How to Boot on Safe Mode with Networking Windows 10

Safe Mode with Networking is a troubleshooting mode in Windows 10 that loads the operating system with only essential drivers and services. It allows users to diagnose and fix issues that may be caused by incompatible software, malware, or other system conflicts. Booting into Safe Mode with Networking can be helpful when troubleshooting network-related issues, such as internet connectivity problems. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to boot into Safe Mode with Networking in Windows 10 and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

Video Tutorial:

What’s Needed

To boot into Safe Mode with Networking in Windows 10, you will need:
– A Windows 10 computer
– Administrator privileges
– An active internet connection

What Requires Your Focus?

When booting into Safe Mode with Networking, it is important to keep the following factors in mind:
– Ensure that you have the necessary administrator privileges to make changes to the system.
– Be aware that booting into Safe Mode with Networking may not resolve all issues, but it can help narrow down potential causes.
– Remember that some antivirus or security software may not function in Safe Mode, potentially leaving your system vulnerable. Proceed with caution and consider enabling a temporary firewall or using an offline malware scanner if necessary.

Method 1. How to Boot into Safe Mode with Networking via System Configuration

Booting into Safe Mode with Networking using the System Configuration tool is a straightforward method. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Press the Win + R keys together to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type "msconfig" (without quotes) and press Enter to open the System Configuration window.
Step 3: In the System Configuration window, go to the "Boot" tab.
Step 4: Under the "Boot options" section, check the box next to "Safe boot" and select the "Network" option below.
Step 5: Click on "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.
Step 6: When prompted to restart your computer, choose the "Restart" option.

Pros Cons
1. Easy and straightforward process to boot into Safe Mode with Networking. 1. Requires access to the Windows desktop to open the System Configuration window.
2. Allows you to choose the "Network" option, enabling internet connectivity. 2. May not work if the System Configuration tool is not available or disabled.
3. Lets you easily revert back to normal boot mode by unchecking the "Safe boot" option. 3. Limited advanced troubleshooting options compared to other methods.

Method 2. How to Boot into Safe Mode with Networking via Shift + Restart

If you are unable to access the Windows desktop, another method to boot into Safe Mode with Networking is through the Shift + Restart option. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard.
Step 2: While holding the Shift key, click on the "Restart" option in the Start menu or on the login screen.
Step 3: Your computer will restart and boot into the Advanced Startup Options menu.
Step 4: In the Advanced Startup Options menu, select "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Startup Settings".
Step 5: Click on the "Restart" button to access the Startup Settings menu.
Step 6: In the Startup Settings menu, press the number key corresponding to the "Enable Safe Mode with Networking" option.
Step 7: Your computer will restart and boot into Safe Mode with Networking.

Pros Cons
1. Can be accessed even if you are unable to login to the Windows desktop. 1. Requires a restart, which may interrupt ongoing tasks or unsaved work.
2. Provides access to the Advanced Startup Options menu for advanced troubleshooting. 2. Requires the user to be familiar with navigating the Advanced Startup Options menu.
3. Allows you to choose the "Enable Safe Mode with Networking" option. 3. May not work if the Shift + Restart method is not available or disabled.

Method 3. How to Boot into Safe Mode with Networking via Recovery Settings

If none of the previous methods work, you can try booting into Safe Mode with Networking using the Recovery Settings in Windows 10. Here’s how:

Step 1: Press the Win + I keys together to open the Settings app.
Step 2: In the Settings app, select "Update & Security" > "Recovery".
Step 3: Under the "Advanced startup" section, click on the "Restart now" button.
Step 4: Your computer will restart and boot into the Advanced Startup Options menu.
Step 5: In the Advanced Startup Options menu, select "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Startup Settings".
Step 6: Click on the "Restart" button to access the Startup Settings menu.
Step 7: In the Startup Settings menu, press the number key corresponding to the "Enable Safe Mode with Networking" option.
Step 8: Your computer will restart again and boot into Safe Mode with Networking.

Pros Cons
1. Can be accessed from the Windows Settings app, even if you are unable to login to the desktop. 1. May require additional restarts compared to other methods.
2. Provides access to recovery settings and advanced startup options. 2. Requires the user to be familiar with navigating the Advanced Startup Options menu.
3. Allows you to choose the "Enable Safe Mode with Networking" option. 3. May not work if the Recovery Settings method is not available or disabled.

