Most computer problems can be resolved using Safe Mode. You can even often hear the first thing recommended when a system crashes or if the computer slows down for unknown reasons, to go in and check it. Most users are well aware that to boot into safe mode, you need to repeatedly press F8 or Shift+F8 when starting the computer. True, with the release of Windows 8 (8.1), everything changed; Windows does not respond to their clicks and boots as if nothing had happened. But why don’t the buttons work and how can I start it then?

I'll tell you about three ways to start your computer in safe mode:

1. Booting using the shutdown menu
2. Launch using the msconfig utility
3. Booting into safe mode using the recovery disk.

How to start Windows 8 in safe mode using the Shutdown menu

This method is the simplest and fastest, at the same time it is the standard that replaced “F8”. The advantage of this option is that it can be used without going into the user profile. By calling the side menu where we go to “ Options» –> « Shutdowns"Move the mouse over the item "" while holding down the " button Shift"Left-click on "".

Also, there is a launch option with the participation of CMD. By typing the following on the command line shutdown /r /o /t 0. But, no matter which option you choose, in any case, the recovery menu will open in front of you, in which we click “ Diagnostics».

In the additional parameters it is possible to fix many problems in various ways, but we need to boot into safe mode and therefore go to “ Boot Options" Next, you can get acquainted with what parameters the system can boot after you click “ Reboot».

Select the option for further download. Moving down to the fourth point, we see the usual three launch options:

• Enable Safe Mode
• Enable Safe Mode with Command Line Support
• Enable safe mode with network drivers loading

To select, you can use numbers (4-6) or F4-F6, as is more convenient for you.

The result is obvious: after rebooting Windows 8, it booted into safe mode.

How to start Windows 8 in safe mode using msconfig utility

The second option is also quite simple, but has one drawback. This option can only be used if you are logged into your user profile. If there is such an opportunity, then we move on. We will log into BR using the utility msconfig . We can launch configuration settings in two ways.

1.In the “Run” window, enter the command msconfig.

2. Going to the search, we also enter msconfig and launch the utility.

Having entered the system configuration, you just need to check the “Safe Mode” box and select the startup type.

• Minimum - Standard Safe Mode
• Another shell – with command line support
• Active Directory recovery - for domain controller

Having decided, mark the necessary items and save the “Apply” parameters. After the reboot, our system will start in safe mode.

After finishing work, do not forget to change everything back, otherwise the operating system will constantly boot in safe mode. To set the standard boot, go to the configuration settings, just uncheck the box that you checked earlier and reboot.

How to Enter Windows 8 Safe Mode Using a Recovery Disk

The latest option is more suitable for users whose OS cannot fully start due to a system failure. For this option, we will need a bootable recovery disk, you can find out how to make one here. Having a recovery disk, it can be either a USB drive or an optical media, just insert it, having previously changed it, and reboot. The same recovery menu will appear in front of you, although in the additional parameters there is no such item as “Boot options”.

To get out of this situation, we will use the command line, which, as you understand, you need to select. Having launched the console, we will draw the following command: bcdedit /set (globalsettings) advancedoptions true

Having received a message about a successful operation, close the command line and click “Continue”. If a window with boot parameters appears in front of you, then you have done everything correctly. By selecting an option and pressing the corresponding key, you will enter Windows 8 safe mode.

When you subsequently restart the computer, a settings window will appear. In order for everything to be as before, you need to enter the following on the command line: bcdedit /deletevalue (globalsettings) advancedoptions, which will restore all boot settings back.

In general, there are many ways to boot into Windows 8 safe mode, but which one to use is up to you, dear readers.

Sooner or later in the life of any user there comes a time when you need to start the system in safe mode. This is necessary so that you can competently eliminate all problems in the OS that may be caused by incorrect operation of the software. Windows 8 is quite different from all its predecessors, so many may wonder how to enter safe mode on this OS.

