Booting into Safe Mode

Windows may sometimes be unable to load properly due to a problem with a system file or driver. The problem could be related to the video configuration, the network configuration, or other factors. One way to load Windows in the face of bootup issues is to launch it in Safe Mode. Safe Mode lets Windows boot up in a minimal configuration by bypassing certain drivers that may be causing errors. Booting into Safe Mode is one way to help you narrow down a specific problem. You can boot into Safe Mode in Windows 8 through the traditional System Configuration tool or through the new Advanced Boot Options menu. This task explains how to boot into Safe Mode both ways.

1 Launch the System Configuration tool: From the Start screen, type msconfig. Click msconfig from the search results on the left pane.

2 Change to Safe boot: From the System Configuration tool, click the Boot tab. Select the Safe boot check box. If you want to see if you can connect to the Internet or your local network, select the Network radio button. Otherwise, leave the Minimal radio button selected. Click OK.

3 Restart PC: Windows asks if you want to Restart or Exit without Restart. Click Restart.

4 Boot into Safe Mode: First see if Windows boots up successfully in Safe Mode. If so, log back into Windows. A minimal environment of Windows appears and loads the desktop. A Windows Help window displays information on using Safe Mode to troubleshoot problems with your PC.

5 Capture a boot log: If you cannot detect the specific problem with your PC, you can enable a boot log to capture bootup information. Open the System Configuration tool again by typing and selecting msconfig at the Start screen. Click the Boot tab. Select the Boot log check box. Click OK. Windows asks if you want to Restart or Exit without Restart. Click Restart.

6 Check boot log: Log back in to Windows. Open the desktop and launch File Explorer. Navigate to the c:Windows folder. Look for and open a file called ntbtlog.txt. This file shows all the Windows system files and drivers that are loading and not loading under Safe Mode.

7 Turn off Safe boot: At the Start screen, type msconfig. Click msconfig from the search results on the left page. From the System Configuration tool, click the Boot tab. Deselect the Boot log and Safe boot check boxes. Click OK. Restart Windows.

8 Reboot into Safe Mode from Options menu: You can also boot into Safe Mode from the Advanced Boot Options menu. Open the Charms bar by holding down the Windows key and pressing C. Click the Settings charm, select PC settings, and then select General. Scroll to Advanced startup and click Restart now to load the options menu. Click the Troubleshoot option. Select Advanced options and then select Startup Settings. Click Restart. Windows reboots. Select the Safe Mode setting you wish to use.