By Randy
Categorized under Blog
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Most things work as they should when you boot up your ASUS computer and get to work. However, there are times when something goes wrong, and the “safe mode” on your ASUS is one way you can figure out what that something is. We’ll take you through the benefits of safe mode and how to use it below.
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You might be familiar with the using computer’s F8 key to enter safe mode. This may be the case if you have experience with some older Windows operating systems, such as XP or Vista. However, if you’re running a newer version of Windows now, you may notice that pressing F8 does not put your ASUS computer in safe mode.
This is because Microsoft chose to remove this particular functionality for F8 as a way to maximize system boot time. Once you’ve moved from an older version of Windows, you’ll likely notice that the new version boots quite a bit quicker than you’re expecting.
The OS doesn’t recognize the F8 key press during the boot process. However, safe mode is still an important tool for users, and Microsoft has provided an alternate way to get things started in Windows 10.
Before we get into that, it is worth noting that you have the option of manually re-enabling the F8 safe mode functionality.
Reactivate F8 Safe Mode Functions
Go to your Windows search bar and type in ‘CMD’ to bring up the relevant program. You’ll want to right-click on this program and select Run as Administrator to activate it with administrator privileges. This is because some actions are only available to the system administrator. For your personal ASUS computer, which is you, but sometimes you need to tell Windows that.
- Copy the command value bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy exactly as it appears and press the ‘Enter’ key.
- Restart your ASUS computer for the changes to take effect.
Although you may notice slight changes in boot time when you start your computer, you should now have access to the F8 safe mode functionality.
If you want to revert to the original way Windows 10 handles safe mode, re-enter the command prompt program as an administrator and type or copy the command bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy standard and press ‘Enter’. Finally, restart your computer again for the changes to take effect.
What is The ASUS Boot Menu key?
The boot menu on your ASUS computer is a special screen that is available just as your device starts up from a powered-down state. It contains a selection of devices that the computer’s operating system might boot to, either by default or as directed by you. There are a few reasons the boot menu is essential and you might want to access it.
The precise ASUS boot menu key can change depending on the specific type or model of computer you are using. However, most experts agree that the boot menu key will either be Esc or F8. If F8 isn’t working as per new operating system parameters, Esc will be the next most likely choice.
Less common but still viable options for ASUS might include the Delete or F2 keys. You can always try the most common or recommended key before moving on to the next. There isn’t a penalty or issue with trying a different key that may work.
You just might have to restart the computer once or twice before you get to the proper key that activates safe mode for your operating system.
Loading Different Operating Systems
You can use functions within the boot menu to load a different OS onto your ASUS computer. It is worth noting that you can do this even if your computer already has a native OS. This feature could be handy for testing the differences between systems, or installing a virtual machine that uses a different system.
Checking Applications
You can use the boot menu to load particular applications or programs like operating systems. The boot menu is useful if you want to select which mediums those applications might boot to when the machine starts. For example, a CD-ROM, flash drive, or external hard drive are all options for booting applications, and you can choose from among these when starting your ASUS computer.
How do I start my ASUS computer in safe mode?
If you’re experiencing a problem running Windows normally, it’s time to boot in safe mode to check where the issue might be. Safe mode for ASUS computers means using only the default drivers and programs on the machine.
If you don’t experience the same issues when running your OS in safe mode, the regular settings for the computer are not part of the issue. With that in mind, let’s check how to start your ASUS computer in safe mode.
Enable Safe Mode
You should be able to use one of the keys discussed earlier in the article to get into safe mode when the computer boots. However, to save a step, we should ensure that safe mode capabilities are enabled and ready to go.
- Click the ‘Start’ icon and select ‘Settings’ from the menu.
- Go to ‘Update and Security’ and select the ‘Recovery’ option.
- Click on ‘Restart Now.’ From this point, your system will reboot in the recovery environment and ask you for some information. You can go to ‘Troubleshoot’ and select ‘Advanced Options’to check out the ‘Startup Settings’.
