Start Windows in Safe Mode Using MSConfig
Sometimes it’s necessary to start Windows in Safe Mode to properly troubleshoot a problem. Typically, you’d do this via the Startup Settings menu (Windows 11/10/8) or via the Advanced Boot Options menu (Windows 7/Vista/XP). However, depending on the issue you’re having, it might be easier to make Windows boot in Safe Mode automatically. Follow these instructions to configure Windows to reboot directly into Safe Mode by making changes in the System Configuration utility, usually referred to as MSConfig. Your computer will restart and Windows will start normally… and will continue to do so. In Windows 7 and Windows Vista, select the Start button. In Windows XP, select Start and then Run. Select OK, or press Enter. In Windows XP, this tab is labeled BOOT.INI The radio buttons under the Safe boot options start the various other modes of Safe Mode:
Minimal: Starts the standard Safe ModeAlternate shell: Starts Safe Mode with Command PromptNetwork: Starts Safe Mode with Networking
See Safe Mode (What It Is and How to Use It) for more information on the various Safe Mode options. If you’d prefer to continue to start Windows in Safe Mode automatically each time you reboot, for example, if you’re troubleshooting a particularly nasty piece of malware, you can stop here.
More Help With MSConfig
MSConfig brings together a powerful collection of system configuration options in an easy to use, graphical interface. You can execute fine control over which things load when Windows does, which can prove to be a powerful troubleshooting exercise when your computer isn’t working correctly. Many of these options are hidden away in much harder to use administrative tools in Windows, like the Services applet and the Windows Registry. A few clicks in boxes or radio buttons lets you do in a few seconds in MSConfig what would take a very long time in harder to use, and harder to get to, areas in Windows.
