Many times, PC users might get into problem with their Windows and try built in useful utility to troubleshoot problems. Safe Mode is one the most popular method to digg deeply into PC problems and helps user to get their PC up and running. There is different other PC troubleshooting ways like system restore, system recovery options, MSCONFIG utility and so on but each serves their own specific purposes.
In previous versions of Windows, users able to access safe mode easily when something goes wrong or PC suffers from serious damages. Whereas, In Windows 8 you'll need to follow certain steps to get safe mode activated as Microsoft increases your reach to safe mode.
There are two cases when you need to access safe mode in Windows 8: Either you will have a machine that able to boot normally (much easier ways to access safe mode) or you've a machine that fails to boot, which requires you to go through recovery console.
Booting Into Safe Mode in Windows That Starts Normally
This step will require you to go through MSCONFIG utility and further boot up will take you in safe mode.
Remember, Roll back the changes using the same steps as above except to uncheck the box stating Safe boot. Otherwise, the system will keep starting in safe mode.
Get into Safe Mode on unbootable PC
This method is bit tricky but worth trying when PC runs on something that is out of control or unable to boot into desktop. Remember, you may not able to access safe mode in your first try, so please have patience.
Safe mode is an useful method to start your system with minimal set of drivers and helps you in pin pointing the exact cause behind certain issues. Windows 8 is designed to self heal minor errors but users may need to take help of Safe mode when situation is getting worse.
In previous versions of Windows, users able to access safe mode easily when something goes wrong or PC suffers from serious damages. Whereas, In Windows 8 you'll need to follow certain steps to get safe mode activated as Microsoft increases your reach to safe mode.
There are two cases when you need to access safe mode in Windows 8: Either you will have a machine that able to boot normally (much easier ways to access safe mode) or you've a machine that fails to boot, which requires you to go through recovery console.
Booting Into Safe Mode in Windows That Starts Normally
This step will require you to go through MSCONFIG utility and further boot up will take you in safe mode.
- Directly press 'Windows + R' button to start the Run dialog. Type “msconfig” without quotes and hit enter.
- Choose the Boot tab and check mark the box stating Safe boot, just below advanced options button. See the image below for reference:

- Hit Apply and then OK. Further start will let you boot into safe mode.
Remember, Roll back the changes using the same steps as above except to uncheck the box stating Safe boot. Otherwise, the system will keep starting in safe mode.
Get into Safe Mode on unbootable PC
This method is bit tricky but worth trying when PC runs on something that is out of control or unable to boot into desktop. Remember, you may not able to access safe mode in your first try, so please have patience.
- Restart your PC. Hold down the shift key as soon as the PC starts and press F8 key right after the BIOS screen. Be quick as Windows 8 is bit fast and you might miss the shot of pressing F8 button. Once you miss, Windows will begin to start and you'll need to restart it again.
- Choose Troubleshoot option from the advanced repair option.
- On the next screen, choose Windows Startup Settings and then click on Restart when the screen appears to ask you for confirmation.
- On the next start, your PC will automatically start in safe mode. That's it.
Safe mode is an useful method to start your system with minimal set of drivers and helps you in pin pointing the exact cause behind certain issues. Windows 8 is designed to self heal minor errors but users may need to take help of Safe mode when situation is getting worse.


10:40 AM
Oliver Powell





