Things You Need to Know About Safe Mode

Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer in a limited state. Only the basic files and drivers necessary to run Windows are started.

The words Safe Mode appear in the corners of your monitor to identify which Windows mode you're using.

If an existing problem doesn't reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes.

If you don't know the cause of the problem, you can use the process of elimination to help you find the problem. Try starting all of the programs you commonly use, including the programs in your Startup folder, one by one to see if a program might be the cause of the problem.

If your computer automatically starts in safe mode without prompting, a problem with your computer might be preventing Windows from starting normally. If you think the cause of the problem might be a recently installed program or device, try using Recovery in Control Panel.

Below is how to boot into safe mode:

Remove all floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs from your computer, and then restart your computer.

Click the Start button, click the arrow next to the Shut Down button, and then click Restart.

If your computer has a single operating system installed, press and hold the F8 key as your computer restarts.

You need to press F8 before the Windows logo appears.

If the Windows logo appears, you'll need to try again by waiting until the Windows logon prompt appears, and then shutting down and restarting your computer.

If your computer has more than one operating system, use the arrow keys to highlight the operating system you want to start in safe mode, and then press F8.

On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to highlight the safe mode option you want, and then press Enter.

Log on to your computer with a user account that has administrator rights.

When your computer is in safe mode, you'll see the words Safe Mode in the corners of your monitor.

To exit safe mode, restart your computer and let Windows start normally.