Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

This wikiHow teaches you how to start your computer in general (also called a PC) in both normal mode and in "safe" mode. Safe mode will only load default programs on your computer, do not start programs when you log in, and reduce the display quality of your computer.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Start the computer in normal mode

1. 

   . The power button has a circular icon with a line going through the top. The location of the power button usually differs from computer to computer, but will usually be in one of the following places:
   • With laptop - Located on the left, right side or in front of the camera body. Sometimes the power button is also designed similar to a key near the top of the keyboard, or as a button located in the area above / below the keyboard.
   • With desktop computers - In the front or back of the CPU, this is the box-shaped piece of hardware connected to the computer screen. Some iMac desktops have a power button located behind the screen or keyboard.

2. 

   
   
   . You do not need to hold down the power button to turn on your computer. Normally, the computer will begin to emit the sound of the internal radiator fan along with the sound of the drive spinning; After a few seconds, the screen will light up and display the boot or login screen, depending on whether the computer is off or hibernating.
   • With a laptop, you need to open the screen from the body to turn on the screen.
   • If the desktop doesn't turn on, try pressing the monitor's power button. It is possible that the computer is on but the screen is not.
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Method 2 of 4: Start computer in Safe Mode (Windows 8 and 10)

1. 

   . The power button has a circular icon with a line going through the top. To load safe mode on a Windows 8 or 10 computer, you need to start your computer in normal mode first.
   • If necessary, you can plug the computer's power cord or charger into a power source before continuing.

2. 

   
   
   . The power button has a circular icon with a line going through the top in the lower right corner of the screen.

3. 

   . The computer will start up.
   • If the computer only sleeps, hold down the power button until the computer turns off, then press again to turn on the computer.

4. 

   . Your Mac will start to boot.
   • If the computer is sleeping, first press and hold the power button until the computer shuts down, then press the power button again to start the Mac computer.

5. 

   
   
   Hold down the key ⇧ Shift. You need to do this as soon as your Mac starts up.

6. 

   Release the key ⇧ Shift when the Apple logo appears. This gray icon will have a progress bar below it. Once the bar fills up, you should be able to log into your Mac and access the system in safe mode. advertisement

Advice

• On both Mac and PC, you'll be asked to enter a password to sign in to your account after the computer has finished booting up.
• You can exit safe mode by restarting your computer. This method works for both PC and Mac.

Warning

• You should always consult the computer owner before using their computer and accessing safe mode.