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Booting Windows 8 in safe mode – how it works
  • IONOS editorial team10/07/2020
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Image: Booting Windows 8 in safe mode – how it worksvetreShutterstock
Contents
  • What is Windows 8 safe mode?
  • Starting Windows 8 in safe mode with normal access
  • Booting Windows 8 in safe mode if normal access no longer works
  • The main keyboard shortcuts for booting safe mode in Windows 8

If you can no longer use your computer – or only in a significantly limited way – you can find emergency help in Windows 8 safe mode. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you the main ways to launch this mode.

What is Windows 8 safe mode?

Safe mode is a Windows operating mode that is intended for emergencies and is normally not required. If a computer is still able to boot in Windows 8 safe mode, system repairs can be performed, problematic device drivers removed, data rescued, and viruses cleared.

In this special mode, Windows starts in a basic version that only contains the bare essentials. This way, applications in the auto start-up directory and third-party drivers will not be loaded, as they may be the cause of problems. It’s possible that even manually installing a current graphics card driver causes significant stability problems or even complete system failures with a blue screen.

To use this mode, a separate start-up procedure is required. It ends with a desktop that differs from the normal user interface of Windows 8 due to its special appearance.

Image: Desktop interface in Windows 8 safe mode
The special mode of Windows 8 is indicated by the text “Safe Mode” displayed at the edges of the desktop screen.
Image: Desktop interface in Windows 8 safe mode
The special mode of Windows 8 is indicated by the text “Safe Mode” displayed at the edges of the desktop screen.
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Microsoft offers a number of ways to boot Windows 8 in safe mode. Most methods can be accessed while running Windows. However, the special mode can also be launched if Windows completely crashes. In most cases, it’s opened via an intermediate instance. “System recovery with advanced start and repair options” offers extensive tools for troubleshooting, which include starting in safe mode.

Image: System recovery with advanced start and repair options
The system recovery start screen lets you reboot in safe mode.
Image: System recovery with advanced start and repair options
The system recovery start screen lets you reboot in safe mode.
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Starting Windows 8 in safe mode with normal access

The easiest way to boot Windows 8 in safe mode is while the operating system is running. We explain a number of different approaches in the following.

Note

You need to leave Windows to access safe mode. It’s advisable to back up your data if possible and close any open programs before you initiate the start-up procedure.

Start via the Charms bar

First, move the mouse cursor to the top-right corner of the desktop. After a brief moment, the Charms bar will appear on the edge of the screen, which you can access with the mouse. Select the menu item “Settings”.

Image: Charms bar in Windows 8
The Charms bar in Windows 8 launches when the mouse cursor is positioned at the top-right edge, and lets you access the multi-stage start procedure of Windows 8 safe mode.
Image: Charms bar in Windows 8
The Charms bar in Windows 8 launches when the mouse cursor is positioned at the top-right edge, and lets you access the multi-stage start procedure of Windows 8 safe mode.
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Three steps are required in the settings menu:

  1. Click on the on/off symbol: a context menu will appear with the entries “Shut down” and “Restart”
  2. Hold down the shift key on the keyboard
  3. At the same time, click on “Restart” (the start procedure for safe mode will begin)
Image: Starting safe mode in the Charms bar of Windows 8
A click on the on/off symbol will open a sub-menu. Hold down the shift key and click on “Restart” to access safe mode.
Image: Starting safe mode in the Charms bar of Windows 8
A click on the on/off symbol will open a sub-menu. Hold down the shift key and click on “Restart” to access safe mode.
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Start via login screen

You can also access the restart options in the Windows login screen. Press the Windows symbol key and the letter “L” on the keyboard (WIN+L) at the same time and then follow the steps below:

  1. Click on the on/off symbol in the login screen
  2. Hold down the shift key on the keyboard
  3. Click on “Restart” at the same time
Image: Booting Windows 8 in safe mode via the login screen
A click on the on/off symbol will open a sub-menu. Hold down the shift key and click on “Restart” to access safe mode.
Image: Booting Windows 8 in safe mode via the login screen
A click on the on/off symbol will open a sub-menu. Hold down the shift key and click on “Restart” to access safe mode.
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Start via PC settings

You can also launch Windows 8 safe mode via the PC settings:

  1. Press the key shortcut (WIN+I)
  2. Click on “Change PC settings”
  3. Click on “Update and recovery”
  4. Click on the “Restart” button under “Recovery”
Image: Booting Windows 8 safe mode via the PC settings
A click on “Change PC settings” will take you to the Windows 8 system recovery settings.
Image: Booting Windows 8 safe mode via the PC settings
A click on “Change PC settings” will take you to the Windows 8 system recovery settings.
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Image: PC settings of Windows 8 with the menu item “Update and recovery”
A click on “Update and recovery” will open the Windows 8 system recovery settings with advanced start options.
Image: PC settings of Windows 8 with the menu item “Update and recovery”
A click on “Update and recovery” will open the Windows 8 system recovery settings with advanced start options.
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Image: Booting Windows 8 in safe mode via system repairs
After clicking on “Recovery”, the “Advanced Startup” for accessing safe mode will be available in the Windows 8 system repairs.
Image: Booting Windows 8 in safe mode via system repairs
After clicking on “Recovery”, the “Advanced Startup” for accessing safe mode will be available in the Windows 8 system repairs.
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Start via the tile menu (Charms bar)

Another option is to access Windows 8 safe mode via the tile menu, also known as the Charms bar. The menu is launched using the Windows key (press once). Alternatively, you can click on the Windows symbol on the task bar at the bottom-left corner of the desktop:

Image: Windows 8 desktop with the Windows symbol for accessing the Charms bar
A click on the Windows symbol in the task bar will open the Charms bar in the tile view.
Image: Windows 8 desktop with the Windows symbol for accessing the Charms bar
A click on the Windows symbol in the task bar will open the Charms bar in the tile view.
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In the Charms bar, you need to hold down the shift key and click on “Restart” at the same time:

Image: Windows 8 Charms bar with restart option
Press down the shift key and click on the on/off symbol in the Charms bar to restart in Windows 8 safe mode.
Image: Windows 8 Charms bar with restart option
Press down the shift key and click on the on/off symbol in the Charms bar to restart in Windows 8 safe mode.
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Start via CMD shutdown command

A shutdown command is a particularly fast way to start Windows 8 in the system recovery with advanced start options. First, open the entry field for the run dialog with “WIN+R”. Then, enter a shutdown command that is sent to the command line of Windows (cmd.exe):

  1. Enter shutdown command:
shutdown /o /c
  1. Confirm with “OK” or the enter key
Image: Shutdown command in the Windows 8 run dialog
Safe mode is quickly started by entering a shutdown command in the run dialog.
Image: Shutdown command in the Windows 8 run dialog
Safe mode is quickly started by entering a shutdown command in the run dialog.
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Start via system configuration of Windows 8

Using the run dialog, you can also start the Windows system configuration and activate Windows 8 safe mode there:

  1. Enter “msconfig.exe”
  2. Click on “OK” or confirm with the enter key
Image: msconfig command in the Windows 8 run dialog
Entering “msconfig.exe” directly opens up the system configuration of Windows 8.
Image: msconfig command in the Windows 8 run dialog
Entering “msconfig.exe” directly opens up the system configuration of Windows 8.
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The “Start” tab is activated in the configuration tool and a checkmark is placed next to the entry “Safe Mode” (1). Windows usually automatically activates the “Normal” option needed to access the mode. The process is completed by clicking on the “OK” button (2). You then only need to confirm the restart. Unlike with other methods, here Windows switches directly into Windows 8 safe mode without any additional steps.

