If you use Windows very often, it is very possible that you have already realized that it is an operating system that is as versatile as it is powerful. Like, also, sometimes it can be extremely frustrating, even more so when the typical blue screen appears suddenly.
However, it is common that installing a new software application or adding the necessary drivers for some new hardware can still become a real problem, especially if the computer suddenly crashes or crashes. Then when I restart my computer and load the Windows desktop, I get a strange looking black screen with the words Safe Mode . What is it and what does it consist of?
What is Windows Safe Mode?
It is basically a special way for Windows to load when there is a critical system problem , which interferes with the normal operation of this operating system.
It was originally created with the purpose of offering users the ability to troubleshoot Windows , thereby determining what might be causing it to malfunction. Thus, once corrected, it is possible to reboot the system, and Windows will load normally.
What are the differences between Windows Safe Mode and normal system startup?
It is obvious to realize that, once Windows Safe Mode is started, the boot system itself varies with the normal boot system. Here are some of the changes that occur:
- Most device drivers are not loaded for security reasons. Remember that a device driver is the software that the operating system uses to interact with that hardware (such as a scanner or a printer). Thus, instead of the normal graphics device driver, the standard VGA graphics mode is loaded, which is supported by all video cards.
- The autoexec.bat or config.sys files do not run. It also loads a batch file called system.cb, instead of the standard system.ini file.
- The Windows desktop loads in 16 colors with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. Also, the word “Safe Mode” will appear in each corner of the screen.
Is it possible to use and load Safe Mode manually?
We must bear in mind that for Safe Mode to start automatically it is necessary that Windows has not been able to start normally in the previous attempt.
In any case, it is perfectly possible to start Safe Mode when we turn on the computer, by pressing the F5 or F8 keys .
Although if you use Windows 10, it is also possible to access the system from the start by pressing the key 4 or F4 , or 5 or F5 if, in addition, you need to activate Safe Mode with network functions.
