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How to exit safe mode

Safe mode is a feature present in many operating systems, including Windows and Mac OS. In this mode, the system only starts essential programs and drivers to make the computer work. This can be useful when there are issues with the operating system or installed drivers.

In safe mode, the operating system does not load all automatic startup programs or system services that may cause problems. This means that the computer can run faster and more stably, allowing for troubleshooting.

However, safe mode has some limitations. For example, it is not possible to use all the features of the operating system or access the Internet. Additionally, some programs may not function properly in this mode.

How to access safe mode

To access safe mode on a Windows computer:

  • Restart your computer.
  • Press F8 repeatedly until you see the Advanced Boot Options screen.
  • Select "Safe Mode" using the arrow keys on your keyboard and press Enter.

On a Mac:

  • Restart your computer.
  • Press and hold down the left Shift key until you see the Apple logo.
  • Release the Shift key and wait for your Mac to start up in safe mode.

Once you have entered safe mode, you can troubleshoot your operating system or installed drivers.

Causes of safe mode

Safe mode is a booting mode of an operating system that is used to diagnose and fix issues with your computer. There are several causes that can lead to this situation:

  • Hardware issues: A hardware issue can cause the operating system to freeze, preventing it from booting normally. For example, if the hard disk is damaged or not functioning properly, the system may fail to start.
  • Software issues: Software issues can be caused by viruses or malware, outdated or incompatible drivers, problems with registry settings, or conflicts between programs installed on your computer.
  • Failed updates: If a system update fails to complete correctly, the system may fail to start normally and enter safe mode.
  • User error: Safe mode can also be accidentally activated by the user during the operating system startup process.

In many cases, the cause of safe mode can be identified through a process of elimination of possible causes. Once you have identified the main cause, you can take necessary measures to resolve the issue and restart your computer normally.

How to exit Safe Mode in Windows

If your computer always starts in Safe Mode, there are a few things you can do to resolve the issue. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Restart your computer

The first thing to do is restart your computer. It may seem trivial, but sometimes this simple step can solve many problems.

2. Check system settings

Make sure that the system settings are correct and that there are no errors in the registry. To do this, follow these steps:

  • Click on the Start button and search for "cmd". Right-click on "Command Prompt" and choose "Run as administrator".
  • In the Command Prompt window, type "sfc /scannow" (without quotes) and press Enter.
  • Wait for the scan to complete. If any errors are found, try to fix them by following the instructions provided by the tool.

3. Disable Safe Mode

If your computer still starts in Safe Mode, you can manually disable it by following these steps:

  • Click on the Start button and search for "msconfig". Right-click on "System Configuration" and choose "Run as administrator".
  • In the "Boot options" window, uncheck the box next to "Safe boot".
  • Click "Apply" and then click "OK".
  • Restart your computer.

These are the main steps to resolve the Safe Mode issue. Note that if your computer continues to start in Safe Mode, there may be a more serious problem that requires the intervention of a specialized technician.

How to exit Safe Mode on Mac OS X

Safe Mode is a boot mode of Mac OS X that is used to troubleshoot system problems. However, if your Mac always starts in Safe Mode, you may have a more serious problem. Here's how to exit Safe Mode on Mac OS X:

1. Restart your Mac

The first thing to do to exit Safe Mode on Mac OS X is to restart your computer. It may seem trivial, but often this simple step can solve many problems.

2. Check for hardware issues

If restarting doesn't solve the problem, there may be a hardware issue with your Mac. Check for hardware errors by running Apple Hardware Diagnostics.

3. Remove any third-party extensions or software

Third-party extensions or software can cause problems with your Mac's startup. Try removing them and see if this solves the problem.

4. Reset PRAM or NVRAM settings

The PRAM (Parameter Random Access Memory) or NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) settings contain information about system settings such as screen brightness and speaker volume. Sometimes these settings can cause problems with your Mac's startup. To reset PRAM or NVRAM settings, follow these steps:

  • Turn off your Mac
  • Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold the Command + Option + P + R keys
  • Keep holding the keys until you hear the startup sound twice
  • Release the keys and let your Mac start up normally

5. Use macOS Recovery Mode

If none of the previous steps solve the problem, you can try using macOS Recovery mode to fix any software issues. Here's how to access Recovery mode:

  • Turn off your Mac
  • Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold the Command + R key until you see the macOS Utility screen
  • If prompted, select a Wi-Fi network and enter the password
  • Select "Disk Utility" from the macOS Utility menu
  • Click on your Mac's hard drive in the Disk Utility sidebar
  • Click on the "Repair Disk" button
  • Wait for Disk Utility to finish scanning your hard drive
  • Exit Disk Utility and select "Restart"

By following these steps, you should be able to exit Safe Mode on Mac OS X. If the problem persists, you may need to contact Apple support or take your Mac to an authorized service center.

Conclusion and Additional Tips

We hope that these suggestions have been helpful in resolving the Safe Mode issue. Always remember to be careful when modifying your computer settings, as they can cause problems if you're not sure what you're doing.

Additional Tips:

  • Make sure you have an up-to-date antivirus on your computer to prevent viruses or malware that may cause Safe Mode.
  • Check your hardware device drivers and make sure they are all up to date. Outdated drivers can cause issues with the operating system.
  • If you're experiencing persistent issues with Safe Mode, consider restoring the operating system to a previous version.

Also remember that you can always seek help online or contact a professional IT technician if you need assistance in resolving this or other computer issues.

In summary, Safe Mode can be useful for fixing some computer issues, but it can be frustrating if you can't exit it. With these tips, you should be able to easily resolve the problem. However, if you still have difficulty, don't hesitate to seek help from industry professionals.

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Michael Anderson - Software Engineer

My name is Michael Anderson, and I work as a computer engineer in Midland, Texas.

My passion is sharing my knowledge in various areas, and my purpose is to make education accessible to everyone. I believe it is essential to explain complex concepts in a simple and interesting way.

With GlobalHowTo, I aim to motivate and enrich the minds of those who want to learn.