What Is Safe Mode? Meaning, Working, and Importance

Safe mode is defined as an operating system (OS) environment meant for diagnostics, malware investigations in a PC, and unwanted application removal, which works by loading Windows or any other OS without any drivers, except for the essential ones. This article defines safe mode and its importance in computing. It explains how safe mode works, its purpose, and how it is used.

What Is Safe Mode?

Safe mode is defined as an operating system (OS) environment meant for diagnostics, malware investigations in a PC, and unwanted application removal, which works by loading Windows or any other OS without any drivers, except for the essential ones. 

Safe mode may be used when there is a significant system issue preventing Windows from functioning normally. One can diagnose Windows by utilizing safe mode, allowing you to figure out what might prevent the operating system from working correctly.

Here, the operating system only downloads the essential drivers or services. This resolves the problems that are responsible for the instability of the system. During this period, diagnostic programs and utilities are at your disposal.

Based on the settings applied, there might or might not be an option for networking. As the drivers for such devices are not loaded by default, audio is often turned off, and the visual resolution is frequently set to a minimal value. In this mode, it is possible that some extra functions, like scanners, network drives, as well as higher-level application programs, may not function properly.

When you have resolved the issue, you may restart the computer, and Windows will load properly. This mode may be opened either automatically or manually, depending on the circumstances. One must undertake these actions to launch a Windows PC in safe mode manually:

• Select the Start button, and click Settings in the drop-down menu that appears.
• Choose Recovery once you have Update & Security selected.
• Choose the option to restart now under the section labeled Advanced startup.
• The computer will restart, and you will be presented with the Select an option screen.
• From this menu, pick Troubleshoot, Advanced Options, Startup Settings, and Restart.
• Following the restart of your computer, you will be presented with a selection of several alternatives.
• To start your computer in safe mode, choose 4 or hit the F4 key. You may also choose option 5 or click the F5 key to enter Safe Mode with Networking if you need to use the Internet.

How is safe mode different from normal mode?

When a computer starts up (during boot-up) in normal mode, the operating system will activate device drivers connected to the hardware setup. This will enable each hardware device to interface with the operating system and work appropriately. As a result, drivers for network devices, printers, scanners, and graphics cards are all readily accessible to users.

However, the functioning of the computer only needs some of these components to be present. When trying to diagnose an issue with the operating system, having a large number of drivers might become an impediment. This is particularly true when the driver count is high.

Windows and numerous other operating systems (including Mac OS) offer a distinct version of the operating system that is only used for diagnostic reasons. In this instance, just the basic and necessary configuration of drivers required for operation is loaded. This enables diagnostic testing to be performed on the system sans interference from any other hardware or software; hence, the source of the problem may be readily pinpointed.

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 to exit safe mode?

Simply restarting your smartphone or computer is enough to get you out of safe mode and back into regular mode. However, if, for whatever reason, the computer continues to automatically boot into safe mode even after being restarted, users may take these steps:

• While holding down the Windows key, press the R key.
• In the box labeled Open, type msconfig and click the OK button.
• Choose the Boot tab from the menu.
• Remove the checkmark from the box labeled Safe Boot in the Boot settings menu.

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Types of Safe Mode

Safe mode can be of different types, depending on the platform and the functionalities it provides:

1. Standard safe mode

When you boot into the standard form of safe mode, only the most basic settings are stored in the system. Users who boot into a dark desktop may discover that the icons and fonts seem bloated and lack sharpness. This is because only the most fundamental drivers are loaded. 

One can access the files on your computer, the Start Menu, the mouse, and the keyboard. In addition, one can have access to their files. In addition, the words “Safe Mode” will be displayed in each of the four corners, and the system will show the version number of your installation of Windows in the top-center position.

This is the best option to boot into if you want to utilize System Restore or perform a scan on your antivirus software to eliminate malware, both of which are standard requirements for most home users. You will also have access to other built-in Windows tools, like the Command Prompt, PowerShell, Computer Manager, Device Manager, Event Log Viewer, and so on, in addition to this particular function.

2. Safe Mode with Command Prompt

When users boot into Safe Mode using Command Prompt, you will not be presented with the Windows graphical user interface (GUI). You will immediately have access to a Command Prompt window that is already open. Since you will not have accessibility to your desktop or start menu while in this mode, it is often reserved for professionals who have to conduct more complex troubleshooting.

3. Safe mode with added networking capabilities

After booting in Safe Mode using Networking, you will be brought to your desktop when you log in. The networking software is an additional set of drivers of this type, and they are the ones that are loaded when the system starts up. As a result, you can link the computer to either the Internet or your local area network (LAN). Since your computer is in an unprotected and vulnerable condition when in Safe Mode using Networking, it is not suggested that you browse the web in this mode.

4. Safe mode on Android devices

A safe mode is an option that is available on several mobile operating systems, including Android. As the process is not always immediately evident, the user should look in the handbook that came with their particular phone. Specific models require you to hold down the menu button while the smartphone starts up, while others require you to hit the volume up and volume down buttons simultaneously. On certain phones, you must keep holding down the button labeled “power off” to access the safe mode setting.

5. Recovery mode on iPhones

Recovery mode is an alternative to Windows Safe Mode available on iPhone 8 and subsequent models, including the second generation of the iPhone SE.

The user must quickly push and immediately let go of the button to increase the volume. The next step is to depress and swiftly release the volume down button. The last action is to hold down the button on the side of the device until the screen transitions to the recovery mode menu. This option is available only if the iPhone refuses to start in the usual way. This is distinct from Windows Safe Mode, where you can open safe mode manually at the time of booting at any given point.

