Typically, F8 key in Windows keyboard is dedicated to reaching Advanced Boot menu when your Windows is loading. And, that’s from where you can enter into Safe Mode. But surprisingly, F8 key is no longer helpful in entering Safe Mode on newer versions of Windows operating system like Windows 10.
Windows 10 users might think that this functionality is removed from the F8 key. However, it is not completely true.
In fact, F8 key is still presented to open Advanced Boot options in Windows 10 systems. But, Microsoft has disabled this functionality by default with an aim to offer faster boot rates. If the user wants to have the normal F8 key functionality just like older Windows editions, then this feature has to be enabled manually.
So, in this informative blog article let’s see how to enable the normal functionality of F8 key that opens Advanced Boot Options from where you can enter Safe Mode in Windows 10.
How to Enable F8 Key for Entering Safe Mode in Windows 10?
Boot Configuration Data (BCD) edit is a Windows built-in tool available to help users when they wish to modify the default Windows startup configurations. Using this BCD edit, you can change how your operating system is set to start.
And, here are the steps to use BCD edit to enable F8 key Safe Mode feature:
- Press Windows (a button with Windows logo) and R keys at a time.
- In the Run window search box, type cmd and hit CTRL, Shift and Enter buttons.
- Type in bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy and click Enter.
- You will see a confirmation message “The operation completed successfully.” Now, restart the computer.
Press F8 key before Windows loads. This opens Advanced Boot Options window. Now, you can choose to enter Safe Mode.
Your F8 key normal functionality is enabled and now onwards, F8 key helps you to enter Safe Mode at startup. But, remember that this option works only when your Windows 10 is working normally.
Apart from using the F8 function key, there are various other ways to enter Safe Mode in Windows 10. And, here it is listed how you can enter Windows 10 Safe Mode at three different cases.
| FYI!!
Wondering how to get back permanently deleted files in Windows 10? Then, here is an ideal solution. Check the link and find an easy way to recover permanently deleted files on Windows 10 laptop or PC. |
How to Enter Safe Mode in Windows 10?
-
Steps to Enter Safe Mode when Windows 10 Won’t Boot
Safe Mode loads your Windows with fewer functionalities (minimum services and software). So, when your Windows 10 computer is failing to boot, boot it in Safe Mode and find out the causes for the problem.
- Shut down your computer using the power button and power it ON again. Do this until you see Preparing Automatic Repair window. Let Windows finish Diagnosing.
- Click Advanced options.
- Choose Troubleshoot.
- Select Advanced options.
- Click the Startup Settings button.
- Restart the computer and press 4.
-
Steps to Enter Safe Mode from Windows 10 Login Menu
- At the login/signing screen, click the power button (located at the right bottom side).
- Select the Restart option.
- Next, choose Troubleshoot.
- Select the Advanced options (same as in the last method).
- Open the Startup Settings window.
- Opt to Restart the computer and press number 4.
-
Steps to Enter Safe Mode when Windows 10 is Working Normally
If your Windows 10 computer is working normally and you have to enter Safe Mode, then you can do it through System Configuration tool by following the below instructions:
- Open Run window by clicking the Windows and R key together.
- Type msconfig and click OK.
- In the System Configuration tool, select Boot.
- Under Boot options, enable Safe boot and hit OK.
- In the System Configuration confirmation window, select Restart to enter Safe Mode.
- To disable Windows 10 booting into Safe Mode, repeat the above steps and uncheck Safe boot under Boot options. Save the changes.
