Windows - Booting into Safe Mode

1. Windows 8: Restart your computer and tap F8 every half second or so. Proceed to step 2. For Windows 10, hold shift and then restart your computer. Skip steps 2 and 3, and instead proceed to step 4.

2. Click Change defaults or other options.

   

3. Click Choose other options.

   

4. Click Troubleshoot.

   

5. Click Advanced options.

   

6. Click Startup Settings.

   

7. Click Restart.

   

8. Once the computer restarts, press 4.

   

1. Turn on or restart your computer.

2. As soon as your computer turns on and you see the splash screen (example pictured below), begin tapping the F8 key. If you see the Windows loading screen, you need to restart and begin pressing F8 earlier.

   

3. If you need to access the internet, select Safe Mode with Networking by using the arrow keys and press Enter. Otherwise, select Safe Mode.

   Note: Dial-Up Networking may not work, even in Safe Mode with Networking.

   Windows XP:

   

   Windows 7 and Vista:

   

4. If you see a screen asking you to select your operating system, just press Enter on your keyboard.

   

5. After you press enter, you should see a lot of scrolling white text, this is normal. Wait until Windows loads to the desktop.

Windows XP:

Windows 7 and Vista:

6. If asked if you want to continue running in Safe Mode, click Yes.