- Once you click on ‘Startup Settings’, you can have your ASUS computer restart and make sure safe mode is enabled. You can also allow another version of safe-mode that has network settings attached.
Network settings give you access to other networked devices, the internet, and other things you might need while still in safe mode.
Press the Appropriate Key
Assuming your computer is ready to boot into safe mode, you can simply press the corresponding key right as the computer is starting up. From here, you’ll be able to check which programs, drivers, or other things you’ve installed beyond the basic Windows OS on your ASUS computer might be causing you some issues.
(Attribution:©[rozelt]/Depositphotos.com)
How do you boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10?
Safe mode will start your Windows 10 computer with many nonessential functions turned off automatically if you boot into safe mode. We’ve covered how this might be useful for figuring out specific issues. However, it can also be a lifesaver if, for whatever reason, your Windows 10 ASUS computer won’t startup as it normally should.
Below, we will cover the primary ways to boot into safe mode on Windows 10.
Use the Power Icon
You know how to click on the power icon to turn off or start your Windows 10 machine normally. You can also use it to start in safe mode. To do this, simply click the power icon as you would normally. When the menu pops up, hold down your ‘Shift’ key, and click restart while you are holding down the key.
After your computer restarts, the blue troubleshooting menu we talked about earlier will appear. This menu will allow you to select the appropriate restart options for booting in safe mode.
How Do You Boot in Safe Mode If Windows Can’t Start?
If Windows won’t start up normally, you still have a way to boot up in safe mode to try to figure out what is happening.
- Power on your computer.
- As soon as you see the manufacturer’s logo, press and hold down the power button.
- Repeat this process once or twice until the computer says “Preparing Automatic Repair” at the bottom of the screen when you start it up.
Once it goes through this process, it should give you access to the same troubleshooting menu you will need to access startup options to boot into safe mode.
Bottom Line
Safe mode is a powerful tool that can lead you to the root of an issue that might cause your computer to perform sub-optimally. There are multiple ways to get into this mode, but, most of the time, it will just take a simple key press.
It is essential to keep in mind that there are times when your ASUS computer might boot into safe mode without you doing anything. If this happens, it could be a clue that there is a problem that needs your attention.
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FAQs
How do I start my ASUS computer in safe mode? ›
Press number keys or function keys F1-F9 on the keyboard to select a safe mode. In a general situation, you can select [4)Enable Safe Mode] to enter Safe Mode⑩.
How do I force my computer to start in safe mode? ›- If your computer has a single operating system installed, press and hold the F8 key as your computer restarts. ...
- If your computer has more than one operating system, use the arrow keys to highlight the operating system you want to start in safe mode, and then press F8.
Restart your PC, 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, or Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
What function key starts Windows in safe mode? ›Your computer may restart and open the Startup Settings screen automatically. Press the F4 key to boot into Safe Mode. For the other 2 options of Safe Mode, press F5 to boot into Safe Mode with Networking or press F6 to boot into Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
What happens if F8 doesn't work? ›If F8 isn't working and you've to restart your computer in Safe Mode immediately, try it via the Start menu. Open the Start menu and then Settings> Update & Security> Recovery> Restart Now option. While your computer is in reboot mode, you've to select Troubleshoot under the Select an Option screen.
How do I enable safe boot on my ASUS BIOS? ›- Power on the system and press [Delete] key to enter BIOS [Advanced Mode] as below picture.
- Click [Boot] as below picture.
- Click [Secure Boot] option as below picture.
- OS Type Default is Other OS. Other OS: Secure Boot state is off. ...
- Secure Boot state as below.
After the computer restarts, a list of options appears. Select 4 or F4 to start the computer in Safe Mode. If you must use the Internet, select 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.
How do I manually start Windows 10 in Safe Mode? ›- Press the f4 key for Enable Safe Mode. Safe Mode starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services.
- Press the f5 key for Enable Safe Mode with Networking. ...
- Press the f6 key for Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
- Search for and open Recovery options.
- Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
- Click Troubleshoot.
- Click Advanced options > See more recovery options > Startup Settings.
