How to Start Windows (7, 8, 10) in Safe Mode
The method to start Windows XP, Vista and 7 in Safe Mode differs from Windows 8 & 10. However, there is a universal method using which you can start any version of Windows in Safe Mode. Windows MSCONFIG (System Configuration) utility allows you to configure boot options for your Windows.
So, in this tutorial, we are going to show you how to start your Windows PC in Safe Mode using MSCONFIG utility. Please note that you have to revert the changes while in Safe Mode otherwise your PC will boot in Safe Mode every time (Safe Mode Boot Loop). But don’t worry, we will also show you how to get out of Safe Mode in Windows in case you get stuck there.
A) Start Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 or 10 in Safe Mode Using MSCONFIG Utility
Step 1: Open System Configuration Utility
First of all, press Windows Key + R on keyboard. This will open RUN window. Here, type msconfig
and click OK. Alternatively, you can also search for msconfig on Start in Windows 7 or 8.
After you click OK or press Enter, System Configuration utility will start. Here you can change Windows startup options, services etc.
Step 2: Enable Safe Mode in Boot Options
In System Configuration window, click on Boot tab. Here you will see your OS (Windows) already selected. Now, check Safe boot under Boot options and click OK.
Step 3: Start Windows in Safe Mode
After you click OK, you will see a prompt asking if you would like to restart your computer now or exit without restart. Click on Restart to boot your Windows PC in Safe Mode.
Your Windows PC will start in Safe Mode.
SEE ALSO: How to check System Uptime in Windows 10?
B) Start your Windows PC in Normal Mode
The only drawback of this method is that your computer will always start in Safe Mode unless you change the startup settings again. You will have to change the settings in System Configuration (MSCONFIG) utility to get out of the Safe Mode. Follow these steps to start your Windows PC in Normal Mode.
Step 1: Open System Configuration Utility
Open System Configuration (MSCONFIG) utility while you are in Safe Mode just like you did in normal mode. Go to RUN, type msconfig
and press Enter.
After you click OK or press Enter, System Configuration utility will start.
Step 2: Start Windows in Normal Mode
Now, go to Boot tab and un-check Safe Boot from Boot options and click OK.
You will see a prompt asking to restart your PC, click on Restart to start your Windows PC in normal mode.
Start Any Version of Windows in Safe Mode
You can use this method to start any version of Windows OS, be it Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8/8.1 or Windows 10 in Safe Mode. Only drawback of this method is that Windows will boot into Safe Mode every time. To avoid this make sure to follow the second part of this tutorial which explains how to get out of Safe Mode.
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