I'm sure you have your reasons for starting or booting your Dell laptop in safe mode. Whatever your reasons for this Windows tutorial, this article will give you all the information you need.
This article applies to all versions of Windows. you might want tooTake Screenshots on Your Dell Laptopto have the correct information ready before entering safe mode.
Before you start, you need to understand what Safe Mode is.
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What is Safe Mode?
Safe mode is known as a set of startup options that starts Windows with a limited set of drivers and files.
Safe mode is primarily used to fix problems with programs or drivers that don't start correctly or that may be preventing Windows from working properly.
If the problem does not appear in safe mode, then you can dismiss the default settings and basic device drivers as bad. If a new program, device, or driver is preventing Windows from working properly, you can start your Dell PC in Safe Mode and remove the program that is causing the problem.
safe mode types
There are three different types of safe mode when you are in the Advanced Boot Options menu.
1. Safe Mode
This is normal safe mode; Windows starts with minimal services and drivers.
2. Safe Mode with Networking
It's the same as normal safe mode, but it includes the service and drivers needed to enable networking. You will need this network mode if you need to connect peripherals such as a USB device to your Dell laptop.
3. Safe Mode with Command Prompt
This is also the same as normal safe mode, but uses the command prompt as the user interface instead of the Windows desktop GUI (graphical user interface).
I advise you to use safe mode first. If that doesn't work, you can trySafe mode with system symbolif you need command line commands and troubleshooting orSafe mode with networkingif you need to access the network or the Internet with the necessary tools to load on the system.
Now that you understand what safe mode is, let's delve into the methods.
Let's start with Windows 10
Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode
Windows 10 has three methods. These methods are:
- boot windows
- Boot from user login screen
- Boot from outside Windows
Let's start by starting Windows
boot windows
- hold theWindows logo button + Ion your Dell keyboardDefinitions🇧🇷 If this method does not work, clickWindows logo buttonin the bottom left corner of your Dell laptop screen and selectDefinitions.
- ChooseUpdates and securityAlreadyRestoration.
- Underadvanced start, Click inRestart now.
- After restarting your Dell laptop tochoose an optionclick on the screenProblems solution
- Chooseextended options
- Choosestartup settings
- nowStarting overYou are a Dell laptop.
- When the Dell laptop restarts, you will see a list of options. Select in this option4 o F4to start your Dell laptop in safe mode or if you want to use the Internet, select5 o F5to start your Dell laptop in Safe Mode with Networking.
Boot from user login screen
- Restart your laptop del.
- When you get to the login screen, press and holdtaste changewhen selecting with the mousePerformancelaterStarting over.
- After restarting your PC tochoose an optionscreen, selectTroubleshooting > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- When the Dell laptop restarts, you will see a list of options. Select in this option4 o F4to start your Dell laptop in safe mode or if you want to use the Internet, select5 o F5to start your Dell laptop in Safe Mode with Networking.
Boot from outside Windows
At this point, you want to start Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). To achieve this, you need to turn on your Dell laptop and turn it off when you start seeing the Windows logo.
Try this three times and your Dell laptop will boot into Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
Now follow these steps:
- On the Choose an option screen, selectProblems solution.
- Select on the Troubleshooting screenextended options.
- now clickAdvanced Startup Options.
- selectstartup settings.
- then selectStarting over.
- Your Dell laptop will restart and thestartup settingsMenu.
- now choose4oneTurn on safe mode.
Boot into Safe Mode in Windows 8 and 8.1
Windows 8 has five methods
Let's start with the first method.
Method 1
- Turn on your Dell laptop.
- hold theCHANGEkey repeatedly during playbackF8hold it down during the boot process. This will take you to the recovery mode menu. You can fail several times, but keep trying until you succeed.
- In recovery mode, clickSee advanced repair options.
- ChooseProblems solutionPossibility.
- Select theProgressiveoptions
- click inWindows startup settings
- then selectStarting over
- After restarting your Dell laptop, you will see the Advanced Boot Options menu which allows you to start Windows 8 and 8.1 in Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking and Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
Method 2
This method allows you to use the charm bar.
here is how
- hold theWindows logo + Ikey to open the charm bar
- click on itChange PC settingsButton in the lower right corner when the charm bar appears
- clickGenerally
- ChooseRestart nowUnder theProgressiveinitial title.
- If your Dell laptop restarts now, you can start your computer in safe mode.
Method 3
- hold theWindows logo + Ikey to open the charm bar
- click on itpower-tasteso it is
- now holdchangebutton and click the buttonreset iconnavigating with the mouse.
- If your Dell laptop restarts now, you can enter safe mode.
