Windows 10 Safe Mode from BIOS

When it comes to troubleshooting issues on a Windows 10 computer, Safe Mode is an indispensable tool. Booting in Safe Mode allows Windows to start with a minimal set of drivers and services, which can help identify and fix problems caused by problematic drivers or applications. In this article, we will walk you through the steps needed to access Safe Mode in Windows 10 from the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System).

What is BIOS?

Before we dive into the steps, it’s essential to understand what BIOS is. BIOS is a small piece of software that initializes the hardware on your computer when you start it up. It is the first software that runs when you power on your PC and is responsible for starting the Windows bootloader.

Accessing Safe Mode from BIOS

While Safe Mode is essentially a Windows feature, there might be situations where you need to access it directly from BIOS, especially when Windows fails to boot properly. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Accessing the BIOS

1. Power on your computer. As soon as the computer starts booting, repeatedly press the key to enter the BIOS. This key varies between systems, but it’s usually one of the following: F1, F2, F12, ESC, or Delete.
2. Once you’re in the BIOS, navigate using the arrow keys. The interface varies depending on your motherboard manufacturer.

Step 2: Changing the Boot Configuration

1. Within the BIOS, navigate to the Boot tab or a similarly named section.
2. Look for an option named Boot Configuration or similar. You will need to change the boot configuration from ‘UEFI’ to ‘Legacy’. This is because UEFI might not allow you to directly access the advanced boot options where Safe Mode is located.
3. Save changes and exit the BIOS by pressing F10 or following the on-screen prompts to save configuration changes.

Step 3: Accessing Windows Boot Manager

1. After your computer restarts, repeatedly press the F8 key as the system is booting up. This will bring up the “Advanced Boot Options” menu.
2. If F8 does not work, you may need to try a different key such as Shift + F8 or use the F12 key to enter the boot menu and select “Windows Boot Manager”.

Step 4: Selecting Safe Mode

1. In the “Advanced Boot Options” menu, use the arrow keys to select “Safe Mode” or “Safe Mode with Networking” if you need internet access while in Safe Mode.
2. Press Enter. Windows will now boot in Safe Mode.

Note

After you have finished troubleshooting in Safe Mode, it’s a good practice to revert the boot mode back to UEFI. To do this, enter the BIOS again and change the boot mode from ‘Legacy’ back to ‘UEFI’, then save and exit.

Conclusion

Accessing Safe Mode through the BIOS can be a slightly involved process, but it’s an invaluable technique when dealing with a system that’s having trouble booting. Just remember to revert any changes you make in the BIOS after you’re done troubleshooting to ensure your system functions normally.