Note

The system configuration settings are permanent until manually changed. After completing the repairs, the checkmark for Windows 8 safe mode needs to be removed again following the same approach, otherwise the computer will not start in its normal operating mode again.

Image: Select safe mode in the Windows 8 system configuration
A checkmark in the system configuration boots Windows 8 in safe mode until the option is unchecked.
Image: Select safe mode in the Windows 8 system configuration
A checkmark in the system configuration boots Windows 8 in safe mode until the option is unchecked.
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Access Windows 8 safe mode in the advanced start and repair options

Once you have left the standard Windows interface with one of the above access methods, the startup screen for the system recovery with the advanced start and repair options will appear after a brief moment. To reach the start settings for Windows 8 safe mode, proceed as follows:

  1. Select option -> Troubleshoot
  2. Troubleshoot -> Advanced options
  3. Advanced options -> Startup settings
  4. Startup settings -> Click on “Restart”
  5. Startup settings -> Select safe boot mode (press number 4 on the keyboard for safe mode)
Image: Windows 8 system recovery: selecting the repair options
Click on “Troubleshoot” under “Select option”
Image: Windows 8 system recovery: selecting the repair options
Click on “Troubleshoot” under “Select option”
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Image: Windows 8 system recovery: troubleshoot with options
A click on “Advanced options” provides access to the system recovery options of Windows 8.
Image: Windows 8 system recovery: troubleshoot with options
A click on “Advanced options” provides access to the system recovery options of Windows 8.
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Image: Windows 8 system recovery: advanced options with startup settings
After selecting the “Startup Settings”, an advanced restart can be initiated.
Image: Windows 8 system recovery: advanced options with startup settings
After selecting the “Startup Settings”, an advanced restart can be initiated.
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Image: Windows 8 system recovery: advanced restart
A click on the “Restart” button initiates the final start phase.
Image: Windows 8 system recovery: advanced restart
A click on the “Restart” button initiates the final start phase.
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Before safe mode is launched, Windows 8 offers a number of options. You need to press option 4 for normal safe mode. This mode can also be launched with activated network drivers (option 5) to gain access to the internet or other computers. A startup with command prompt (option 6) allows commands to be entered directly into the command line (cmd.exe).

Image: Windows 8 system recovery: startup settings for safe mode
Once you press number 4 on the keyboard, safe mode will then be launched.
Image: Windows 8 system recovery: startup settings for safe mode
Once you press number 4 on the keyboard, safe mode will then be launched.
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You do not necessarily need to open Windows 8 safe mode directly. In the “Advanced options” menu, you can first try to perform an automatic startup repair (this is also called “Start help” in some versions of Windows 8):

Image: Windows 8 system recovery: startup repair
You can initiate a defined repair routine after selecting “Startup Repair”. In some circumstances, this can spare you from having to start in Windows 8 safe mode.
Image: Windows 8 system recovery: startup repair
You can initiate a defined repair routine after selecting “Startup Repair”. In some circumstances, this can spare you from having to start in Windows 8 safe mode.
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If this attempt to resolve the problem is unsuccessful, the system recovery allows you to return to the advanced options. After clicking on the button “Advanced options”, you can open Windows 8 safe mode via the following steps:

Troubleshoot -> Advanced options -> Startup settings.

Image: Windows 8: startup repair couldn’t repair PC
If the startup repair is unsuccessful, you can boot Windows 8 in safe mode via the “Advanced options”.
Image: Windows 8: startup repair couldn’t repair PC
If the startup repair is unsuccessful, you can boot Windows 8 in safe mode via the “Advanced options”.
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Booting Windows 8 in safe mode if normal access no longer works

If Windows no longer starts, you will need to use other methods to access the special mode.

Access via a key combination

You need to press the key combination “Shift + F8” shortly after switching on the computer during the boot phase. Next, you can select Windows 8 safe mode from a list of advanced startup options. However, opening these options in boot phase isn’t easy, since modern computers boot quickly. In certain circumstances, you need to press the key combination repeatedly in quick succession and restart the computer until you find the exact access point.

