How to Boot to Safe Mode with Networking Windows 10

Safe Mode with Networking is a diagnostic mode of the Windows operating system that allows you to start your computer with a limited set of drivers and services. It is often used for troubleshooting purposes, as it can help identify and fix issues that may be caused by problematic software or drivers.

In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of booting your Windows 10 computer into Safe Mode with Networking. We will explore various methods to access this mode, along with their pros and cons. Whether you want to troubleshoot a persistent issue, remove malware, or perform system maintenance, Safe Mode with Networking can be a helpful tool in your arsenal.

Why You Need to Boot to Safe Mode with Networking

There are several reasons why you might need to boot your Windows 10 computer into Safe Mode with Networking:

Video Tutorial:

Part 1. Using the System Configuration Tool (msconfig)

Safe Mode with Networking can be easily accessed using the System Configuration tool, also known as msconfig. Here are the steps to boot your Windows 10 computer into Safe Mode with Networking using this method:

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type "msconfig" without the quotation marks and press Enter to open the System Configuration window.
3. In the System Configuration window, go to the "Boot" tab.
4. Under the "Boot options" section, check the "Safe boot" option.
5. Below the "Safe boot" option, select the "Network" option to enable networking in Safe Mode.
6. Click the "Apply" button and then click "OK" to save the changes.
7. A prompt will appear asking if you want to restart your computer. Click "Restart" to immediately boot into Safe Mode with Networking.

Pros:

1. Simple and straightforward process to access Safe Mode with Networking.
2. Allows you to enable networking, allowing for internet access and network troubleshooting.
3. Does not require any third-party tools or advanced technical knowledge.

Cons:

1. May not work if your computer is experiencing severe system errors or crashes.
2. Some drivers or services may still be loaded in Safe Mode, potentially interfering with troubleshooting or diagnostic efforts.
3. Can be difficult to access if you are unable to boot into Windows normally.

Part 2. Using the Shift + Restart Method

Another method to boot Windows 10 into Safe Mode with Networking is by using the Shift + Restart method. This method involves restarting your computer in the advanced startup options, where you can choose to boot into Safe Mode with Networking. Here’s how:

1. Click the Start button and then click the power button.
2. Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard, and then click the "Restart" option.
3. Your computer will restart and bring you to the advanced startup options screen.
4. On the advanced startup options screen, click the "Troubleshoot" option.
5. In the Troubleshoot menu, click "Advanced options".
6. In the Advanced options menu, click "Startup Settings".
7. Click the "Restart" button to restart your computer again.
8. When your computer restarts, you will be presented with a list of startup settings.
9. Press the number key corresponding to the "Safe Mode with Networking" option to boot into that mode.

Pros:

1. Provides access to advanced startup options, which can be beneficial for troubleshooting various issues.
2. Allows you to choose from multiple startup settings, including Safe Mode with Networking.
3. Does not require any third-party tools or advanced technical knowledge.

Cons:

1. Requires two restarts, which can be time-consuming.
2. May not work if your computer is experiencing severe system errors or crashes.
3. Can be difficult to access if you are unable to boot into Windows normally.

Part 3. Using the Advanced Startup Options

If you are unable to access Safe Mode with Networking using the previous methods, you can try accessing it directly from the Advanced Startup Options. Here’s how:

1. Restart your computer. If you are unable to do so from the Start menu, you can hold down the power button until your computer turns off, and then turn it back on.
2. As your computer starts up, press and hold the F8 key on your keyboard. This will bring you to a black screen with several boot options.
3. Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to highlight the "Safe Mode with Networking" option, and then press Enter to boot into that mode.

Please note that the F8 key method may not work on all computers. Depending on your computer’s manufacturer and model, you may need to use a different key or combination of keys. Consult your computer’s documentation or the manufacturer’s website for more information.

Pros:

1. Provides access to the Advanced Startup Options directly from the boot process.
2. Allows you to choose from multiple startup settings, including Safe Mode with Networking.
3. Does not require any third-party tools or advanced technical knowledge.

Cons:

1. The F8 key method may not work on all computers.
2. May be difficult to access if you are not familiar with your computer’s specific key or key combination for the Advanced Startup Options.
3. Can be challenging to time the key press correctly during the boot process.

