When it comes to diagnosing and fixing Windows problems, one handy feature is a Windows mode called Safe Mode with Networking. Safe Mode with Networking is a special mode in which you can boot Windows to load a minimal set of drivers, Windows services, and not load any applications set to start automatically. Since this mode supports network connectivity, you can download tools, whether antivirus or diagnostic tools, to fix the problems you have.
This mode is handy when trying to get rid of files that might be in use; apps won’t uninstall properly, uninstall or install drivers, and remove malware.
Unfortunately, to speed up Windows 10’s boot speed, Microsoft has sacrificed easy access to Windows Safe Mode. Now, instead of pressing the F8 key to access Safe Mode, as you did in previous versions of Windows, you have to go through many steps to start Safe Mode. These steps are outlined below.
How to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode with Networking
The easiest way to start the boot into Safe Mode with Networking is from the Windows 10 login screen. To access this screen, you can either log-off, restart your computer, or press Ctrl + Alt + Delete at the same time.
Once you’re at the Windows 10 login screen, you should hold down the Shift key on your keyboard and don’t let it go. While holding the Shift key, click the Power button (
) and then click Restart.
When Windows 10 restarts, you will be at the Choose an Option screen, as shown below.
At the screen above, click on the Troubleshooting button to access Troubleshoot.
At the screen above, now click the Advanced Options button to access the Advanced Options screen, as shown below.
At the above screen, click on the Startup Settings option, and you will now be presented with the Startup Settings screen.
At the screen above, click the Restart button. Windows will now start to boot, but you will be presented with a screen like the one below, providing various options for choosing how to activate Windows.
At this screen, you should press the number 5 on your keyboard to enter Safe Mode with Networking to use Safe Mode with Network.
Windows 10 will start to boot, and when done, you will be given a login prompt. You should enter your password to log in at this fast, and then you will be shown on your screen. However, this desktop will be labeled in each corner with the word Safe Mode to indicate that you are in this mode. You can see an example of this monitor below.
From this desktop, you can launch programs, browse and download the files you need to fix any problems you are having.
When you are ready to reboot into normal mode, you can either reboot or shut down your computer. On the next boot, Windows will restart in normal mode again.