F8 Not Working In Windows 10? 5 Things To Try
If you’ve upgraded to Windows 10 from older versions like Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7, you may have noticed that the F8 function key you pressed during startup 进入安全模式 不再有效。
The F8 key is still available on your keyboard, but it works with other key combinations to perform certain functions, especially when your touchpad or mouse isn’t working and you need to 使用键盘快捷键 代替。
In this guide, we’re going to show you what to do when you find F8 not working in Windows 10, but first, let’s look at why this happens.
Why Is F8 Not Working In Windows 10?
安全模式 is a native Windows feature in all versions of the operating system, which is used to troubleshoot various problems such as driver installation issues, problems booting into Windows, and malware or virus-related issues among others.
The F8 boot menu was removed in order to improve system boot time. This is because Windows 10 boots much faster than previous versions, so you won’t have enough time to press the F8 key and enter Safe Mode during startup. Plus, it can’t recognize the key press during the boot process, which prevents access to the boot options screen from where you can select the Safe Mode option.
Instead, Microsoft provided a new Advanced Boot Options menu feature that lets you access troubleshooting options such as Safe Mode and others.
You can still access the Safe Mode feature by pressing the F8 key, but you have to re-enable it manually using a few simple steps, and there are other methods that can also get you into Safe Mode, but they’re not as straightforward.
Fix F8 Not Working In Windows 10
1. Manually Re-enable F8 Key
- Type CMD 在搜索栏中，然后单击 以管理员身份运行。
- Type this command in the Command Prompt: BCDEDIT /套{默认} bootmenupolicy遗产 并按下 输入..
备注: BCD or Boot Configuration Data Edit command is a native tool in Windows that controls how the operating system starts. It also helps you easily re-activate the F8 boot menu.
- 重新启动您的电脑, and press the F8 key repeatedly on the keyboard while it starts up and you’ll see the Advanced Boot Options menu, from where you can select Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking或 带命令行提示的安全模式.
To disable the F8 key again, open the elevated Command Prompt and type this command: BCDEDIT /套{默认}标准bootmenupolicy
2. Enter Safe Mode From Start Menu
- 点击 Start 开始 并选择 个人设置.
- 接下来，单击 更新与安全 在“设置”菜单中。
- 在左窗格中，单击 修复工具 依次 现在重新启动.
- Windows will restart automatically and display the 选择一个选项 screen. Click 疑难解答.
- 接下来，单击 启动设置.
- A screen will appear showing different startup options.
- On your keyboard, press the F4 key or number 4 key to enter 安全模式, or the corresponding key to enter 带网络连接的安全模式 or with Command Prompt 取决于您要做什么。
备注：你也可以点击 Start 开始，右键单击 功率 按钮，并按住 转移 key when you click 重新启动. This automatically restarts Windows and brings up the 选择一个选项 screen, after which you can continue with the steps to access Safe Mode.
3. Start Safe Mode By System Configuration
System Configuration also known as MSCONFIG, is a system utility used when troubleshooting the Windows startup process. It can disable or re-enable device drivers and programs that run during the boot process to figure out why the problem you’re experiencing occurred. It saves time compared to other methods that require you to repeat several steps just to enter Safe Mode.
- 按 Windows logo key+R 打开 运行 对话框和类型 MSCONFIG。 然后按 输入 或按一下 OK.
- 点击 开机 and mark the checkbox next to 安全启动。 选择 最小 并点击 OK. There are other options available such as Alternate Shell (Safe Mode with Command Prompt), Active Directory Repair及 Network (Safe Mode with Networking support), so you can pick the one you need.
- 点击 申请>确定 for the changes to take effect and Windows will restart in Safe Mode.
To exit Safe Mode from System Configuration, open the Boot options window again, uncheck the box next to Safe Boot, 并单击确定。 点击 重新启动 to apply the changes, and restart your computer normally.
4. Enter Safe Mode When Windows Can’t Boot Normally
Safe Mode loads with a minimum set of programs and drivers. If Windows can’t start normally, you won’t have a problem entering Safe Mode, because you can restart the PC twice and go to the Automatic Repair screen from where you can enter Safe Mode.
- Make sure your PC is off and then press and hold down the 功率 button until the computer goes off. Repeat this about two or three times (to trigger the boot recovery mechanism) until the 准备自动修复 屏幕出现。
- If you see the Preparing Automatic Repair screen when you power on the computer the first time, skip to the next step, and the Diagnosing Your PC screen will appear. This will be followed by the 在试图修复 信息。
- Windows will show the 自动修复无法修复您的电脑 message and give you the 关闭 和 高级选项 ，在 启动修复 screen. Click 高级选项.
- 点击 疑难解答 ，在 选择一个选项 屏幕上。
- 接下来，单击 高级选项.
- Your PC will restart and show different startup options on the next screen.
- Press the F4 key or number 4 key on your keyboard to enter 安全模式. You can also press the corresponding key to enter 带命令行提示的安全模式 or 与网络 取决于您要做什么。
备注: If you have a Windows 10 bootable USB drive or setup disc, you can use that to start your PC in Safe Mode if Windows can’t load. Boot the PC using the bootable drive or setup disc, select 修复您的计算机 and you’ll get to the Choose an option screen from where you can take the steps above to enter Safe Mode.
5. Start In Safe Mode When You Can’t Login to Desktop
This is another method you can use if you find Windows 10 Safe Mode not working. If you can access your login screen (welcome or sign-in screen) but can’t access or login to Desktop, use these steps to restart your computer in Safe Mode.
- 点击 功率 at the bottom right side of the Windows 10 Login screen.
- 按住并按住 转移 key on your keyboard and select 重新启动. 你会看到 请等一下 screen appear briefly, and the 选择一个选项 screen. Click 疑难解答.
- 在 高级选项 屏幕上单击 启动设置.
- In the Startup Settings screen, press the key(s) corresponding to the 安全模式 option you want to use.
More Ways To Boot To Safe Mode
We hope you found this guide useful in helping you boot into Safe Mode when you find F8 not working in Windows 10. If you know of other methods you can use to access Safe Mode, you’re welcome to share them with us.