- Click Restart. ...
- Choose the Safe Mode option that you want from the Startup Settings menu:
One option is to press the [F8] key on the keyboard while Windows 10 boots. Depending on the computer, this is also possible with the key combination [Shift] + [F8] or [Ctrl] + [F8]. Pressing the following keys may also work: [Esc], [Del], [F1], [F2] or [F10].
What is the F10 key used for? ›
F10: Starts the spell checking program in the active document, if the document's program has this feature. Shows or hides the Office task pane that was previously displayed. (This is not available on all keyboards.)
What is the F9 key? ›F9 – Refreshes a document in Microsoft Word and sends and receives emails in Outlook. F10 – Activates the menu bar of an open application. Shift + F10 is the same as right clicking.
What is the F10 Safe Mode? ›If you press F10, you'll see another menu with a single item that allows you to launch the Recovery Environment, which is what you access when you boot from a Recovery Drive. Press F10 again to return to the first menu or press [Enter] to start Windows normally.
How do I start Windows 8 in Safe Mode while booting? ›- Start your computer. Whilst Holding Down Shift and Tap F8 (this has changed from F8 only)
- Choose Troubleshoot.
- Select Advanced Options.
- Click on Startup Settings.
- Press (4) Enable Safe Mode.
- Click on Restart.
Windows Won't Boot into Safe Mode FAQ
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Restart now. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
The Windows recovery system is also accessed by using the F8 key. When the F8 key is pressed two times, the current word is selected. When the F8 key is pressed four times, the paragraph is selected. When the F8 key is pressed five times, the whole document is selected.
What is my boot menu key? ›When a computer is starting up, the user can access the Boot Menu by pressing one of several keyboard keys. Common keys for accessing the Boot Menu are Esc, F2, F10, or F12, depending on the computer or motherboard manufacturer.
What is BIOS key for Asus? ›While the computer isn't powered on yet, press and hold the [F2] button of the keyboard, and then press the [Power button] (Do not release F2 button until the BIOS configuration display.).
Can I open safe mode from BIOS? ›Can I boot in Safe Mode from BIOS? You can press F8 key during booting to enter into Windows Advanced Boot Options screen, and choose a Safe Mode option to boot Windows 10 into Safe Mode.
What is Secure Boot control Asus? ›To protect user's systems from malware attacks, ASUS Notebooks implement the Microsoft Secure Boot feature by default. This feature performs a legal loader check to boot into the OS.
What is the difference between safe boot and Safe Mode? ›
Safe Mode is a diagnostic startup mode in Windows operating systems that's used as a way to gain limited access to Windows when the operating system won't start normally. Normal Mode, then, is the opposite of Safe Mode in that it starts Windows in its typical manner. Safe Mode is called Safe Boot on macOS.
What does pressing F5 on startup do? ›Booting into the BIOS: The F5 key can be used on some computer systems to enter the BIOS setup utility or boot menu. This allows users to configure the computer's basic hardware settings, such as the boot order, date and time, and system configuration.
Is Safe Mode the same as normal boot? ›To summarize, the default mode of operation for an operating system on a computer is referred to as normal mode, which is not a precise technical word. On the other hand, safe mode is a diagnostics mode used to diagnose faults inside a computer system.
How do I boot into Safe Mode from command prompt? ›The Command Prompt offers an alternative way of starting Windows 10 in Safe Mode. Open CMD and run the following command: shutdown.exe /r /o. This makes Windows 10 restart into its recovery environment. After you run it, you are notified that Windows 10 will sign you out in less than a minute.
What does F10 do when booting? ›On many PCs, as the computer is booting, you see an option to press F10 to enter setup. Pressing F10 when this message is displayed enters the BIOS or CMOS setup. How to enter and exit the BIOS or CMOS setup.
What is the function of F1 to F12 keys? ›The function keys or F keys are lined across the top of the keyboard and labeled F1 through F12. These keys act as shortcuts, performing certain functions, like saving files, printing data, or refreshing a page.
