Safe Mode is a troubleshooting feature in Windows 10 that allows you to start your system with only the essential files and drivers. By booting into Safe Mode, you can diagnose and resolve various issues such as malware infections, driver conflicts, and software problems. If you’re experiencing difficulties with your Windows 10 computer, here is a step-by-step guide on how to boot into Safe Mode.
1. Begin by accessing the Windows 10 Advanced Startup Options. You can do this in several ways, but one of the easiest methods is to hold down the Shift key on your keyboard and click on the “Restart” option in the Start Menu. Alternatively, you can use the “Shift + Restart” combination if you’re already logged in.
2. After clicking on Restart, your computer will reboot and present you with a blue screen. On this screen, click on “Troubleshoot”.
3. In the Troubleshoot menu, select “Advanced options.”
4. Once in the Advanced options, choose “Startup Settings.”
5. Now, you’ll be shown the Startup Settings screen, where you can modify the boot options for your computer. Here, click on the “Restart” button.
6. After restarting, you’ll be presented with a menu containing various startup options. To access Safe Mode, press the F4 key on your keyboard.
7. Your computer will now boot into Safe Mode. At this point, you’ll notice that the desktop looks slightly different from the regular Windows 10 view. Additionally, you might see a “Safe Mode” watermark in the corners of the screen.
8. In Safe Mode, you can diagnose and fix any issues you were experiencing. For example, you can perform a malware scan using your installed antivirus software, update problematic drivers, or uninstall any recently installed software that may be causing conflicts.
9. When you’ve completed the necessary troubleshooting steps, you can exit Safe Mode and restart your computer as you would normally. To do this, simply open the Start Menu, click on the Power button, and select “Restart.”
10. Your computer will then boot into the regular Windows 10 mode. All the changes you made while in Safe Mode will take effect, hopefully resolving the issue you were facing.
Remember that Safe Mode is designed to provide a stable environment for troubleshooting purposes. While in Safe Mode, some features might be limited, and certain software or drivers may not be available. However, this is intentional to focus solely on the core functionalities necessary for diagnosing and fixing problems.
In conclusion, Safe Mode is an essential tool to troubleshoot issues on your Windows 10 computer. By following these simple steps, you can easily boot into Safe Mode and resolve various software-related problems. However, if you’re unsure about performing certain actions while in Safe Mode, it’s recommended to seek assistance from a knowledgeable professional to avoid any potential risks or errors.