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Article Number: 000139606

How to Boot into Safe Mode in Windows 8 or 8.1

Summary: This article provides step-by-step instructions on how to boot into safe mode in Windows 8 or 8.1.

This article may have been automatically translated. If you have any feedback regarding its quality, please let us know using the form at the bottom of this page.

Article Content

Symptoms

Safe mode starts Windows in a basic state, using a limited set of files and drivers. If a problem does not happen in safe mode, this means that the default settings and basic device drivers are not causing the issue. Observing Windows in safe mode enables you to narrow down the source of a problem, and can help you troubleshoot problems on your computer.

There are three different types of safe mode boot options that are available in the Advanced Boot Options.

  1. Safe Mode: Starts Windows with the minimum of drivers and services possible
  2. Safe Mode with Networking: Same as Safe Mode, but adds the network drivers and services you must have access to the Internet and other computers on your network. You also need this mode if you must use devices such as a USB flash drive
    NOTE: Wireless (Wi-Fi) Internet connection is not supported in safe mode with networking.
  3. Safe Mode with Command Prompt: Same as Safe Mode but the Command Prompt as the user interface instead of the windows desktop Graphical User Interface (GUI)
NOTE: The Windows installer service is disabled in Safe Mode and Safe Mode with Command Prompt. Applications cannot be installed or uninstalled in these two modes.

Cause

In safe mode, Windows has reduced functionality. The task of isolating problems is easier since many nonessential components are disabled, such as sound, third-party drivers and services, nonessential Windows services, and more. Corrupt software, drivers, or the installation of poorly configured software prevents Windows from successfully booting into normal mode.

Resolution

Boot into safe mode during startup

  1. Turn on the computer.

  2. Press and hold the SHIFT key and tap the F8 key several times until you enter the Recovery Mode menu.

    NOTE: This may take several attempts on older computers before it works as quick booting computers can go past the detection point quicker than you can tap the keys.

  3. In the Recovery Mode menu, select See advanced repair options.

    image 1
    Figure 1: The Recovery Mode Menu, the image is in English

  4. Choose the Troubleshoot option.

    image 2
    Figure 2: The Choose an option screen, the image is in English

  5. Select the Advanced options button.

    image 3
    Figure 3: The Choose the advanced option menu, the image is in English

  6. Select the Windows Start-up Settings button.

    image 4
    Figure 4: The Advanced Option Menu, the image is in English

  7. Click the Restart button.

    image 5
    Figure 5: The Windows Startup Settings, the image is in English

  8. After the computer restarts, you see the Advanced Boot Options menu that enables you to boot your Windows 8 and 8.1 in: Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking and Safe Mode with Command Prompt

    image 8
    Figure 6: The Advanced Boot Options, the image is in English

Boot into safe mode from Windows 8 or 8.1

You must be able to enter and boot up Microsoft Windows 8 and 8.1 normally for this method. It uses the new Charm Bar in Microsoft Windows 8 and 8.1.

  1. Bring up the Charm Bar by either pressing the Win+I keys or swiping your mouse across the right side of the screen.

    Windows 8 Charm Bar
    Figure 7: The Charm Bar, the image is in English

  2. When the Charm Bar appears, click on the Change PC Settings button at the bottom right.

    Windows 8 PC Settings Charm Bar
    Figure 8: The Change PC Settings, the image is in English

  3. Select General and click the Restart now button under the Advanced start-up title.

    Windows 8 Boot Menu Access PC Settings
    Figure 9: The PC Settings, the image is in English

  4. When the computer restarts now, you should enter the Safe Mode of Microsoft Windows 8 and 8.1.

Reboot into safe mode from Windows 8 or 8.1

  1. Bring up the Charm Bar by either pressing the Win + I keys or swiping your mouse across the right side of the screen.

    Windows 8 Charm Bar
    Figure 10: The Charm Bar, the image is in English

  2. Click the Power button once.

    Windows 8 Power Button
    Figure 11: The power option on the Charm Bar, the image is in English

  3. Hold down your Shift key and click the Restart icon.

    Windows 8 Restart
    Figure 12: The Shut Down, the image is in English

  4. When the computer restarts, you see the Advanced Boot Options menu that allows you to access the Safe Mode of Microsoft Windows 8 and 8.1.

    image 5
    Figure 13: The Windows Startup Settings, the image is in English

Additional Information

Article Properties

Affected Product

Chromebox, Alienware, Inspiron, Legacy Desktop Models, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS, G Series, Chromebook, G Series, Alienware, Inspiron, Latitude, Vostro, XPS, Legacy Laptop Models, Fixed Workstations, Mobile Workstations

Last Published Date

02 Oct 2023

Version

6

Article Type

Solution

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