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. Is there an easy way to enter an options screen during startup?

Boot to Advanced Startup Options from Settings app in Windows 10

1. Open Settings, and click/tap on the Update & security icon.

2. Click/tap on Recovery on the left side, and click/tap on Restart now under Advanced startup on the right side.

Boot to Advanced Startup Options from Power Menu

1. Do step 2, 3, or 4 below for what Power menu you would like to use.

2. Open the Start Menu, click/tap on the Power button, press and hold the Shift key, and click/tap on Restart.

3. Press the CTRL+ALT+DEL keys, click/tap on the Power button, press and hold the Shift key, and click/tap on Restart.

4. While on the Sign-in screen, click/tap on the Power button, press and hold the Shift key, and click/tap on Restart.

Boot to Advanced Startup Options from a Hard Reboot

This option can be handy if you are unable to boot into Windows.

1. Press and hold the power button on your PC until it powers off.

2. Press the power button on your PC to turn it on.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 above until you see Please wait during boot like below. Usually it may take repeating up to 3 times.

4. When displayed, click/tap on See advanced repair options