How To Enter Safe Mode

It pays to learn how to enter safe mode on your computer in case anything ever goes wrong. Safe mode is extremely helpful when your computer is acting unstably due to a virus, hardware complications, etc. It’s easy to enter safe mode, and it only takes a few moments to learn about the various options for entering SM (safe mode).

To enter safe mode, you will need:

• A computer
• A keyboard

1. Entering safe mode cannot be done from the operating system, so you must first power your computer off. Make sure to do this safely by selecting Start>Shut Down. Allow your computer to fully power off.
2. Press the power button on your computer to power it back on. Immediately after powering the computer on, begin repeatedly tapping the F8 key on your keyboard without stopping. The computer may begin to make beeps as you press the button, but this is normal. Keep tapping until you are presented with a menu with SM options.
3. If your computer fails to load this menu and boots into the operating system, restart the computer. Normally, there will be a message in one of the corners of the screen just after turning the computer on that displays the appropriate key for booting into SM. Your computer’s individual hot key may be different. Take note of that key, restart the computer and repeatedly tap it until you are shown the SM options.
4. Note that there are different options for booting into SM. You’ll see various options including “Safe Mode,” “Safe Mode with Networking,” and “Safe Mode with Command Prompt.”
5. Select “Safe Mode” if you don’t require the Internet while working in SM. It’s usually safe to enter SM without an Internet connection if your computer is debilitated from a virus. If you’re confident that your computer will be fine receiving an Internet connection while in SM, choose the networking option.
6. Once you’ve chosen your option, Windows will boot into SM. You’ll know that you’re in SM when you see your desktop with a very low resolution, and the words, “Safe Mode” around the screen.