The user is not always able to start Windows 8. For example, if you have a critical error or the system is seriously damaged by a virus. In this case, there are several simple ways to enter safe mode without booting the system.

Method 1: Using a keyboard shortcut

Method 2: Using a bootable USB flash drive

The next time you start, you will be able to start the system in safe mode.

If you can log into Windows 8

In safe mode, no programs are launched, except for the basic drivers necessary for the system to operate. This way you can fix all errors that arose as a result of software failures or the impact of a virus. Therefore, if the system works, but not at all as you would like, read the methods described below.

Method 1: Using the System Configuration utility

Now, the next time you start, the system will boot into safe mode.

Method 3: Using Command Line

After you restart the device, you will be able to enable the system in safe mode.

Thus, we looked at how to enable safe mode in all situations: both when the system starts and when it doesn’t start. We hope that with the help of this article you will be able to return the OS to operation and continue working on your computer. Share this information with your friends and acquaintances, because no one knows when it may be necessary to run Windows 8 in safe mode.

Can't boot Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 in Safe Mode? Are you pressing F8 or Shift+F8 but it doesn't do anything? Loading the new operating system from Microsoft has become so fast that it is not always possible to interrupt it with keystrokes.

You can enter safe mode in Windows 8 or 8.1 in 5 different ways, any of them will allow you to run the system on Windows 8-8.1 safely!

Safe Mode in Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 is practically no different from that in earlier versions of the OS.

The operating system still loads only the most basic drivers and services. The only noticeable difference is that the minimum screen resolution in Safe Mode has increased from 800x600 pixels to 1024x768 pixels.

1. Use the System Configuration tool (Msconfig.exe)

As with , the easiest way to boot into Safe Mode is to use the System Configuration program, also known as msconfig.exe.

Launch it, go to the “Boot” tab and in the boot options activate the “Safe Mode” option. Then click on the "OK" button.

Next, you will see a message stating that you need to restart your computer. Click Restart or Quit Without Reboot, depending on whether you want the computer to restart now or later.

The next time you start Windows 8 (Windows 8.1), it will boot into Safe Mode.

2. Use the combination Shift + Restart

Click the power button on the Windows login screen or in the Settings Charm. Then press and hold the SHIFT button on your keyboard and click Restart.

Windows will prompt you to select an option. Select "Diagnostics".

On the Diagnostics screen, click the Advanced Options button.

On the More Options screen, click Boot Options.

When your computer restarts, a list of 9 options will appear on the screen, including three types of Safe Mode.

Press F4 on your keyboard to enable Safe Mode, F5 to enable Safe Mode with Network Driver Support, and F6 to enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt Support. After this, Windows 8/Windows 8.1 will be downloaded according to your selection.

3. Boot into safe mode using CD/DVD to restore system (Windows 8 only)

On Windows 8, but not Windows 8.1, you can . So, if you have such a disk, you can boot from it.

After booting from the recovery disk, you will be prompted to select a keyboard layout. Select the one you want to use. You will then see the options screen. All further steps will be identical to those described in method 2.

4. Boot into USB Safe Mode to Restore System

Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 allow . Detailed instructions can be found at the link. Using such a disk you can also boot the OS in safe mode. To do this, boot from your System Recovery USB drive and follow the instructions from the previous method.

5. Use F8 or Shift + F8 (does not work when using UEFI BIOS and SSD)

In the case of Windows 7, just press F8 just before starting the operating system to get to a menu with additional boot options, from where you can boot the operating system in safe mode.

For Windows 8 and 8.1, some sites advise using the keyboard shortcut Shift + F8, which launches recovery mode, allowing you to boot into safe mode. However, the problem is that neither Shift + F8 nor just F8 often work.

In a post on its official blog, Microsoft explains that this behavior is due to the very fast boot process. Steve Sinofsky once said: “Windows 8 has a problem. It loads too quickly, so quickly that you actually don't have time to interrupt it when you turn on your PC. The operating system simply does not have time to detect pressing the F2 or F8 keys.”

In general, if you have a modern computer with a UEFI BIOS and an SSD, you are unlikely to be able to interrupt the boot process with keystrokes. On older PCs with a classic BIOS and no SSD, pressing these keys still works.

Have a great day!

The Windows 8 recovery disk or Windows 8.1 recovery disk is designed to troubleshoot problems with the operating system when the computer cannot boot. From the recovery disk, recovery tools are launched to carry out work to restore Windows functionality.

While working on a computer, sometimes problems arise due to various reasons. Malfunctions occur due to abnormal operation of equipment, software errors, and, perhaps, the most common reason: incorrect user actions.

If serious problems occur, the user can launch system recovery in different ways:

• Restore system files and settings using previously created system restore points.
• Restoring your computer (Refresh) without deleting personal data.
• Removing all data and reinstalling (Reset) Windows.

These recovery options are launched directly from the operating system. If it is impossible to start Windows, it is possible to start recovery by booting from a bootable USB flash drive or from a DVD with an operating system image, and if the user does not have a Windows image, then by booting from a recovery disk.

An installation DVD or bootable USB flash drive with Windows 8.1 (Windows 8) can also be used as a recovery disk by entering the operating system recovery environment.

You will need a Windows 8.1 system repair disc in the following cases:

• the user does not have an installation disk or bootable USB flash drive with the Windows operating system1 (Windows 8);
• in case of a serious computer failure;
• when it is impossible to boot Windows.

After booting from the recovery disk, using the recovery tools, the user can carry out the necessary troubleshooting work on the computer.

Creating a Windows 8.1 Recovery Disc

The user can independently create a Windows 8.1 recovery disk and burn it to a USB flash drive.

When creating a Windows 8.1 recovery disc, follow these steps:

1. Go to “Settings”, then click on “Control Panel”.
2. Enter "Recovery", select "Create a recovery disk".

1. The next window asks you to copy the recovery partition from your computer to the recovery drive. If such a partition exists on the computer, the user can check the box next to “Copy the recovery partition from the computer to the recovery disk” in order to use it to restore or return the computer to its original state.
2. Click on the "Next" button.

1. The application will check your computer for connected drives. In Windows 8, it is possible to burn to a CD/DVD disc (to do this, you will need to run another application); in Windows 8.1, a recovery disk is created only on a flash drive.
2. Then a window opens with available drives. Select the desired USB drive. The size of the flash drive must be at least 256 MB; all information from the USB device will be deleted.

1. Agree to delete all data from the flash drive. Transfer data (if any) from the USB device to another drive in advance.
2. Click on the “Create” button.
3. Next, the service files are formatted and copied.
4. The recovery disk is ready, click on the “Finish” button.

Remove the USB flash drive containing the Windows 8.1 recovery disc from the computer.

A bootable USB flash drive with a Windows 8.1 system recovery disk has been created. Now, in the event of an operating system failure, the user will have a chance to return the computer to working condition.

Windows 8.1 bootable USB flash drive for system recovery

Now let's see how to start recovery in Windows 8.1 from the installation disk or from a bootable USB flash drive. The recovery disk (not the installation disk) will start in a similar way, only without the windows for installing Windows 8.

Select in the BIOS or UEFI the priority to boot the system from the connected disk (USB drive or DVD), or immediately enter the boot menu to start the disk from there.

In the “Install Windows 8” window, click on the “Next” button. Here, by default, the language and keyboard layout are already selected correctly.

In the next window, click on “System Restore”.

The “Select Action” window offers two action options:

• Diagnostics - system recovery, returning the computer to its original state, or using additional tools.
• Turn off computer.

Select Diagnostics.

The Diagnostics window offers the following actions:

• Restore - restore the system while preserving personal files.
• Reset to original state - reinstallation of the system with loss of personal data.
• Advanced options - use other recovery tools.

Select Advanced Options.

The following system recovery tools are available in the Advanced Options window:

• System Restore - restore Windows using previously created restore points.
• System image recovery - restores Windows using a previously created backup system image.
• Startup Repair - fixes a glitch that prevents the operating system from loading.
• Command Prompt - Launch a command prompt to troubleshoot problems.

Choose the right tool to solve your computer problem.

Conclusions of the article

The user can create a bootable Windows 8.1 (Windows 8) recovery disk, which will help run system recovery tools if serious problems occur with the computer and Windows cannot start.

Hello, I really hope for your competent help, the problem is this: Windows 8.1 was initially installed, then I decided to install Windows XP on the second partition of the hard drive, after installation only XP began to boot. To load both Windows had to be downloaded and installed manager loading operating systems EasyBCD 2.0.2, but apparently I configured something incorrectly in it and an error began to appear when loading An operating system was not found(Operating system not found).

God bless her with XP, tried to restore the bootloader Windows 8.1 using the installation diskand well-known commands:

bootrec /FixMbr
bootrec /FixBoot
bootrec /ScanOS
bootrec /RebuildBcd

but for some reason this did not solve the problem, the error continued to appear.

Are there any tricky ways to restore Windows 8.1 boot?

Hello friends! In this article, I will give three effective ways to restore the Windows 8.1 bootloader on an MBR disk (regular BIOS). I will start with simple situations and end with more complex ones.

• Note: if you have a new laptop with this problem, then pay attention to our article
• Also at the end of the article is a method for creating a backup copy of the BCD boot store and restoring from this copy.

This error: “An operating system was not found” means nothing more than damage or complete absence of the Windows 8.1 bootloader, which undoubtedly includes files located in the hidden System Reserved section.

Before we fix these files, let's take a look at them. Let's go to Disk Management.

Assign a letter hidden section System Reserved (Reserved by the system, volume 350 MB).

And turn on the system to display hidden protected system files, and you will see the folder Boot, and file download manager bootmgr.

The bootmgr file is the operating system loader or, in simple words, the manager of a more complex tool called: "BCD Boot Configuration Store", this mechanism is a regular file called BCD and it is located in the Boot folder.

Windows 8.1 loads in the following sequence, the bootmgr loader processes the available information in the boot store (BCD file), and this is the menu, display time, list of operating systems (if there are several), and so on, if the data is correct, then the operating system loads . But! If at least one of the files I mentioned ( bootmgr or BCD) turns out to be incorrect or completely absent, then we are guaranteed to have problems loading the system.

Typically, recovery is done like this: boot the computer or laptop from the installation disk or flash drive and in the initial system installation window open the command line using the keyboard shortcut Shift+F10

And enter the commands sequentially:

bootrec /FixMbr– creating a new boot record on the system partition.

bootrec /FixBoot– creation of a new boot sector.

bootrec /ScanOS– search on all disks of installed Windows systems.

bootrec /RebuildBcd- finds all installed Windows operating systems on your computer and will offer to add information about them to the BCD download store, we just need to agree and press on the keyboard Y.

In what cases can the above commands help? For example, you did not follow the well-known rule of installing the older system (Windows XP) first, and then the younger one ( Windows 8.1) and did the opposite, first installed Windows 8.1 on your computer, and then Windows XP or Linux, therefore after installation it will boot Linux only or XP, because they rewrote the boot files to themselves, creating a new boot record and a new boot sector.In this case, entering the above commands will fix Windows 8.1 booting.

Pay attention to the screenshot. After installing Windows XP as a second system on a computer with Windows 8.1 in a hiddenthe System Reserved section, which belongs to the eight, contains boot files XP: boot.ini, ntldr, ntdetect.com, which now control the download.

In more complex situations, these commands are: bootrec /FixMbr, bootrec /FixBoot may not help and you will have to act differently. For example, inLet's take our reader's mistake:

"An operating system was not found" (Operating system not found)

or there is another bad error:

W windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause.

If you do not have this disc, contact your system administrator or computer manufacturer for assistance.

file:\boot\BCD

status: 0xc000000f

Both of these errors indicate that the filedownload storageThere is no BCD at all or it is completely incorrect, This happens due to the destructive actions of a virus, file system errors, the presence of bad sectors on the hard drive, installation of non-original crooked Windows builds, etc. If you load such a computer or laptop from the rescue disk Microsoft DaRT, you can see that there is no file in the root of the hidden System Reserved partition bootmgr and the Boot folder containing the boot repository (BCD file) or there is a Boot folder, but there is no BCD file in it.

Method No. 1

Recovering BCD boot storage files

We boot the computer or laptop from the installation flash drive or disk with Windows 8.1, open the command line with the keyboard shortcut Shift+F10.

In the Windows 8.1 recovery environment, we first determine the drive letter with the operating system.

Enter the command:

diskpart

list volume

You can see that the DVD-rom is assigned the letter (G:), and the hidden partition Reserved by the system, volume 350 MB, is assigned the letter (C:). This means that the operating system files with the Windows and Program Files folders are located on the next partition (E:), you can also navigate by disk space.

Exit diskpart, enter

exit

Leading the next team

bcdboot.exe E:\Windows (where E: partition with Windows 8.1 installed)

This command will recreate the Windows 8.1 boot loader, namely the bootmgr file and boot storage configuration files (BCD), that is, the entire contents of the Boot folder!

After this, your Windows 8.1 will definitely boot

Method No. 2

We format the hidden System Reserved partition (Reserved by the system, volume 350 MB) and create it again.

A similar situation, friends, we have a computer with Windows 8.1 (regular BIOS).

The operating system is installed on the SSD and will not boot.

Boot into the recovery environment and enter the commands:

diskpart

lis vol (we display all partitions of storage devices connected to the computer in a list).

sel vol 1 (Volume 1, this is our hidden System Reserved section, select it with this command).

format fs=NTFS (format it to the NTFS file system).

exit

bcdboot D:\Windows System Reserved

The download files have been successfully created.

Method No. 3

We delete the hidden System Reserved partition (Reserved by the system, volume 350 MB) and create it again.

In some cases, formatting the hidden System Reserved partition with system boot files will not help, then you need to delete it and create it again.

Boot into the recovery environment and enter the commands:

diskpart

lis vol

sel vol 1 (Volume 1, this is our hidden System Reserved section, select it with this command).

del vol (we delete it, creating unallocated space on the hard drive)

lis dis (displays a list of disks connected to the computer)

sel dis 0 (select the only Disk 0)

create par primary size=350 (create again hidden System Reserved section).

format fs=NTFS (format it to the NTFS file system).

activ (make it active).

assign (assign a letter).

lis vol (we display all partitions of storage devices connected to the computer in a list).

exit

bcdboot D:\Windows (recreate the download files on the hidden partition System Reserved for Windows 8.1, since the drive letter of the operating system in the recovery environment (D:)).

First, create a folder in the root of the drive (C:) and call it bacup. Open a command prompt as administrator and enter the command:

bcdedit /export C:\bacup\bcd

in folder bacup creates a backup of the BCD boot storage.

Now let’s imagine that there are problems with our Windows 8.1 and it won’t load.

To restore the boot storage, we need to boot from the Windows 8.1 installation disk or flash drive. In the initial installation window, open the command line using the keyboard shortcut Shift+F10.

First, we determine the drive letter with the operating system.

Enter the command:

diskpart

list volume

The DVD-rom is assigned a letter (G:), the hidden section Reserved by the system is assigned a letter (C:). This means the Win 8.1 files are located on (E:).

Exit diskpart

exit

Leading the next team

bcdedit /import E:\bacup\bcd