With this version of Windows the way you access certain boot options such as safe mode etc has changed.
Instead of pressing F8 when you turn on the computer you now have to firstly boot into Windows - then you have two methods to enable the advanced boot options.
1) Hold down the Shift key when clicking on Restart.
2) Click Start > Settings > Update & security > Recovery and click Restart now under the Advanced start-up section.
You will then see the following screen where you can click Continue to boot normally, Troubleshoot to access further options or Turn off your PC.
You may also see (depending on hardware) - Use a device to boot from USB/CD and Use another operating system to boot into another OS (if you have more than one installed)
If you click Troubleshoot then you will see some further options - Reset your PC which is covered here - or Advanced options which is covered below.
If you chose Advanced options then you will see this screen - all available options explained below.
System Restore |
Launches System Restore to allow you to restore your computer back to a previous point.
N.B. System Restore has to be enabled and a checkpoint created recently for this to work, on most Windows 10/11 computers with SSD drive it is usually disabled by default. |
System Image Recovery |
Allows you to restore your computer using a system image that you have previously created. |
Startup Repair |
Fixes common problems that stops windows loading automatically. |
Command Prompt |
Opens up a command prompt for advanced troubleshooting. |
UEFI Firmware Settings |
This option will only be seen on computers that use a UEFI Firmware rather than the traditional BIOS settings screen that you accessed by pressing F1, F2 or DEL at boot. |
Startup Settings |
Changes Windows start-up so that you can access Safe Mode and various other options (as shown below) |
Go back to the previous build |
This allows you to revert back to a previous build (version) of Windows 10 if you are having problems since updating to a newer build. |
If you chose Startup Settings then you will see the confirmation screen below - click Restart to continue.
Your computer will then display the Startup Settings screen as below where you can make your selection.
