How to Boot into Safe Mode Without F8

6/28/20252 min read

yellow car boot signage
yellow car boot signage

🛠️ Can’t Access Safe Mode Using F8 or Shift+F8? Here’s How to Boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10 Without Function Keys

Having trouble accessing Safe Mode in Windows 10 using F8 or Shift+F8? You’re not alone. Many users have found that the traditional method to enter Safe Mode using function keys no longer works on modern systems, especially those with fast boot times or solid-state drives (SSD).

But don’t worry—this guide shows you how to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode without using F8, including permanent solutions that can save you time during future troubleshooting.

🚫 Why the F8 Key No Longer Works in Windows 10

In earlier versions of Windows, pressing F8 or Shift + F8 at boot would open the Advanced Boot Options menu. But with Windows 10’s fast startup process, that method often gets skipped. If you're pressing F8 and nothing happens, it’s likely due to:

  • Faster boot speeds (especially with SSDs)

  • UEFI boot modes replacing traditional BIOS

  • Secure Boot configurations

Luckily, there are several alternative ways to access Safe Mode in Windows 10, without relying on function keys.

🔄 Alternative Ways to Boot into Safe Mode in Windows 10

✅ Method 1: Use Advanced Startup from Windows Settings

  1. Click Start > Settings

  2. Go to Update & Security > Recovery

  3. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now

  4. Once the system reboots, choose:
    Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart

  5. Press the number key that corresponds to Safe Mode (usually 4 or F4)

✅ Method 2: Use Shift + Restart

If your system is responsive:

  1. Hold the Shift key

  2. Click Restart from the Start Menu or login screen

  3. Follow the same Advanced Startup Options as above

🔧 Method 3: Add Safe Mode as a Boot Option (Permanent Fix)

To make Safe Mode appear in your boot menu every time you start your PC:

  1. Press Windows + X, then choose Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin)

  2. Type:

    bash

    CopyEdit

    bcdedit /copy {current} /d "Windows 10 Safe Mode"

    Press Enter

  3. Now press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter

  4. In the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab

  5. Select the new entry labeled Windows 10 Safe Mode

  6. Under Boot options, check Safe boot and select Minimal

  7. Tick Make all boot settings permanent and click OK

  8. Reboot your PC and choose Windows 10 Safe Mode from the boot menu

🌐 Bonus: Create Boot Options for Safe Mode with Networking or Command Prompt

You can create multiple entries using similar commands:

  • For Safe Mode with Networking:

    bash

    CopyEdit

    bcdedit /copy {current} /d "Windows 10 Safe Mode with Networking"

    In System Configuration, select Network instead of Minimal

  • For Safe Mode with Command Prompt:

    bash

    CopyEdit

    bcdedit /copy {current} /d "Windows 10 Safe Mode with Command Prompt"

    Then choose Alternate shell under boot options

These options let you choose the right mode depending on whether you need internet access or command line troubleshooting.

✅ Final Thoughts: Easy Ways to Access Safe Mode Without F8

Even if you can’t press F8 to enter Safe Mode anymore, there are still multiple ways to access this critical recovery tool in Windows 10. Whether you set it up manually in the boot menu or use the Advanced Startup Options, these solutions will help you recover from system crashes, driver issues, and malware infections.