Windows Safe Mode Is Still the Best Diagnostic Tool for System Recovery: Here’s Why

Featured article by Roger Dutta, Technology Blogger

It’s officially 2019 and Windows safe mode still remains the go-to tool for system recovery. This is a feature that’s truly survived the test of time. It’s available in all Windows operating systems right from the prehistoric Windows 95 to the latest Windows 10.

This often begs the question why is safe mode still used by IT professionals for system recovery. After all, there are no shortages of third-party tools that can run diagnostic tests and perform everything from registry “cleanup” to freeing up the HD space by clearing out non-essential files. Well, there are more than a few reasons why Windows 10 safe mode exists and why the next operating system will include this feature as well. However, before we reveal why experts still choose to cling on to Windows safe mode, let’s get the basics out of the way.

What is Windows Safe Mode?

The Windows safe mode is a special way for the operating system to boot up. It’s different from a regular Windows boot up because it uses only the core functions. It doesn’t load the startup applications and anything that’s non essential. Among other things like regular graphics drivers, Windows 10 safe mode does not run files such as config.sys and autoexec.bat. These files often get corrupted which can lead to system issues.  Once you are in the system you can safely troubleshoot whatever is causing the slow down or crashes. This may involve (as it often does) uninstalling dangerous applications by going into the control panel and using the Add/Remove Programs feature. Safe mode also allows you to transfer essential files so you can safely format the system partition.  In this mode, you can also uninstall drivers of newly installed hardware devices that may be causing the problem.

Now, the question is why can’t you do all this in regular operating mode. Mainly because if your computer has crashed, you might not be able to access your system to recover it in the first place. Being locked out of your desktop, you cannot access essential control panel tools to basically do anything. It’s like trying to fix a boat while water is leaking in. The window safe mode gives you a platform, or for the sake of this analogy, a second functioning boat so you can work on repairing whatever is causing the leak without the fear of drowning.

How to Gain Access to Windows Safe Mode?

Now, that you know the fundamentals of windows safe mode, it’s the time you know how to access this mode.

Old Windows Versions (7, Vista, XP, ME 98, 95): All you need to do is press the F8 key when the system is booting up but before the Windows logo appears on the screen.

Windows 8 and Windows 10: You need to press the shift key and the F8 key while the system is booting up.

3 Reasons Why Window Safe Mode is Still the Best Tool for System Recovery

Computer repair technicians and IT professionals still swear by the prowess of Windows safe mode. While there no shortages of boot-disk applications for data and system recovery, the following are 3 reasons why Window 10 Safe Mode continues to be the most popular choice.

Ease of Access: This is probably the most commonly-given reason by experts why Windows safe mode is still a pretty useful function. Windows safe mode is extremely easy to access. The fact that you can simply restart your system, press F8, and access the diagnostic tool makes the hassle of using any third-party diagnostic tool seem unnecessary.

You Get Access to a Gallery of Diagnostic Tools:  Windows keeps on updating the safe mode functionality by adding new and more relevant recovery tools. For example, Window 8 onwards it included a tool called ELAM or Early Launch Anti-Malware. This new tool detects malware and malicious software that loads up during system startup. While this tool is available in the Windows operating mode, it can now also be accessed via Windows safe mode. Apart from that you also get the usual assortment of tools such as System Restore, Event Viewer, Registry Editor, Command Prompt, and more.

Ideal for Emergency Repair Situations: When you are locked out of your system regular recovery applications cannot help you. The fact that Window safe mode is an inbuilt function,  means you are always ready to repair a system. IT professionals and repair technicians often need to fix up machines without their kitty of bootable recovery discs. This is exactly when the inbuilt Windows safe mode comes handy.

Author Bio

A jack of all trades and a master of some, Roger Dutta is blogger with a flair for anything that involves technology. Being a former junior network specialist, he certainly knows his way around the computer. It wasn’t until a few years ago that he discovered his passion for writing blogs and decided to do the obvious. Now, he loves to write beginner-level posts to educate everyone about the fundamentals of technology.