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How to get into Safe Mode in Windows 8

I work on alot of computer thru the day and when a computer will not boot into Windows 8 because of a virus or spyware I have used the safe mode F8 to fix the problem. Now with Windows 8 I cannot get into the Safe Mode using shift+F8. I relize there is a way to get into Safe Mode thru Windows after boot up BUT if the computer will not boot up all the way what is our options.

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Hi Mike,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community!

I understand that you want to know how to boot to Safe Mode in Windows 8. We are here to help and guide you in the right direction.

I would suggest you to refer the article and check if it helps.
 

 
 
Hope this information helps. If you need any further assistance or information, I will be glad to help you. We, at Microsoft strive towards excellence.

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Did you read the question? He explained that his computer will not boot, so he cannot access PC settings or the power icon. The article you linked to explains how to get into safe mode via PC settings or the power icon.

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Hey Thanks for the reply and help
My real concern is when a computer will not boot in the Windows 8 OS. I work on computers all week along and lots of the time the spyware/rootkits have the computers so they will not boot. I have had great success using the F8 getting in the Safe Mode to run the scans I need to run or to do a System Restore thru the command prompt. Again I have tried to use the Shift F8 with NO success.  Why would Microsoft take a great diagnostic tool like the F8 keys away. Having to wipe the drive and reload is not a very good answer.

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Sounds like the malware disables the safeboot function. (or UEFI gives you a 2 second window) If you can get into the recovery console at all you force it to boot safe mode. Since it sounds like you can't, the only choice is a Window 8 boot from disk.

My question is:  If you are unable to boot into Windows after numerous attempts, Windows should automatically load the Advanced Startup Options menu where you can access Safe Mode. You are not getting that?

Its my understanding that UEFI (the new bios) allows the OS to run in a tighter mode that Bios did. My experience with Win 8 is limited so I can't say. Good luck, hope it helps.

Mike Schade

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I've got a Windows 8 PC here that won't start normally, I tried pressing F8 like crazy, absolutely nothing, there really is no way to get into safe mode if you can't start your PC other than letting it start part of the way then chopping the power or pressing reset, sometimes then Windows 8 will start to try and repair itself and eventually give you the option of getting into safe mode. After about half an hour I was able to get the damn machine into safe mode and perform diagnostic steps.

This is absolute insanity, who's stupid idea was it to take this option out? An option that can start your PC when it won't start normally is now only available when your PC starts normally, that's really, really dumb. The more I use Windows 8 the more problems I find and the less I like it. What with this and no way to elevate task manager to perform admin tasks when running a standard account, Microsoft better get a service pack out pronto.

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Hi,

 

A couple of ways to get to Safe Mode...

 

1) Boot from the Windows 8 DVD
 2) Select Next
 3) Select Repair your computer

 4) Select Troubleshoot
 5) Select Advanced Options
 6) Select Command Prompt

 7) Type - Bcdedit /set {bootmgr} displaybootmenu yes       (take note of spaces)
 8) Type - exit

 9) Reboot

10) At the boot screen select F8
11) Select Safe mode with Networking

This can then be turned off when finished.

 1) Start Command Prompt (Admin) by right clicking lower left corner when Start pops up.

 2) Type - Bcdedit /set {bootmgr} displaybootmenu no       (take note of spaces)
 3) Type - exit

 

 

Another Way...if you don't have a Win 8 Disk....

 

Some of the newer machines POST so fast, you may not be able to get the Ctrl+Alt+Del in time....

1st Restart your machine....then hit CTRL-ALT-DEL...BEFORE the BLUE WINDOW....this causes the
machine to restart.

2nd Again hit CTRL-ALT-DEL... BEFORE the BLUE WINDOW.

3rd Let the machine boot this time....it will start at PREPARING AUTOMATIC REPAIR, Then DIAGNOSE,


And finally, ATTEMPTING REPAIRS. (about 10 minutes)

THEN the options will appear.

1) Select ... ADVANCED OPTIONS

2) This Window...Choose TROUBLESHOOT

3) Again select ADVANCED OPTIONS

4) Select ... WINDOWS STARTUP SETTINGS

5) Select ... RESTART

After Restart you will end up at the window F8 used to produce.
Total time on my machine...about 15 minutes...not fast, but no installation media necessary.

When you get to the SAFE MODE window, select Safe Mode with Networking.

 

 

 

 

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I tried your method booting from the Windows 8 DVD and it did not work, I got "The boot configuration data store could not be opened. The requested system device cannot be found". :(

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Still can't get into safe mode with shift+f8

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I Still can't get into safe mode with shift+f8

Thank you for saying all!

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Hi,

 

Shift+F8 doesn't exist in Win 8...the process was changed.

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Last updated December 28, 2022 Views 40,849 Applies to: