In Windows 10, there is a way to reboot the OS quickly and launch the troubleshooting options directly. This is very useful if you have some issue that you cannot fix in the regular Windows 10 environment. For example, you may need to overwrite or delete some in-use files. It is a really good alternative to a bootable DVD or USB stick. In this article, I would like to share how to quickly access the command prompt for troubleshooting in Windows 10.
To boot quickly into Safe Mode command prompt in Windows 10, follow the instructions below.
- Open the Start menu.
- Click the power button and move your mouse pointer over the Restart item but do not click it.
- Press and hold the Shift key on the keyboard, and then click the Restart item. Just make sure you hold down the Shift key before clicking the Restart item.
The operating system will restart into Advanced Startup Options. From there, it is easy to enter Safe mode with command prompt mode.
- Click the Troubleshoot item.
- Click Advanced Options on the next screen.
- Finally, click the Command Prompt item.
Your PC will restart. After that, you will be prompted to choose the account to sign in:
After you sign in, the command prompt will be opened as Administrator.
That's it.
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Nice tip!
Thanks.
Very good tip, thanks!
Is there a way to get to safe mode so that it boots to desktop mode (not command prompt mode)?
Thank you for all of your very helpful tips,
Gary
Hi Sergey :)
Once again another very useful topic, thanks. Why Windows 10 does not make it easily available I do not know.
May I ask if you have seen or tested a free portable app named “BootSafe” latest version is 4.1 http://www.foolishit.com/bootsafe). I hasten to add I have no connection with the authors or the application
I found this app today (05/05/17) whilst searching for an easy-to-use app. I have quickly tested it on my Windows 10 Pro (x64) Anniversary Ver. 1607 (Build 14393.1066) starting up Win 10 in Safe Mode and it seemed to work and boot to safe mode perfectly.
A useful feature I liked about it was when Win 10 Safe mode opened, BootSafe presented a Window asking me if I wanted to boot next time in Normal mode or continue in Safe Mode. This I like a lot, as it helps prompt users at to reset to Normal mode (if they so wish) therefore helping to avoid them forgetting when they exit safe Mode and also avoids them needing to run the app again in safe Mode in order to do so.
I chose to select to restart in Normal mode at next boot up which it did (once again seemingly perfectly and without any issues).
I am no expert so I’d be very interested in your comments regarding this seemingly excellent app for those wishing to access Safe Mode (and back again) as easily as possible.
Many thanks for all you do for us users and Kind Regards