Method 4
This method allows you to use the command line
- hold theWindows logo + Rto open the Run dialog box.
- Type or copy and paste the command >>delete /o /r
- coupLog inon your Dell keyboard.
- hit onceLog in, your Dell laptop should start the reboot process.
- After rebooting, you will be able to boot into safe mode from the Advanced Boot Options menu
Method 5
- hold theWindows logo + Rto open the Run dialog box.
- Type or copy and paste the command >>msconfig
- coupLog inon your Dell keyboard.
- navigate tostartup guide
- Choosesafe startselection box
- You have the option to choose the type of safe mode you want to boot into
- Minimum- Normal safe mode.
- alternative bowl- Safe mode with system symbol.
- The net- Safe mode with networking.
- Active Directory- This is for restoring servers through a domain controller to your network.
- After selecting your preferred option, clickOKand restart your Dell laptop.
- Now your computer will enter safe mode automatically.
- When finished, be sure to open it.msconfigagain and disable the Secure Boot option. If you don't disable the secure boot option, your Dell laptop will always boot securely every time it reboots.
- After disabling, select Safe ModeOKand restart your Dell laptop to boot in normal mode again.
Boot into Safe Mode in Windows 7, Vista
- Remove all floppy disks, USB sticks, CDs or DVDs connected to your Dell laptop.
- Restart your Dell laptop.
- click instartor select the Windows logo key on your Dell keyboard
- Click on the arrow next tocloseand then selectStarting over.
- You must start with him.Advanced Startup Optionsscreen before windows loads
- If your Dell laptop uses only one operating system, tapF8press the key quickly when the Dell computer boots. Please note that if the Windows logo appears, you are finished and need to restart your Dell laptop and try again.
- If your Dell laptop uses more than one operating system, use the arrow keys to highlight the operating system you want to boot into safe mode and tapF8key before the operating system is loaded.
- WhatAdvanced Startup Optionsappears for you, use the arrow keys to highlight the desired Safe Mode option and press theLOG IN
- Make sure you log into your Dell laptop with an administrator account.
- Now that you are in safe mode you should see the wordsafety modein the corner of your screen.
- When you're done and want to exit Safe Mode, simply restart your Dell PC normally.
FAQs
How do I force my Dell laptop into Safe Mode? ›
Select Startup Settings. Select Restart. The computer restarts and enters the Startup Settings menu. Select 4 or F4 to start the computer in Safe Mode.
What does F8 do in Dell? ›Dell keyboard F8 key
The F8 key secondary function on Dell laptop keyboards is to mute and unmute the volume.
If F8 isn't working and you've to restart your computer in Safe Mode immediately, try it via the Start menu. Open the Start menu and then Settings> Update & Security> Recovery> Restart Now option. While your computer is in reboot mode, you've to select Troubleshoot under the Select an Option screen.
Does F8 boot into Safe Mode? ›The Advanced Boot Options screen lets you start Windows in advanced troubleshooting modes. You can access the menu by turning on your computer and pressing the F8 key before Windows starts. Some options, such as safe mode, start Windows in a limited state, where only the bare essentials are started.
Is F8 Safe Mode? ›Restart your PC, and press the F8 key repeatedly on the keyboard while it starts up and you'll see the Advanced Boot Options menu, from where you can select Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking, or Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
How do I activate Safe Mode? ›- Press your phone's power button.
- When the animation starts, press and hold your phone's volume down button. Keep holding it until the animation ends and your phone starts in safe mode.
- You'll see "Safe mode" at the bottom of your screen.
BIOS Update Information
If a Dell computer is unable to boot into the Operating System (OS), the BIOS update can be initiated using the F12 One Time Boot menu. Most Dell computers manufactured after 2012 have this function and you can confirm by booting the computer to the F12 One Time Boot menu.
7. F8 or Shift-F8 during boot (BIOS and HDDs only) If (and only IF) your Windows computer uses a legacy BIOS and a spinning-platter-based hard drive, you may be able to invoke Safe Mode in Windows 10 using the familiar F8 or Shift-F8 keyboard shortcut during the computer's boot process.
What does F9 key do in Dell laptop? ›Dell keyboard F9 key
The F9 key secondary function on Dell laptop keyboards is to mute and unmute the volume.
F11: Saves the file in the active window. F9: Sends the e-mail in the active window. F10: Starts the spell checking program in the active document, if the document's program has this feature.
What is the F9 key? ›
F9 – Refreshes a document in Microsoft Word and sends and receives emails in Outlook. F10 – Activates the menu bar of an open application. Shift + F10 is the same as right clicking.
