Learn the four ways you can start Windows 8 in Safe Mode or access Recovery Mode.
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Windows 8.1: How to boot into Safe Mode, from a USB stick or DVD, and access other recovery boot options
Safe Mode in Windows is a troubleshooting mode that loads a limited number of device drivers and some other Windows processes, just enough to run the operating system. This allows users to diagnose many hardware and software problems that may occur and apply the appropriate fixes. Although Windows 8 has new built-in tools to troubleshoot problems such as System Update and Restore and System Repair, Safe Mode is still required for a number of troubleshooting procedures and is not included as a quick option.
Have you noticed that pressing F8 in Windows 8 Consumer Preview doesn't open the Safe Mode menu like it did in previous versions of Windows, or that you can't access Windows 8's "Recovery Mode" to fix problems? What's going on, right? Let's get this straight: F8 no longer has any function in Windows 8, now you have to use the Shift+F8 key combination at boot time instead to enter Recovery Mode and access the "advanced repair options".
So how do you enable Safe Mode in Windows 8? Since Microsoft has buried this option even further for the next version of Windows – possibly because the new recovery mode might better serve the average user – there are a few steps you need to take before you can access these advanced options.
