Experiencing frequent freezes, crashes, or bizarre errors on your Windows PC? These issues often require more than a simple restart to fix. Booting your computer in safe mode with networking might be the solution. This mode loads Windows with the bare minimum of drivers and services but includes network connectivity, allowing you to troubleshoot issues effectively.
By entering safe mode with networking, you isolate the problem without the interference of non-essential applications and background processes. Whether you need to run an antivirus scan, update drivers, or delete corrupted files, this mode provides the safe environment you need. Follow along as we guide you through the steps to enter safe mode and get your PC back to its best performance.
What Does Safe With Networking Mean?
Safe Mode with Networking is a special boot mode in Windows. It allows you to run the system with the most basic drivers and services while still having access to network functionality. In this mode, the system loads only the core components needed to start Windows, excluding unnecessary third-party applications or drivers that might cause issues. However, unlike regular Safe Mode, this version enables networking, meaning you can still connect to the internet or a local network.
This option is particularly helpful when troubleshooting software problems, malware, or network-related issues. For instance, if you need to update drivers, download antivirus tools, or research solutions online, Safe Mode with Networking provides access to the internet while limiting background programs.
In Windows, Safe Mode with Networking can help diagnose and resolve system problems that require access to external resources. It’s often used in scenarios where regular Safe Mode isn’t enough, as connecting to the internet can be necessary for fixing errors or downloading missing drivers.
How To Boot Windows In Safe Mode With Networking?
When you need to troubleshoot issues on your PC, starting it in Safe Mode with Networking can be very helpful. This mode will load Windows with only the essential drivers and services, plus networking capabilities, allowing you to access the internet or network resources. This is particularly useful if you need to update drivers, run antivirus scans, or perform other critical tasks without interference from non-essential software. Here’s a straightforward guide on how to initiate this mode in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Boot Windows Into Safe Mode With Networking Using Advanced Startup Options
One of the easiest ways to boot Windows into Safe Mode with Networking is through the Advanced Startup Options. This method is useful when you’re able to access Windows and want to initiate a restart directly from the system. You can use two approaches to enter these options—through Settings or while restarting the computer.
Access Advanced Startup Options Through Settings
- Press the “Windows key + I” to open the Settings menu.
- In Windows 11, navigate to “System > Recovery.” In Windows 10, go to “Update & Security” and select “Recovery” from the left pane.
- Under Advanced startup, click on the “Restart now” button.
- After your computer restarts, select “Troubleshoot.”
- Then choose “Advanced options.”
- From the list options select “Startup Settings”, and then click “Restart.”
- When the computer restarts, you’ll see a list of options. Press “5” or “F5” to select Safe Mode with Networking.
Access Advanced Startup Options While Restarting
You can also access Advanced Startup Options directly when restarting your computer:
- Press the “Start” button and click the “Power” icon.
- Hold down the “Shift” key and select “Restart” from the menu.
- Alternatively, if you’re on the lock screen, click the “Power” button in the bottom right corner while holding the “Shift” key, then select “Restart.”
- After your computer restarts, go to “Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings”, and click “Restart.”
- When your computer restarts again, you’ll see different boot modes. Press “5” or “F5” to enter Safe Mode with Networking.
Now, you’re in Safe Mode with Networking and ready to start troubleshooting.
Boot Windows Into Safe Mode With Networking During Startup
If you’re unable to access Windows normally, you can boot Windows into Safe Mode with Networking during startup. This method allows you to interrupt the regular boot process and access the Windows Recovery Environment, where you can choose Safe Mode options.
- Restart your PC to begin the process.
- As your computer starts, repeatedly press the “F8” key (for older versions of Windows) or try “Shift + F8” (for newer systems). This should bring up the Windows Recovery Environment. If this key combination doesn’t work on your system, proceed with the next step.
- Force shutdown your PC if you’re unable to access the Recovery Environment using F8 or Shift + F8. Do this by turning your computer on and then holding the power button to turn it off again. Repeat this process two more times. After the third attempt, Windows will automatically enter Recovery Mode.
- Once you’re in the Windows Recovery Environment, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options.
- Choose Startup Settings from the options provided, and then click Restart.
- After your PC restarts, press 5 or F5 to boot into Safe Mode with Networking.
Boot Safe Mode With Networking Through System Configuration
Another way to boot Windows into Safe Mode with Networking is through System Configuration. This method works when you can access your Windows desktop and prefer a more straightforward approach without needing to restart multiple times or interrupt the startup process.
- Open System Configuration by pressing “Windows key + R” to bring up the Run dialog box.
- Type “msconfig” into the Run box and press Enter. This will open the System Configuration window.
