There are times when you are having issues with your computer and will need to start Windows in Safe Mode. Unfortunately accessing Safe Mode in Windows 10 is not as straightforward as it was in previous Operating Systems.

It is inevitable that your Windows computer will encounter an issue at some time. Because Windows loads only the most essential files and drivers in this stripped-down mode, booting in Safe Mode is an effective method to remove many variables, enabling you to get to the source of the problem.

In previous Windows versions accessing Safe Mode was very straightforward. Pressing the F8 key as Windows loads would let you enter into Safe Mode. However, this method rarely, if ever, works on Windows 10 PCs.

How to boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode:

1. Click Start button
2. Click the Power button and press the Shift key as you choose Restart
3. Now select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings in the next screen
4. This will take you to the Startup Settings screen. Here you need to click the Restart button to reboot your Windows 10 PC. This will take you a Startup Settings Screen
5. Here, using the arrow keys, choose Enable Safe Mode. You can also select Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

However, what do you do in the event that you can’t successfully start your Windows 10 operating system?

Even in the case where you are unable to start your Operating System, you should first attempt to start booting Windows 10. If you can get as far as the login screen, you will be able to use the aforementioned steps by clicking on the Power icon.

But what can you do in the event that you can’t even reach the point where you see the Power icon? In such a scenario it is very likely that your Windows 10 is experiencing more serious problems and will not start in Safe Mode. Nevertheless, you should try the following which may work:

This solution requires Windows 10 Recovery Drive. If you had made one, proceed with the steps set out below:

1. Boot your Recovery Drive and choose a keyboard layout
2. Select Troubleshoot, then Advanced, and then Command Prompt
3. Type the following lines in the Command Prompt (don’t forget to press Enter after typing each of these lines)
   • c:
   • bcdedit /set (default) bootmenupolicy legacy
   • exit
4. Choose Turn off your computer
5. Start your Windows 10 PC and press F8 repeatedly until your screen shows Advanced Boot Options. Now you can select Safe Mode. Alternatively, you can choose Safe Mode with Networking.

Please feel free to use the comments below if your issue is not covered here.