ChrisGiulyMarty Did you know, according to CNBC, windows earned a revenue as large as 46 billion dollars in 2021? Windows is one of the most successful operating systems in the world, with windows 10 alone serving more than 70 million users worldwide. But even in an operating system as efficacious as windows, there are bound to be errors once in a while when a program may not run properly or a malware finds its way into the system… And as expected for such situations, windows has a built in diagnostic tool, called Safe mode.
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So what exactly is safe mode, you ask? And what’s that… you’d like to know more about it too? Well, as we often say (and stand true to), we’ve got you covered. In this article, you’ll be going through:
WHAT REALLY IS SAFE MODE?
You may have gotten a little idea of what Safe mode does from the initial paragraph.
Put simply, Safe mode is a window startup mode in which windows run a limited version of itself i.e only the basic and essential drivers and programs are run by the system like email clients, web browsers and more.
When windows face an incompatible program or malware that prevents the normal window programs from functioning properly, windows automatically starts up in safe mode where only the basic programs are run. A screen shows up that shows “SAFE MODE” written at each corner.
Now, since windows has blocked off all unessential programs and is still running properly, it becomes discernible that the error is not in the window’s default settings but actually in whatever third party programs one may have installed.
FURTHER OPTIONS IN SAFE MODE:
Safe mode can actually run in three different ways:
SAFE MODE
This is the windows startup with the minimum possible number of drivers that can be run possibly to maintain basic functions and services. This mode should be chosen when you do not need or expect local data services.
SAFE MODE WITH NETWORKING
This is identical to the first mode but however this option allows you to access internet services. This mode should be preferred when you know you’d need internet for tasks like a troubleshoot guide, downloading additional drivers etc.
SAFE MODE WITH COMMAND PROMPT
In this mode, the interface loads up as command prompt instead of internet explorer, unlike the first mode. This mode should be used when the desktop or taskbar does not load properly in the first or second option.
In any case, know that if your windows start in safe mode, try uninstalling any new software and driver you may have installed recently. Then, if rebooting the windows set things straight, then we know now what site not to go back to.
WHAT IS SAFE MODE USED FOR?
It all comes down to the “Why?”, doesn’t it? Why is a safe mode there? What are its uses?
Well, the primary one… I’ve already told. Whenever windows encounters an error while running normal programming, it immediately runs up a diagnostic start up which rules out the perturbing program and can troubleshoot it. The option to uninstall programs, access internet and all basic services remain however.
Know, however, that Safe mode is not just an option limited to windows. Even windows or MacOS can run in safe mode. The canonic idea however remains the same. A program facing problems running normally is more likely to function when allowed to run without any of the custom settings. This makes it clear that the root program is still intact and another external program or virus is interfering.
HOW TO REBOOT WINDOWS IN SAFE MODE:
Now that you know what exactly is Safe mode and what to do with it, let’s talk about ways you can run it manually. At times, windows may be showing errors but still not running in safe mode. Afterall, it isn’t as smart as you.
Here, we’ll be discussing three easy ways you can access safe mode:
- Using Settings
- Using Sign in screen
- Using black screen
Let’s go through them one by one. In first method:
1. Select the start button and go into settings. (You can also press windows+I.)
2. Select UPDATE AND RECOVERY.
3. Go into RECOVERY option
4. Under the option “ADVANCED SET UP”, choose “RESTART NOW.”
5. Your computer will now restart and present you with a “CHOOSE AN OPTION” screen.
6. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Start up settings.
7. Select RESTART.
8. Choose option 4 or press F4 to access safe mode only.
9. Choose option 5 or press F5 to access safe mode with networking.
If for some reason you are unable to access settings, no worries there. Simply follow method 2:
1. Start the windows sign in screen. This can be done by pressing CTRL+ALT+DELETE keys.
2. When the screen shows up, press and hold the SHIFT key.
3. Select POWER option and then RESTART.
4. Once you pc has restarted again, go through the same options as describes earlier: Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Start up settings.
5. Select RESTART.
If the above mentioned methods don’t work… well, third time’s the charm.
1. Press windows + R key. Dialog box will show up.
2. Type in msconfig.
3. Select the boot tab.
4. Select the Safe boot option
5. Click “APPLY”.
If you manage to rule out that there is no malicious program in the system and the windows still starts in safe mode, the most likely cause would be a corrupted registry. Installing a new windows in such case should set things right.
Now then, hope this article helps you out. If there are any more queries or any other topics you’d like our team’s help with, feel free to comment down below. And remember, we’ve got you.
ChrisGiulyMarty: Visionary Writer Shaping the Future of Technology with Masterful Use of Artificial Intelligence. Each of his articles is the outcome of a symbiosis between his creativity and AI algorithms, creating a unique blend of human perspective and computational power. Explore the digital world with the innovative articles of ChrisGiulyMarty, where AI is the pen that charts the course towards the future.
