Safe Mode is a troubleshooting option that limits Windows operation to basic functions. Safe Mode starts Windows with only core drivers and services. Safe Mode with Networking starts Windows with only core drivers, plus networking support. To start your computer in Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking, follow the instructions below:

Instructions for Windows 7, Vista & XP | Instructions for Windows 8 | Instructions for Windows 10

Start Windows 7/Vista/XP in Safe Mode with Networking

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1. Immediately after the computer is powered on or restarted (usually after you hear your computer beep), tap the F8 key in 1 second intervals.
2. After your computer displays hardware information and runs a memory test, the Advanced Boot Options menu will appear.
3. Use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking and press ENTER. For more information about Safe Mode options, click here for Windows XP or click here for Windows Vista/Windows 7.

4. When you are finished troubleshooting, repeat steps 1-3 and select Start Windows Normally to return to your normal Windows configuration.

Start Windows 8 in Safe Mode with networking

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1. Press the Windows key + C, and then click Settings.

Figure 2-1
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2. Click Power, hold down Shift on your keyboard and then click Restart.

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3. Click Troubleshoot.

Figure 2-3
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4. Click Advanced options.

Figure 2-4
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5. Click Startup Settings.

Figure 2-5
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6. Click Restart.

Figure 2-6
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7. Press 5 on your keyboard to Enable Safe Mode with Networking. Windows will start in Safe Mode with Networking.

Figure 2-7
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8. Click Start → Power and then click Restart to return to your normal Windows configuration.

Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode with networking

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1. Click Start → Power and then hold the Shift key on your keyboard and click Restart.

Figure 3-1
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2. Click Troubleshoot.

Figure 3-2
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3. Click Advanced options.

Figure 3-3
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4. Click Startup Settings.

Figure 3-4
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5. Click Restart.

Figure 3-5
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6. After your computer restarts, press 5 on your keyboard to select Safe Mode with Networking.

Figure 3-6
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7. Enter your username and password to start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking.
8. Click Start → Power and then click Restart to return to your normal Windows configuration.