How to Start Windows 10, 8, 7 in Safe Mode using MSCONFIG
The method to start Windows XP, Vista, and 7 in Safe Mode differs from Windows 8, 10, and Windows 11. However, there is a universal method using which you can start any version of Windows in Safe Mode. Windows MSCONFIG (System Configuration) utility allows you to configure boot options for your Windows.
So, in this tutorial, we are going to show you how to start your Windows PC in Safe Mode using the MSCONFIG utility. Please note that you have to revert the changes while in Safe Mode otherwise, your PC will boot in Safe Mode every time (Safe Mode Boot Loop). But don’t worry, we will also show you how to get out of Safe Mode in Windows in case you get stuck there.
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A) Start Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, or 10 in Safe Mode Using MSCONFIG Utility
Step 1: Open System Configuration Utility
First of all, press Windows Key + R on the keyboard. This will open the RUN window. Here, type msconfig and click OK. Alternatively, you can also search for msconfig on Start in Windows 7 or 8.
After you click OK or press Enter, the System Configuration utility will start. Here, you can change Windows startup options, services, etc.
Step 2: Enable Safe Mode in Boot Options
In the System Configuration window, click on the Boot tab. Here you will see your OS (Windows) already selected. Now, check Safe Boot under Boot options and click OK.
Step 3: Start Windows in Safe Mode
After you click OK, you will see a prompt asking if you would like to restart your computer now or exit without restart. Click on Restart to boot your Windows PC in Safe Mode.
Your Windows PC will start in Safe Mode.
SEE ALSO: How to check System Uptime in Windows 10?
B) Exit Safe Mode and Start your Windows PC in Normal Mode
The only drawback of this method is that your computer will always start in Safe Mode unless you change the startup settings again. You will have to change the settings in the System Configuration (MSCONFIG) utility to get out of the Safe Mode. Follow these steps to start your Windows PC in Normal Mode.
Step 1: Open System Configuration Utility
Open System Configuration (MSCONFIG) utility while you are in Safe Mode just like you did in normal mode. Go to RUN, type msconfig and press Enter.
After you click OK or press Enter, the System Configuration utility will start.
Step 2: Start Windows in Normal Mode
Now, go to the Boot tab, un-check Safe Boot from Boot options, and click OK.
You will see a prompt asking to restart your PC, click on Restart to start your PC. Now, your Windows PC will exit Safe Mode and boot into normal mode.
Start Any Version of Windows in Safe Mode using MSCONFIG
You can use this method to start any version of Windows OS, be it Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8/8.1, or Windows 10 in Safe Mode. The only drawback of this method is that Windows will boot into Safe Mode every time. To avoid this make sure to follow the second part of this tutorial which explains how to get out of Safe Mode.
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