- Navigate to the “Boot” tab in the System Configuration window.
- Under the Boot options, check the box next to “Safe boot.”
- After checking the Safe boot option, select “Network” to enable networking alongside Safe Mode.
- Click “Apply,” and then click “OK” to save your changes.
- A prompt will appear asking if you want to restart now or later. Select “Restart” to reboot your computer into Safe Mode with Networking.
Note: Your computer will now boot into Safe Mode with Networking every time it restarts until you undo the changes by going back into System Configuration and unchecking the Safe boot option.
Types Of Modes You Can Boot In Windows
Windows offers several boot modes to help troubleshoot and resolve system issues. Each mode serves a different purpose depending on the problem you’re encountering. Here are the primary modes you can use when booting your Windows system:
1. Normal Mode
This is the default boot mode for Windows. In Normal Mode, all drivers, services, and applications load as configured by the user or the system. Most users operate their system in this mode daily unless they face an issue that requires troubleshooting.
2. Safe Mode
Safe Mode starts your system with only the most basic drivers and services. It is useful for diagnosing and fixing problems caused by faulty software, drivers, or settings. In this mode, non-essential services and third-party programs are disabled, allowing you to isolate and fix problems without interference. Safe Mode does not allow internet access, which limits its ability to download drivers or solutions online.
3. Safe Mode With Networking
Safe Mode with Networking is similar to standard Safe Mode but includes network drivers and services, allowing internet or local network access. This mode is especially useful when you need to download drivers, updates, or malware removal tools while troubleshooting your system. It offers the same stripped-down environment as regular Safe Mode, but with added networking support.
4. Safe Mode With Command Prompt
In this mode, Windows starts with a Command Prompt interface instead of the usual graphical user interface (GUI). It is helpful for advanced users who want to use command-line tools to diagnose or fix system problems. It’s another Safe Mode variant that provides more control without loading the full Windows desktop.
5. Startup Repair Mode
Startup Repair is a recovery tool that fixes problems preventing Windows from starting correctly. If Windows detects that it can’t boot normally, it may automatically enter this mode to try and resolve the issue. Alternatively, you can manually access it from the Advanced Startup Options.
These modes provide flexibility when dealing with different types of system issues.
Safe Mode Vs. Safe Mode With Networking
Both Safe Mode and Safe Mode with Networking are diagnostic modes in Windows designed to help you troubleshoot and resolve issues by loading a minimal set of drivers and services. However, there are key differences between the two modes based on the specific services that are enabled.
Safe Mode loads Windows with only the essential system files and drivers needed for the operating system to function. It disables all third-party software, advanced drivers (such as graphics and sound drivers), and network functionality. This mode is useful when you suspect that a software program, driver, or other third-party application is causing system instability or crashes.
Safe Mode With Networking operates similarly to Safe Mode but also enables networking drivers and services. This allows the system to access the internet or a local network. It’s particularly useful when you need to download files, drivers, or malware removal tools to fix issues. The added network support is critical when troubleshooting problems that require an internet connection.
Comparison Table: Safe Mode vs Safe Mode With Networking
| Feature | Safe Mode | Safe Mode With Networking |
| Basic System Drivers Only | Yes | Yes |
| Third-Party Programs | Disabled | Disabled |
| Networking Support | No | Yes (Internet and Local Networks) |
| Troubleshooting Software Issues | Yes | Yes |
| Download Drivers/Updates | No | Yes |
| Ideal for Isolating Software Problems | Yes | Yes |
| Command-Line Interface Option | Available (Safe Mode with Command Prompt) | Available (Safe Mode with Command Prompt) |
FAQs:
It’s ideal to switch to this mode when troubleshooting system issues while still needing internet access to download essential files or conduct online malware scans.
This mode limits functionality by disabling non-critical drivers and services, which may result in a lower screen resolution and the unavailability of some features, such as sound and specific apps, to facilitate problem diagnosis.
While you can remove programs, installing new ones is generally discouraged unless vital for your troubleshooting efforts, as some installers depend on services that are inactive in this mode.
Directly updating Windows in this mode isn’t typical; however, you can manually download updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog and install them once you revert to normal mode.
Begin by restarting your computer and re-entering this mode. Persistent crashing may indicate deeper issues like hardware problems or corrupted files. Utilize command-line tools such as sfc /scannow or chkdsk to diagnose and resolve file issues.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped address your computer issues. Safe mode is a powerful tool for troubleshooting and resolving various system problems while keeping you connected online. Did you find these steps easy to follow? Let us know if this information was useful and if there are other topics you’d like us to cover to help keep your computer running smoothly. Your feedback helps us provide the most valuable content to our readers!
