If you have a problem with your PC, you can troubleshoot by
starting it in safe mode. Safe mode starts Windows with a minimal set of
drivers and services. This makes Safe Mode very useful for diagnosing hardware
driver problems and computer infections in Windows 8.
To access Safe Mode in Windows 8, you need access the Advanced
Startup options menu. To do this, you will need to go to the Windows 8 Start
Screen and type Advanced. When the search results appear click on the Settings
category as shown below.
Now click on the option labeled Advanced startup options
and you will be brought to the General PC Settings screen. Scroll down to the
bottom until you see an option labeled Advanced startup.
Click on the Restart now button and
Windows 8 will restart your computer and go directly into the Advanced Startup
options menu.
Now click on the Troubleshoot button and then the Advanced
options button. You will now be at the Advanced options screen where you
should click on the Startup settings option.
At the Startup Settings screen, click on the Restart
button. Your computer will be restarted and brought into the Startup Settings
menu as shown below.
You can start Safe Mode in Windows 8 from this screen. There
are 3 possible Safe Modes options that you can choose from, which are described
below:
Enable Safe Mode
This version of Safe Mode starts Windows 8 using the most
basic drivers that are required to get Windows to run. It will not start any
programs or the networking system.
Enable Safe Mode with Networking
This version of Safe Mode starts Windows 8 using the most
basic drivers that are required to get Windows to run. It will not start any
programs automatically, but will start the networking subsystem so that
you can access the Internet. This is the most useful Safe Mode version as it
allows you to download any tools that you may require as well as the ability to
update anti-virus programs in case you wish to scan your computer.
Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt
This version of Safe Mode starts Windows 8 using the most
basic drivers that are required to get Windows to run, but does not start the
Windows shell. This means that you will not see the desktop, but will instead
be shown the command prompt screen where you can type commands. This version
will also not start any programs or the networking subsystem. This Safe Mode
method can be useful if you are cleaning up an infection that is started when
the Windows shell, or Desktop, is started.
Please select the Safe Mode option by pressing the
corresponding option number. Windows will then boot into the Safe Mode version
that you requested where you will be able to login. Once you login, you will be
at the classic Windows desktop, which will have the words Safe Mode written in
each of the corners.