Method 4. How to Boot into Safe Mode with Networking via Command Prompt

If you prefer using the Command Prompt to boot into Safe Mode with Networking, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Press the Win + X keys together to open the Power User menu.
Step 2: Select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)".
Step 3: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: bcdedit /set {default} safeboot network
Step 4: Type the command: shutdown /r /t 0
Step 5: Your computer will restart and boot into Safe Mode with Networking.

Pros Cons
1. Allows users who are comfortable with command line interfaces to boot into Safe Mode. 1. Requires familiarity with Command Prompt commands and syntax.
2. Provides a quick way to enable Safe Mode with Networking. 2. May not work if administrator privileges are not available.
3. Limited graphical interface compared to other methods.

Why Can’t I Boot into Safe Mode with Networking?

There are several reasons why you may encounter issues when trying to boot into Safe Mode with Networking. Here are a few common problems and their potential fixes:

1. Problem: System Configuration tool is not available or disabled.
Fix: Use the Shift + Restart method or Recovery Settings method instead.

2. Problem: Windows is unable to complete the boot process in Safe Mode.
Fix: Try using the Recovery Settings method or Command Prompt method to force boot into Safe Mode with Networking.

3. Problem: Your user account does not have administrator privileges.
Fix: Log in with an administrator account or consult your system administrator for assistance.

Pros
1. Easy and straightforward process to open CSV files.
2. Allows easy manipulation and analysis of data in Excel.
3. CSV files can be easily shared and opened on various platforms.

Cons
1. May require adjustments to import settings depending on the CSV file.
2. Limited formatting options compared to dedicated spreadsheet formats.
3. May not support all types of data formatting and features available in Excel.

Implications and Recommendations

Here are some suggestions and recommendations related to booting into Safe Mode with Networking in Windows 10:

1. Use Safe Mode with Networking as a troubleshooting tool: Booting into Safe Mode with Networking can help diagnose and fix network-related issues, but it should not be used as a regular operating mode. Its primary purpose is to facilitate troubleshooting and resolving system conflicts.

2. Be cautious when using Safe Mode with Networking: While in Safe Mode, some antivirus or security software may not function properly. You should take additional caution when browsing the internet or downloading files, as your system may be more vulnerable to malware.

3. Utilize other troubleshooting methods: If booting into Safe Mode with Networking does not resolve your issue, consider other troubleshooting methods, such as performing a clean boot, updating drivers, or using system restore points.

5 FAQs about Booting into Safe Mode with Networking in Windows 10

Q1: Can I connect to the internet in Safe Mode with Networking?

A1: Yes, Safe Mode with Networking allows you to connect to the internet and access network resources.

Q2: Can I run all software and applications in Safe Mode with Networking?

A2: Not all software and applications may work in Safe Mode with Networking. Some third-party software, particularly security or antivirus programs, may not function properly.

Q3: How do I revert back to normal boot mode from Safe Mode with Networking?

A3: To revert back to normal boot mode from Safe Mode with Networking, you can use the System Configuration tool (Method 1) and uncheck the "Safe boot" option, or simply restart your computer without pressing any special keys (Methods 2, 3, and 4).

Q4: Are there any risks associated with booting into Safe Mode with Networking?

A4: In Safe Mode with Networking, some security features and software may be disabled, potentially leaving your system more vulnerable to malware. Use caution when browsing the internet or downloading files.

Q5: Can I access my files and folders in Safe Mode with Networking?

A5: You should be able to access your files and folders in Safe Mode with Networking. However, certain user-specific files and settings may not be available.

Final Words

Booting into Safe Mode with Networking in Windows 10 can be an effective troubleshooting method when dealing with network-related issues. Whether using the System Configuration tool, Shift + Restart, Recovery Settings, or the Command Prompt, these methods provide different approaches to accessing Safe Mode with Networking. Remember to evaluate the pros and cons of each method and consider your specific needs and circumstances. By understanding how to boot into Safe Mode with Networking, you can confidently troubleshoot and fix network problems on your Windows 10 computer.