This article will teach you how to start a computer in the normal mode and in the "safe" diagnostic mode. Safe mode loads only your computer's default programs, doesn't open the programs that normally open when you log in, and reduces your computer's image quality.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Turn on the computer in safe mode
Step 1. Make sure the computer is connected to a power source
If you're using a desktop computer, you won't be able to turn it on without first plugging it in. A laptop can run on battery power, but you should plug it in to counteract the effects of a low battery or other problems when turning it on.
- If you connect it to a surge protector (for example, a power strip) instead of a traditional electrical outlet, you will also need to make sure that the surge protector is turned on.
- Typically, a laptop charger connects to the left or right of the device case.
Step 2. Locate the computer's power button
The power button symbol is a circle with a vertical line running through it. The location of the power button will vary from computer to computer, but you can generally find it in one of the following locations:
- Laptop. On the left, on the right or on the front of the case. Sometimes the power button is also included as a key on the side of the top of the keyboard or as a button in the area above or below the keyboard.
- Desktop. It's on the front or back of the central processing unit (CPU), which is the square-shaped piece of hardware that the computer screen connects to. Some iMac computers have the power button on the back of the monitor or keyboard.
Step 3. Press the power button
You don't need to hold it down to turn on the computer. You will hear the internal fan of the computer and the hard drive will begin to spin. After a few seconds, the computer monitor will also turn on and display the startup screen or the login screen, depending on whether the computer is off or in hibernation.
- For a laptop, you will first need to open the screen by pulling it up and away from the device case.
- If your desktop computer won't turn on, try pressing the power button on your monitor as well. The computer may be on, but the monitor is not.
Method 2 of 4: Restart the PC in Safe Mode (Windows 8 and 10)
Step 1. Press the power button on the PC
The power button symbol is a circle with a vertical line running through it. To start safe mode on a Windows 8 or 10 computer, you must first start the computer in normal mode.
If necessary, connect the charger or PC cable to an electrical outlet before proceeding
Step 2. Click on the home screen
When the computer finishes starting up (or waking up), you should see a screen with a picture and the time in the lower left corner. Clicking on this screen will open the user selection screen.
Step 3. Click on the power icon
It's the circle icon with a line across the top of it, in the lower-right corner of the screen.
Step 4. Locate the Shift key
It should be on the left side of the computer keyboard.
Step 5. Hold down the Shift key while clicking Restart.
The option Restart will appear above or below the power icon. Clicking this option while holding down the Shift key will restart the computer and load the Advanced Options menu, from which you can select safe mode.
- You may need to click Restart anyway after clicking Restart. If so, keep pressing Shift as you do so.
Step 6. Wait for the PC to load the Advanced Options screen
This screen is blue and has white text.
Step 7. Click Troubleshoot
It should be the option in the middle of the screen.
Step 8. Click Advanced Options
This item is at the bottom of the screen.
Step 9. Click Startup Settings
It's on the right side of the screen.
Step 10. Click Restart
You will see this button in the lower right corner of the screen.
Step 11. Wait for the computer to restart
When it does, you will see a blue screen with white text.
Step 12. Press the key
Step 4.
Doing so will select the "Safe Mode" option, which will confirm that you want to restart the computer in safe mode.
Step 13. Wait for the computer to finish rebooting into safe mode
Depending on the processing speed of the computer, the time of this process will vary.
Method 3 of 4: Start the PC in Safe Mode (Windows XP, Vista, and 7)
Step 1. Locate the F8 key
This key is in the row of keys at the top of the keyboard. When starting the computer, you must press and hold F8 to enter the safe mode options panel.
If your PC has an Fn key on the lower left side of the keyboard, you may need to press it in conjunction with the F8 key to activate safe mode
Step 2. Press the power button on the PC
This action will cause the computer to turn on.
If the computer was simply in hibernation, press and hold the power button until the computer shuts down, then press it again to turn on the PC
Step 3. Press and hold F8
You should do this as soon as the computer starts. This action will open the boot menu, which is where you will find the option to start in safe mode.
If nothing happens while holding F8, restart the computer, then press and hold Fn + F8
Step 4. Press the ↓ key until "Safe Mode" is selected
This key should be on the right side of the keyboard.
Step 5. Press ↵ Enter when "Safe Mode" is selected
Doing so will start the computer in safe mode.
Method 4 of 4: Start a Mac in Safe Mode
Step 1. Locate the Shift key on your Mac
You'll find this key on the left side of the keyboard on most Mac computers.
If necessary, connect your Mac's charger or cable to an electrical outlet before proceeding
Step 2. Press the power button on the Mac
This action will start the Mac.
If your Mac was in hibernation, first press and hold the power button until the Mac shuts down, then press it again to start it
Step 3. Hold down Shift
You will have to do this as soon as the Mac starts.
Step 4. Release Shift when the Apple icon appears
This gray image will have a bar below it. When the bar finishes loading, you can access the Mac and view the system in safe mode.
Advice
- On both a Mac and PC, you will likely be prompted for the password to access an account when the computer starts up.
- You can get out of safe mode by restarting your computer. This action will work for a PC and a Macintosh computer in the same way.