This wikiHow teaches you how to start your computer in both normal mode and safe mode used for diagnostic purposes. When the computer is in safe mode, only the default programs will be loaded, and the display quality will decrease.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Starting the Computer in Normal Mode
Step 1. Make sure the computer is connected to a power source
If you're using a desktop computer, you can't turn it on without first plugging it in. Meanwhile, even though the laptop can work on battery power, it is still recommended that you connect it to an electrical outlet to avoid low battery or other problems when turning it on.
- If you connect your laptop to a surge protector, such as a power strip, you should still make sure that the shield is turned on.
- The laptop charger connector is generally located on the left or right side of the laptop.
Step 2. Find the computer power button
circular with vertical lines.
The position of the power button varies, but you can generally find the power button in one of the following locations:
- Laptops - The left, right, or front of the body. Sometimes, these keys are also near the top of the keyboard, or they may be buttons below or above the keyboard.
- Desktop - The front or back of the CPU (the box that connects to the computer monitor). Some iMac desktops have the power button on the back of the monitor, or on the keyboard.
Step 3. Press the computer power button
You don't have to hold down the power button to turn on the computer. After pressing the button, you will hear the fan sound and the drive starts to spin. Then, your monitor will also turn on, and display a home screen or a login screen, depending on the state of the computer when it was turned on (in the off state or in Sleep mode).
- If you are using a laptop, first open the screen by pulling it up.
- If your desktop computer won't turn on, try pressing the power button on the monitor at the same time. Sometimes, your computer has turned on, but the monitor has not.
Method 2 of 4: Starting the Computer in Safe Mode (Windows 8 and 10)
Step 1. Find the computer power button
circle with a vertical line, then press the power button.
To start your Windows 8 and 10 computer in safe mode, you must first start your computer in normal mode.
If needed, connect the charger or cable to a power source before proceeding
Step 2. Click the home screen
Once your computer starts up, you'll see a screen with an image and a clock in the lower-left corner. Clicking on this screen will display the user's screen.
Step 3. Click the power icon
circle with a vertical line in the lower right corner of the screen.
Step 4. Find the Shift key on the left side of the keyboard
Step 5. Hold down Shift. key while clicking Restart.
Option Restart appears at the top or bottom of the power icon. Clicking the button while holding Shift will restart the computer and load the Advanced Options menu. From the menu, you can select safe mode.
You may need to click Restart anyway after clicking Restart. If so, hold down Shift while clicking the button.
Step 6. Wait for the computer to load the advanced options
The options screen is blue with white text.
Step 7. Click the Troubleshoot option in the middle of the screen
Step 8. Click on Advanced options at the bottom of the screen
Step 9. Click Startup Settings on the right side of the screen
Step 10. Click Restart at the bottom right corner of the screen
Step 11. Wait for the computer to restart
You will see a blue screen with white text.
Step 12. Press button
Step 4. to select "Safe mode"
The computer will restart in safe mode.
Step 13. Wait for the computer to restart in safe mode
This process will take a few moments, depending on the processing speed of the computer.
Method 3 of 4: Starting the Computer in Safe Mode (Windows XP, Vista and 7)
Step 1. Find the F8 key on the top row of your keyboard
When starting the computer, you must hold down F8 to select safe mode.
If your computer has an Fn key in its lower-left corner, you may need to press Fn and F8 to activate safe mode
Step 2. Press the power button
to turn on the computer.
If the computer is in Sleep mode, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off, then press it again to turn on the computer
Step 3. Press and hold the F8 key once the computer starts up
The computer's home menu will appear, and you can select safe mode in that menu.
If the menu doesn't appear after you press F8, restart the computer and hold down the Fn+F8 keys
Step 4. Press the key on the right side of the keyboard until "Safe Mode" is selected
Step 5. Press Enter once Safe Mode is selected to start the computer in safe mode
Method 4 of 4: Starting Mac in Safe Mode
Step 1. Find the Shift key
It's usually on the left side of the keyboard on most Mac computers.
If needed, plug your Mac into a power source before continuing
Step 2. Press the Mac power button
Your Mac will start up immediately.
If the computer is in Sleep mode, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off, then press it again to turn on the computer
Step 3. Hold down the Shift key immediately after turning on the Mac
Step 4. Release the Shift key once the Apple logo appears
The gray image on the screen will have a bar below it. Once the loading bar is full, you can enter your Mac in safe mode.
Tips
- On both Mac and PC, you may be asked to enter your password to log into your computer once it boots up completely.
- You can exit safe mode by restarting your PC or Mac.