Part 4. Using the Command Prompt

If you are comfortable using the command prompt, you can also boot your Windows 10 computer into Safe Mode with Networking using specific commands. Here’s how:

1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard to open the Power User Menu.
2. From the Power User Menu, select "Command Prompt (Admin)". This will open the command prompt with administrative privileges.
3. In the command prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: bcdedit /set {current} safeboot network
4. Close the command prompt window.
5. Restart your computer. It should automatically boot into Safe Mode with Networking.

To exit Safe Mode with Networking, follow the same steps as above but replace the command in step 3 with the following command: bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safeboot

Pros:

1. Allows you to enable Safe Mode with Networking using commands in the command prompt.
2. Does not require any third-party tools or advanced technical knowledge.
3. Can be useful for advanced users who are comfortable with the command line.

Cons:

1. Requires using the command prompt, which may be intimidating for some users.
2. May not work if your computer is experiencing severe system errors or crashes.
3. Can be challenging to troubleshoot if you encounter any issues with the commands.

What to Do If You Can’t Boot to Safe Mode with Networking

If you are unable to boot your Windows 10 computer into Safe Mode with Networking using any of the methods mentioned above, don’t panic. There are still alternative solutions you can try:

1. Use the "Reset this PC" feature: Windows 10 has a built-in feature called "Reset this PC" that allows you to reset your computer to its factory settings while keeping your personal files. This can help resolve persistent issues that prevent you from accessing Safe Mode with Networking. To access this feature, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC.

2. Use a Windows 10 installation media: If you have a Windows 10 installation media (such as a USB drive or DVD), you can use it to boot your computer and access the advanced startup options, including Safe Mode with Networking. Insert the installation media, restart your computer, and press the appropriate key to boot from your chosen media.

3. Seek professional help: If all else fails, consider reaching out to a professional technician or your computer manufacturer’s support team for assistance. They may be able to diagnose and fix the issue remotely or provide guidance on how to access Safe Mode with Networking using specific tools or recovery options.

Bonus Tips

Here are three bonus tips to enhance your experience with Safe Mode with Networking:

1. Update your drivers: When in Safe Mode with Networking, take the opportunity to update your device drivers. Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause various issues, including crashes and performance problems. Visit your device manufacturer’s website or use third-party driver update tools to ensure your drivers are up to date.

2. Run antivirus or anti-malware scans: Safe Mode with Networking can be a great time to run thorough scans for viruses, malware, and other security threats. Use reputable antivirus or anti-malware software to perform a full system scan and remove any detected threats.

3. Create a system restore point: Before making any changes or performing troubleshooting steps in Safe Mode with Networking, it is a good practice to create a system restore point. This allows you to easily revert back to a previous state if anything goes wrong during the troubleshooting process.

The Bottom Line

Booting to Safe Mode with Networking in Windows 10 can be a valuable tool for troubleshooting various issues, removing malware, and performing system maintenance tasks. By following the methods outlined in this blog post, you can easily access this mode and take advantage of its benefits. Remember to consider the pros and cons of each method and choose the one that suits your specific needs and technical expertise.

5 FAQs about Booting to Safe Mode with Networking

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

A: Yes, Safe Mode with Networking allows you to connect to the internet and access network resources. This can be helpful for troubleshooting network-related issues or downloading software updates.

Q2: What’s the difference between Safe Mode and Safe Mode with Networking?

A: Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode of the Windows operating system that starts your computer with a minimal set of drivers and services. It does not include networking capabilities. Safe Mode with Networking, on the other hand, includes the necessary drivers and services to enable network connectivity.

Q3: Can I use Safe Mode with Networking to install software?

A: Yes, you can install software in Safe Mode with Networking. However, some software may not function properly or require specific network settings that may not be available in Safe Mode.

Q4: Does Safe Mode with Networking work on all versions of Windows 10?

A: Safe Mode with Networking is available in all editions of Windows 10, including Home, Pro, Education, and Enterprise.

Q5: Why is it recommended to boot into Safe Mode with Networking for malware removal?

A: Booting into Safe Mode with Networking allows you to disable unnecessary startup programs and services, making it easier to identify and remove malware. Additionally, safe mode prevents malware from launching during the boot process, increasing the chances of successful malware removal.