What does F7 do? ›The F7 function key is used to spell check and grammar check a document in Microsoft programs such as Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, and other Office products. Shift + F7 runs a Thesaurus check on the highlighted word.
What is the F4 key used for? ›Microsoft Windows
When used with the Alt and Ctrl key, the F4 is used to close a program or window in a program. Alt + F4 closes the program window currently active in Microsoft Windows. Ctrl + F4 closes the open window or tab in the active window in Microsoft Windows.
With a single-color keyboard backlight keyboards, FN+F11 increases the audio volume. With a multiple backlight colors (RGB) keyboard, FN+F11 locks all keys on the keyboard. When keys are locked, the "G" LED indicator light is active.
What is the function Alt F9? ›What is Ctrl+Alt+F9? Ctrl+Alt+F9 is a keyboard shortcut that allows you to recalculate all formulas in your Excel worksheet. This means that if you have made any changes to your data or formulas, pressing this shortcut will update all the calculations in your worksheet.
What happens if you click F9? ›
Once highlighted, pressing the F9 key calculates the highlighted portion and simply displays its value or result. This can be helpful for understanding how complex formulas are working, debugging why complex formulas are not working as expected, or for determining the source positioning of any error value.
How do I start my Asus laptop in safe mode Windows 10? ›Click [Restart]④. Press number keys or function keys F1-F9 on the keyboard to select a safe mode.
How to repair Windows 8 startup with command prompt? ›- Insert the original installation DVD or USB Drive. ...
- Restart your computer.
- Boot from the disc/USB.
- At the Install screen, click Repair your computer or press R.
- Click Troubleshoot.
- Click Command Prompt.
- Type these commands: bootrec /FixMbr bootrec /FixBoot bootrec /ScanOs bootrec /RebuildBcd.
- From the main logon screen, click on the power icon in the lower right corner of the screen.
- Hold down the shift key on your keyboard. ...
- You will be given several choices - click on Troubleshoot.
- You will be given more choices - click on Reset Your PC.
- Press and hold the power key while your device is on.
- In the pop-up menu, tap the power icon.
- Press-and-hold Power off until the Reboot to safe mode message displays.
- Tap OK to restart into safe mode.
To reset your PC, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC > Get Started. Then, select Keep my files, choose cloud or local, change your settings, and set Restore preinstalled apps? to No.
How do I restore in Safe Mode? ›- Search “recovery” in the Windows 10 search box and select the top result Recovery.
- In the pop-up window, click Open System Restore.
- When you launch System Restore, click Next.
- Select one of the available restore points to do system restore in Safe Mode.
When you can't open Settings to get into safe mode, restart your device from the Windows sign-in screen. On the Windows sign-in screen, press and hold the Shift key while you select Power > Restart .
What to do if your computer doesnt go into Safe Mode? ›Windows Won't Boot into Safe Mode FAQ
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Restart now. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart. Press the F4 key to enter Safe Mode.
- Solution 1: Uninstall the Recently Installed Packages.
- Solution 2: Update Your Drivers.
- Solution 3: Toggle AHCI Mode Value in BIOS to Enabled.
- Solution 4: Get Rid of “Update Pending” Packages.
- Solution 5: Check and Have all Corrupted Hard Drive Files Fixed.
How do I bypass no boot device found? ›
- Restart the computer and tap Esc to enter the BIOS interface.
- Press the right arrow key on your keyboard until the Boot tab is opened. Move “Hard Drive” to the top of the boot order list by pressing “+” or “-”.
- Press F10 to save the changes and restart the computer.
From within Windows, press and hold the Shift key and click the “Restart” option in the Start menu or on the sign-in screen. Your PC will restart into the boot options menu. Select the “Use a device” option on this screen and you can choose a device you want to boot from, such as a USB drive, DVD, or network boot.
What is default boot device missing or boot failed? ›Default boot device missing or boot failed means that your PC cannot find a device to boot from. This issue can be the result of incorrect boot sequence, misconfigured BIOS, loose connection, damaged boot files or defective hard drive, etc.