Is Safe Mode f5 or F8? ›To boot into Safe Mode, you need to press the F8 key while your Windows is booting, but before the logo appears. For Windows 8 and Windows 10, the combination of Shift and F8 keys might work, but it work for computers with UEFI/EFI.
How do I factory reset my Dell laptop without F8? ›- On the login screen, click on the "Power" button.
- Hold the "Shift" key and click on the "Restart" button.
- Your laptop will restart and reboot into WinRE mode. ...
- Select "Remove Everything" > "Remove My Files" to remove your data and reinstall Windows.
The F8 key is commonly used before a Windows PC starts to let you access advanced startup modes – you may have to press it a few times for it to work. That's where you'll find the option to start Windows in Safe Mode. It can also be used to access the 'Find and Replace' window in Windows' TextPad app.
How do I force Windows 10 into Safe Mode? ›At the sign-in screen, hold the Shift key down while selecting Power > Restart. After the PC restarts to the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart. After the PC restarts, a list of options is shown. Select 4 or F4 to start your PC in Safe Mode.
How do I start Windows 10 in Safe Mode from boot up? ›- Hold down the Shift button as you click "Restart." ...
- Choose "Troubleshoot" on the Choose an option screen. ...
- Choose "Startup Settings" and then click Restart to get to the final selection menu for Safe Mode. ...
- Enable Safe Mode with or without internet access. ...
- Click "Restart now" to get to Safe Mode.
- From the command prompt type in the following and press Enter. bcdedit /set {current} safeboot minimal. ...
- Restart the computer using the following command: shutdown /r.
...
There are three different safe mode options:
- Enable Safe Mode. ...
- Enable Safe Mode with Networking. ...
- Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
Unlike the earlier version of Windows(7,XP), Windows 10 does not allow you to enter into safe mode by pressing the F8 key. There are other different ways to access the safe mode and other startup options in Windows 10.
How do you reset Safe Mode? ›The easiest way to turn off Safe Mode is to simply restart your device. You can turn off your device in Safe Mode just like you can in normal mode — just press and hold the power button until a power icon appears on the screen, and tap it.
What do I press on Safe Mode? ›
To start in safe mode (Windows 8.1 and later):
Hold down the Shift key and click Restart. A menu will appear. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings.
Press F2 to enter BIOS setup. If you're unsure what key to press, as the computer boots, try pressing and holding one or more keys on the keyboard to cause a stuck key error. Once you get this error, the option to continue or enter setup should appear.
What does F5 do on boot? ›The F5 hotkey was introduced in Windows 95, where the boot sequence hotkeys were as follows: ESC – Boot in text mode. F5 – Boot in Safe Mode. Shift + F5 – Boot to Safe Mode MS-DOS.
What does F8 do in Windows 10? ›Pressing F8 will boot Windows into Safe Mode during startup. Alt+ F8 opens the Macros dialog box in Microsoft Office applications. Some computers use F8 to access the Windows recovery system in addition to a Windows installation CD.
How do I force BIOS mode? ›- Boot the PC, and press the manufacturer's key to open the menus. Common keys used: Esc, Delete, F1, F2, F10, F11, or F12. ...
- Or, if Windows is already installed, from either the Sign on screen or the Start menu, select Power ( ) > hold Shift while selecting Restart.
In most Microsoft Windows programs, the default function of F10 activates the menu bar or Ribbon of an open application. Pressing Shift + F10 is the same as right-clicking a highlighted icon, file, or Internet link.
What does FN F10 do on Dell laptop? ›Press < Fn >< F10 > to forward or play next track. Press < Fn >< F11 > to decrease the volume level.
What is F1 f2 f3 F4 f5 F6 F7 f8 F9 F10 F11 F12? ›The function keys or F-keys on a computer keyboard, labeled F1 through F12, are keys that have a special function defined by the operating system, or by a currently running program. They may be combined with the Alt or Ctrl keys.
What is F3 key used for? ›F3 is commonly used to activate a search function in applications, often cycling through results on successive presses of the key. ⇧ Shift + F3 is often used to search backwards.
Does F11 reset your computer? ›Answer: Press the ''F11'' or ''F12'' key when you restart the system. Select the option to reset to factory settings. The system will then boot itself with restored factory settings.
What is Ctrl F12? ›
Ctrl + F12 opens Word document. Ctrl + Shift + F12 prints Word document.
What does Ctrl Alt F9 do? ›If you work with Microsoft Excel on a regular basis, you know that it has a ton of keyboard shortcuts that can make your life a lot easier. One of the most useful shortcuts is Ctrl+Alt+F9, which allows you to quickly recalculate all the formulas in your worksheet.
