Microsoft has developed a method of troubleshooting problems in Windows called “safe mode”. Read on to find out what safe mode can do for you, and when you should use it.
What is Safe Mode?
Safe mode helps you identify errors and problems you may have when using Microsoft Windows. It is an important option which starts Windows using only a small number of drivers and files. When this mode is activated, the words “Safe Mode” are shown in the corner of your screen.
What are the Advantages of Safe Mode?
If you are in safe mode and the problem you were having no longer occurs, you know that it was not caused by the elements which are active in safe mode, such as the basic drivers and default Windows settings. You can then tackle the initial problem using a process of elimination; this involves opening and checking your most commonly used programs in an attempt to pinpoint the exact issue. Recently installed programs or drivers are often the cause of problems in Windows, so make sure you monitor these particularly closely.
How do you Access Safe Mode?
Follow these three simple steps:
1 – Having ensured that all CDs, discs, and USB devices have been removed from your computer, restart your system as normal, from the Start menu in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen.
2 – When your computer begins the process of restarting, press and hold down the F8 button. This must happen before the Windows system logo appears on the screen, otherwise you will have to restart your machine again.
3 – Safe mode should now be activated; you can check that it is in operation by looking for the words “Safe Mode” in the corner of the screen.
Safe mode occasionally starts without prompting from the user. This is a sign that something in your system is not allowing Windows to start up as normal. The best remedy for this occurrence is to click on Recovery in Control Panel, once Windows has loaded.
You now know the benefits of using safe mode in Windows, as well as the knowledge to implement it. This should assist you in solving many future problems you experience whilst using Windows as an operating system.