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6. Safe boot

Operating systems like Windows, Android, or Linux all use Safe Boot for a similar reason, and macOS does as well. To make it work, you must keep the Shift key depressed when turning the computer on. Your Mac will prohibit some applications, like startup items, from launching when it is put into safe mode. 

The fundamental level of drivers and vital applications are loaded into the memory instead of anything else. This is intentional and will assist in troubleshooting a Mac and identifying the source of a software dispute. When a Mac is booted in safe mode, the starting drive is also subjected to an inspection.

7. Safe mode for specific applications

In addition to the above, you may utilize Microsoft Outlook in safe mode. When one does that, Reading Pane, extensions, and a few of your custom settings are disabled. This allows you to investigate what’s keeping Outlook from launching normally so that you can fix it. A comparable feature may be found in the email client known as Thunderbird. Another example of an application that may be run in safe mode to conduct troubleshooting is the Mozilla Firefox web browser.

How Does Safe Mode Work?

Safe mode boots Windows (or another operating system) with a minimal assortment of files and drivers. The absence of a problem in safe mode indicates that default settings and basic device drivers are not the problem. Observing the operating system in safe mode helps you to zero in on the cause of a problem and may aid in PC troubleshooting. Here are the fundamentals of how safe mode operates in a Windows environment:

• Troubleshooting support: Safe mode enables users to debug operating systems and discover what makes them malfunction. Once the problem is resolved, users may restart the system, and Windows will launch correctly.
• Not running root or startup files: In safe mode, the autoexec.bat and config.sys files are not executed. autoexec.bat is a startup file associated with MS-DOS or earlier iterations of Microsoft Windows. config.sys are programs built for MS-DOS and Windows 3.x that import device and operating system files to ensure standard performance.
• Not activating drivers: The majority of device drivers are not installed. Using device drivers, Windows interacts with hardware, like a printer or scanner. The drivers will not be installed, allowing you to determine if one can recreate the issue in safe mode; if not, the problem may lie with the driver software. Also, drivers cannot be updated when in safe mode. Users can download drivers but must enter Normal Mode and install them afterward.
• Reduced graphic functionality: Safe mode utilizes the standard video graphics array (VGA) graphics modes in place of the conventional graphics device drivers. All Windows-compatible graphics cards support this mode. This enables basic video functionality, but not an elevated experience.
• Different loading of himem.sys: Himem.sys is a DOS device driver that enables DOS applications to store data in extended memory per the Extended Memory Specification (XMS). Typically loaded using the config.sys script. In safe mode, however, the /testmem:on switch is loaded. This option instructs the computer first to test the additional memory.
• Option of switching to DOS: The msdos.sys file is examined in safe mode to establish the position of the other Windows files. Windows is launched in safe mode using the command win /d:m if the resources are located. If one cannot find the Windows files, command.com will be performed to enter a C: prompt.
• No programs listed in win.ini: Win.ini refers to an essential initialization file found in earlier versions of Microsoft Windows and a few new variants. It contains all the basic settings needed at boot time, such as font configurations, wallpaper selection, the screen saver, language settings, and communication drivers. When loading in safe mode, Windows skips two sections of this file – i.e., the Boot and the 386 Emh sections. It also does not load or execute any programs listed in this file. 
• Color and resolution: The Windows desktop boots with a resolution of 640×480 and 16 different colors. As noted previously, the phrase “safe mode” appears in each of the screen’s four corners. The desktop’s backdrop is also changed to a solid color at this point. On other operating systems, optimizations along the same lines are performed for the safe mode.

If the operating system fails to load on the previous attempt, the Windows operating system will transition into safe mode automatically. Alternatively, activate Windows Safe Mode by hitting the F5 key, or you can press the F8 key and choose the option from the boot menu.

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Importance of Safe Mode in Computing 

Safe mode has been a staple in computing for several decades now. Since the introduction of Windows XP and Windows 2000, OS providers began to incorporate advanced drivers that would support new features. However, these drivers got in the way of troubleshooting, and malfunctioning drivers were hard to detect. 

Users and IT administrators needed a way to cut through the clutter when running diagnostics and turn the computer into a “safe” ecosystem. That is why safe mode is so important. It is: 

1. Easy to use

You do not need advanced expertise to turn on safe mode while booting. Even regular PC consumers can run basic diagnostics by entering the safe mode when turning on their computers. As a result, the feature aids in performing self-service repairs at near-zero costs. 

2. Suitable for remote support

Since the safe mode is so easy to use, a consumer or employee may access a malfunctioning PC in safe mode while a technical expert guides them over the phone. They can follow a few basic steps with proper guidance to quickly identify driver issues and errors without having an expert physically present. 

3. Widely compatible

As mentioned, the safe mode has been around for decades, and most users are familiar with this functionality. As discussed in a previous section, there are various safe modes for different operating systems and devices – but the basic principles remain the same. As a result, you can use safe mode to resolve issues on various devices with a simple learning curve. 

4. A means for simplification

Even if a computer is not technically malfunctioning, safe mode can provide a more straightforward user experience so that you can clean things up, as it were. For example, if several unwanted programs are installed on a PC, causing pop-ups, the safe mode allows you to clean the system without distractions. Similarly, the safe mode on Firefox lets you remove unnecessary extensions. 

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Takeaway

Safe mode is one of the most fundamental concepts in desktop computing. It is widely used to run endpoint diagnostics and repairs and is also part of Level 1 endpoint security. Safe mode has evolved in recent years to help counter new cyber threats. For example, in safe mode, you cannot access your systems using facial recognition via Windows Hello. It gives the user complete administrative privileges when logging into a desktop environment – a degree of control essential for effective troubleshooting. 

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