What does Ctrl Alt Shift F9 do? ›Ctrl+Alt+Shift+F9 rechecks dependent formulas, and then calculates all cells in all open workbooks, including cells not marked as needing to be calculated. Ctrl+F9 minimizes a workbook window to an icon.
For what F8 key is used? ›F8. Function key used to enter the Windows startup menu, commonly used to access Windows Safe Mode. Used by some computers to access the Windows recovery system, but may require a Windows installation CD.
What does F8 do in BIOS? ›Using the F8 key you can boot into the Advanced Boot Options menu of your system and run various tools: Safe Mode. Repair your computer from which you can access System Recovery Options.
How do I force a Dell into recovery mode? ›From the Windows Desktop:
Select Start, Power, and then press and hold Shift key while clicking Restart. Select Start, Settings, Update, and Security, Recovery. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
Disconnect all devices such as USB drives, printers, webcams, and media cards (SD/xD). Press and hold the power button for 15 to 20 seconds to drain the residual power. Connect the power cable (for desktops) or AC adapter and battery (for laptops). Turn on the computer.
How do you force a Dell to Reset? ›- Click Start. ...
- Select Reset this PC (System Setting).
- Under Reset this PC, select Get Started.
- Select the option to Remove everything.
- If you are keeping this computer, select Just remove my files. ...
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.
Answer: When the F8 key is pressed three times, a sentence is selected. Option (b) is correct.
What happens when you hit Ctrl Alt F8? ›CTRL+ALT+F8 goes to the standard console/terminal which is what lies behind when you have X running. TTY8, which usually doesn't have anything running, is therefore blank - sometimes with a blinking cursor in top left corner. If you hit CTRL+ALT+F7, you should be back in X, which is usually the "TTY" where X is at.
What does Alt F7 do? ›
Alt + F7 = Find the next misspelling or grammatical error.
How do I start win 10 in Safe Mode? ›- Hold down the Shift button as you click "Restart." ...
- Choose "Troubleshoot" on the Choose an option screen. ...
- Choose "Startup Settings" and then click Restart to get to the final selection menu for Safe Mode. ...
- Enable Safe Mode with or without internet access. ...
- Click "Restart now" to get to Safe Mode.
While it's booting up, hold down the F8 key before the Windows logo appears. A menu will appear. You can then release the F8 key. Use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode (or Safe Mode with Networking if you need to use the Internet to solve your problem), then press Enter.
What do I do if Safe Mode isn't working? ›- Use DISM and SFC to Repair System Files. If you have tried fixing a startup error before, you have probably used the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool. ...
- Use the Windows Startup Repair Tool. ...
- Clear the CMOS. ...
- Reset Your Computer.
Turn on your computer. At the Dell logo, press the F12 key several times until the One Time Boot Menu appears. On the boot menu screen, select the Diagnostics option and press Enter (Figure 1). The diagnostic test begins.
How do I boot into startup repair? ›- Start the system to the installation media for the installed version of Windows. ...
- On the Install Windows screen, select Next > Repair your computer.
- On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.
- On the Advanced options screen, select Startup Repair.
Power the computer on. At the Dell logo screen, tap the F12 function key rapidly. You can see Preparing one-time boot menu that appears in the top-right corner of the screen. At the boot menu, select the device under UEFI BOOT that matches your media type (USB or DVD).
Can you enter Safe Mode from boot menu? ›To boot into Safe Mode, you need to press the F8 key while your Windows is booting, but before the logo appears. For Windows 8 and Windows 10, the combination of Shift and F8 keys might work, but it work for computers with UEFI/EFI.
How do I force start BIOS? ›- Boot the PC, and press the manufacturer's key to open the menus. Common keys used: Esc, Delete, F1, F2, F10, F11, or F12. ...
- Or, if Windows is already installed, from either the Sign on screen or the Start menu, select Power ( ) > hold Shift while selecting Restart.
...
As per your query, I suggest you to follow the below steps to start your system in safe mode.
- Press and hold Shift key and Restart your Computer.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Select Advance Option.
- Select Startup Repair.
- Follow the on Screen instruction.
How do I bypass safe mode? ›
Because you don't want to operate your device like this forever, here's how to exit safe mode: Step 1: Press and hold the Power button. Step 2: Tap the Restart option. Step 3: You can also turn off safe mode by opening your notification panel and tapping the Safe Mode Enabled notification.
Why wont my laptop start in safe mode? ›A BIOS misconfiguration could be why Windows won't even start in Safe Mode. If clearing the CMOS does fix your Windows startup problem, make sure any changes you make in BIOS are completed one at a time, so if the issue returns, you'll know which change caused the problem.