Access via installation medium (Windows DVD)

Using an installation medium like the Windows DVD, you can launch Windows 8 relatively easily in safe mode. Here you need to click on “Next” in the start screen of the installation DVD and then on “Repair your computer”.

Image: Windows 8 DVD start screen
The Windows 8 DVD can initiate a start procedure for Windows 8 safe mode. To do so, click on the “Next” button in the start screen.
Image: Windows 8 DVD start screen
The Windows 8 DVD can initiate a start procedure for Windows 8 safe mode. To do so, click on the “Next” button in the start screen.
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Image: Windows 8 DVD – start screen with computer repair options
A click on “Repair your computer” opens the system recovery with the advanced startup options.
Image: Windows 8 DVD – start screen with computer repair options
A click on “Repair your computer” opens the system recovery with the advanced startup options.
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Next, select the menu item “Troubleshoot” in the system recovery screen and then “Advanced options”, where you can start the “Command Prompt” (cmd.exe).

Image: Windows 8 system recovery: advanced options with the command prompt option
A click on “Command Prompt” will open the command line (cmd.exe) for accessing safe mode.
Image: Windows 8 system recovery: advanced options with the command prompt option
A click on “Command Prompt” will open the command line (cmd.exe) for accessing safe mode.
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Now enter a command syntax that uses the command line tool to manage startup configurations (bcdedit.exe). The command for starting the safe mode of Windows 8 is always confirmed with the enter key:

Normal safe start:

bcdedit /set {default} safe boot minimal ENTER

Start with network drivers:

bcdedit /set {default} safeboot network ENTER

Start with command prompt (command line, cmd.exe):

bcdedit /set {default} safebootalternateshell yes ENTER

After that, the PC will restart and launch in standard safe mode (safeboot minimal) without network drivers or the command prompt window, for example.

Image: Windows 8 command line for entering command syntax (bcdedit)
Use the command line to enter the bcdedit command syntax which starts Windows 8 in the desired special mode.
Image: Windows 8 command line for entering command syntax (bcdedit)
Use the command line to enter the bcdedit command syntax which starts Windows 8 in the desired special mode.
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If you want to switch back to the normal operating mode of Windows 8 with the familiar user interface, enter the following command into the command line:

bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safeboot ENTER
Image: Windows 8: desktop in safe mode with command prompt
In the command prompt in safe mode, the system startup needs to be reset again. A deletion code is entered in bcdedit syntax for this purpose.
Image: Windows 8: desktop in safe mode with command prompt
In the command prompt in safe mode, the system startup needs to be reset again. A deletion code is entered in bcdedit syntax for this purpose.
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If the system still starts up, you can also use the bcdedit tool directly out of Windows 8. So starting from the DVD is not strictly necessary. Simply take the steps below:

  1. Click on the Windows symbol in the task bar
  2. Open the command prompt with administrator rights

Next, enter the bcdedit command shown above into the command line.

Image: Accessing bcdedit via the Windows 8 interface
The command prompt of Windows 8 can be opened in four steps in order to enter the bcdedit syntax.
Image: Accessing bcdedit via the Windows 8 interface
The command prompt of Windows 8 can be opened in four steps in order to enter the bcdedit syntax.
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The main keyboard shortcuts for booting safe mode in Windows 8

Key combination Function Needed for
Shift + F8 Opens safe mode in the boot phase Emergency situations when the operating system no longer starts
WIN + I Opens the PC settings Preparing a restart with the advanced startup options (system recovery)
WIN + L Opens the login screen Preparing a restart with the advanced startup options (system recovery)
WIN + R Opens the run dialog Shutdown command for starting the system recovery (enter: “shutdown /o /r”); opening the system configuration (enter: “msconfig.exe”)

You can find a summary of the main options for booting Windows 8 in safe mode in the following video:

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