Safe mode starts Windows in a basic state, using a limited set of files and drivers. If a problem doesn't happen in safe mode, this means that default settings and basic device drivers aren't causing the issue.

Safe mode is a startup setting that can help you troubleshoot problems on your PC. Here are some ways to get to it. Get to safe mode from Settings:

The Advanced Boot Options screen lets you start Windows in advanced troubleshooting modes. You can access the menu by turning on your computer and pressing the F8 key before Windows starts.

Safe mode starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services to help troubleshoot issues. If a problem doesn't reappear when you start your PC in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers and services as possible causes.

Automated safe mode is triggered if a Microsoft Office application could not start due to specific problems, such as an add-in or extension that won't start or a corrupted resource, file, registry, or template.

Why isn't it possible in Windows 8 to press F8 during startup to enter Safe Mode like in Windows 7? Even though pressing F8 will occasionally work, it doesn't work every time. Is there an easy way to enter an options screen during startup?

If Outlook won't open, try opening it in safe mode, which disables add-ins. 1. Right-click the Start button, and click Run.. 2. Type Outlook.exe /safe, and click OK.. Tip: If Windows can't find Outlook.exe /safe, try using the full path to Outlook (for example C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OfficeXX, where XX is your version number). More on starting Outlook in safe mode and disabling add-ins.

Automated safe mode is triggered if a Microsoft Office application could not start due to specific problems, such as an add-in or extension that won't start or a corrupted resource, file, registry, or template.

Safe mode. Description. Automated safe mode. When you start a program and a problem is detected, the program goes into this mode. The problem is fixed or isolated.

Summary . Why isn't it possible in Windows 8 to press F8 during startup to enter Safe Mode like in Windows 7? Even though pressing F8 will occasionally work, it doesn't work every time.