How to reboot your Windows PC in Safe Mode

The worldwide outage on Friday caused more than 8 million Windows PCs to crash and welcome users with the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). Caused by a faulty update from Crowdstrike, the outage crippled several industries and the only way to fix the problem was manually removing the faulty configuration files. The first step in that process is entering the safe mode on your PC. Rebooting your Windows PC in Safe Mode can be a useful troubleshooting step. Safe Mode allows your computer to start with a minimal set of drivers and services, making it easier to diagnose and fix problems. In this guide, we will explore the steps to reboot your Windows PC in Safe Mode effectively.

Understanding Safe Mode

Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode in Windows that starts your computer with only essential programs and services running. By entering Safe Mode, you can troubleshoot issues related to software conflicts, driver problems, or malware infections. It is a valuable tool for resolving system issues without the interference of third-party applications.

Why Reboot in Safe Mode?

There are several reasons why you may need to reboot your Windows PC in Safe Mode. Common scenarios include troubleshooting startup issues, removing stubborn malware, uninstalling problematic software, or fixing system errors that prevent normal booting. Safe Mode provides a clean environment for diagnosing and resolving such issues effectively.

How to Reboot Your Windows PC in Safe Mode

1. Using System Configuration

– Press the Windows key + R to open the ‘Run’ dialog box.
– Type ‘msconfig’ and press Enter to open the System Configuration window.
– In the ‘Boot’ tab, check the ‘Safe boot’ option under Boot options.
– Select either ‘Minimal’ or ‘Network’ depending on your requirements.
– Click ‘Apply’ and then ‘OK’.
– Restart your computer to boot into Safe Mode.

2. Using Shift + Restart

– Click on the ‘Start’ menu and select ‘Power’.
– Press and hold the ‘Shift’ key on your keyboard.
– Click on ‘Restart’ while holding the ‘Shift’ key.
– Your computer will restart and present you with a set of options.
– Choose ‘Troubleshoot’ > ‘Advanced options’ > ‘Startup Settings’ > ‘Restart’.
– Press the F4 key to boot into Safe Mode.

Rebooting your Windows PC in Safe Mode can help resolve various system issues effectively, including the latest BSOD caused by the Crowdstrike bug. Whether you are troubleshooting startup problems, removing malware, or fixing software conflicts, Safe Mode provides a secure environment for diagnosing and fixing issues.