Start Windows in Safe Mode to narrow down the source of the problemHow to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Windows 11, 10, 8, 8.1, 7, Vista, or XP?Boot in Safe Mode on Windows XP/Vista/7Start Windows in Safe Mode (Windows 7/8/10/11 Guide)
Booting Windows in Safe Mode starts the operating system with a limited set of programs, drivers and services. If the error does not occur in the secure mode, it means that the problem is not caused by default Windows programs, devices or settings. For this reason, booting in this mode is often used when fixing common errors such as Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart or Video_Scheduler_Internal_Error. Earlier, the most popular way to start Windows in Safe Mode while booting was clicking F8, but that is not the case nowadays. Therefore, it is essential to learn the new ways to start Windows in Safe Mode on Dell, HP and other PCs. The mode is available in several options, and each one is used to address different issues, each listed below. There are many ways to boot Windows in the said mode. However, options for different versions of the Windows operating system are slightly different. Therefore, we suggest seeing instructions prepared exceptionally for your Microsoft Windows version (7/Vista/XP, Windows 8 & 8.1, Windows 10 and Windows 11). You can also check the video guide we provide. This post was first published on October 28, 2018, and updated on October 16, 2022. Note. You can also try using Shift+F8 keys together. Keep pressing them both down repeatedly as described previously.
Start Windows in Safe Mode (Windows 7/8/10/11 Guide)
Method 1. Use System Configuration panel
This method relies on the System Configuration panel, and it boots into your chosen mode as long as you decide not to. It works for Windows 7, 8, 10, 11. This is also the easiest way to get Windows 10 into Safe Mode.
Method 2. Access troubleshooting tools
If you are looking for a way to enter Safe Mode in Windows 11, 10 or 8, then you should review methods described below. First of all, choose a method to access troubleshooting tools – it depends whether you can start the operating system or not. The guide provided below covers both methods. Step 1. Accessing the troubleshooting tools In case your computer starts normally, try to boot in Safe Mode (Windows 8, 10 or 11) without F8. Now, if your computer does not start properly at all, you should try one of the following methods. In case you are having problems starting the operating system, try booting from a USB recovery drive. You can make one using another computer. You can also try the method with an F8 key, but it does not work in all cases – it depends on your computer model. Whichever way you get into the recovery mode, it will allow you to boot Windows in Safe Mode. Step 2. Using the troubleshooting options Methods described earlier will give you access to a special menu where you can choose from provided troubleshooting tools. Do not get confused if after restart your computer displays a black screen with the same options – use arrow keys to select the right choice of Safe Mode, and just press Enter to continue.
Method 3. Force enter Automatic Repair mode in Windows 10
Interrupting normal Windows startup three times in a row triggers Automatic Repair mode. You can use this mode to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode while booting. To trigger the Automatic Repair one, you must interrupt normal Windows 10 startup three consecutive times. Follow the given guide attentively. In case you are using Windows 10 and you are having problems with blank device’s screen, we suggest checking suggestions provided in official Microsoft’s website.
