method described above. The computer simply won't respond to the F8 key. In this case, you need to start safe mode using MSCONFIG commands or using boot disk with Windows. We'll look at both of these options next.

Option #1: Start the computer in safe mode using the MSCONFIG command.

If your computer is in working order, then you can use the MSCONFIG command. Press the Windows-R key combination and enter the MSCONFIG command in the window that appears.

After this, a window called “System Configuration” will open in front of you. In this window, you need to go to the “Boot” tab and check the box next to “Safe Mode”.

After that, close the window by clicking on the “OK” button and restart the computer. The next time you boot your computer, Safe Mode should start. In order for the computer to boot again in normal mode, you need to go to MSCONFIG again and uncheck the box.

In principle, this option for starting the computer in safe mode works in both Windows XP and Windows 7. But, using it is not as convenient as starting it via the F8 key.

Option #2: Start your computer in safe mode using a Windows boot disk.

The second option is to start safe mode using a Windows boot disk. This option will be useful if your computer does not start at all, and it is not possible to use the MSCONFIG command.

For this download option you need with that Windows version, which is installed on your computer. If it is Windows 8, then you need a boot disk with Windows 8, if it is Windows 10, then Windows 10.

Insert your Windows boot disk and boot from it. At the very beginning, a window will appear in front of you with a choice of language. Here we simply click on the “Next” button.

And open the “Advanced Settings” subsection.

After this, open the command line.

As a result, it should appear in front of you. In this line you need to enter the command “ bcdedit /set (globalsettings) advancedoptions true" After entering this command, simply close the command line by clicking on the button with the red cross.

After closing the command line, the Select Action menu will appear. Here we select the “Continue” option.

After this, the computer should reboot. After rebooting, boot the computer in normal mode (not from the boot disk). As a result, when you start your computer, a list of ways to boot Windows will appear on the screen, with which you can start Safe Mode.

It should be noted that now, every time you start your computer, a list of boot methods will appear. In order to disable it, you need to boot from the disk again, go to the command line and run the command “ bcdedit /deletevalue (globalsettings) advancedoptions».