Windows: Safe Mode won't start - what to do?

You can't always start Safe Mode on Windows. We'll show you what you can do if it doesn't start.

Start Safe Mode properly

• Start your computer and from now on press the [F8] key at the top of the keyboard again and again. Some computers require the F5 key instead.
• When the right time is reached, you will be taken to the advanced start options. Here are three safe mode options.
• If you select "Safe Mode", Windows will only start with the most necessary hardware and the most important drivers. If you select "Safe Mode with Networking", you will also have access to the Internet.

Start Safe Mode manually

Alternatively, you can start Safe Mode directly from Windows:

1. Press the [Windows] and [R] keys simultaneously so that the "Execute" command opens.
2. Enter "msconfig" here and confirm with "OK". Then the system configuration starts.
3. Switch to the "Start" tab at the top and activate the "Secure start" option under "Start options".
4. Here you can also select different modes of the safe mode.
5. If you click the "OK" button, your settings are applied. The next time you start your computer, Windows will start up in safe mode.
6. Note: To return to normal mode, you have to deactivate the option in the same way.

Repair Windows with DVD

• If you want to start Safe Mode, there is probably a problem with Windows. If the mode does not start according to the instructions above, you can repair your system in another way.
• To do this, insert the Windows DVD into your drive and boot from the CD. You will then have several repair options available.
• If you do not have a Windows DVD, you can repair Windows without a CD. More on this in the video instructions below.

In the next practical tip, we will show you how to start your Android smartphone in safe mode.