How to Boot Windows VM into Safe Mode

Last Updated

July 19, 2024

Posted In

Have you ever tried to boot Windows VM into safe mode easily?. Let me show you how you can start your computer in safe mode.

Safe Mode starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services. You can use Safe Mode to troubleshoot problems on your computer.

If the CrowdStrike BSOD issue is affecting your Windows OS, the workaround is to boot Windows into Safe Mode or the Windows Recovery Environment. Let’s see how to boot your Azure VM running Windows OS into Safe Mode.

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How to Boot Windows VM into Safe Mode

In this example, I will be booting Windows Server into safe mode. First, login to Windows Server. Click Start > then click Settings icon.

Windows 10 Settings
Windows 10 Settings

You will now see Windows Settings page, click Update & Security.

Windows 10 update and recovery
Windows 10 update and security

On the Windows Update page, in the left pane, click Recovery.

Windows 10 Recovery
Windows 10 Recovery

Click Restart now on the Recovery window.

Restart the Windows machine
Restart the Windows machine

You may specify a reason to restart the computer. Click Continue. The VM now restarts.

Select a reason to restart the computer
Select a reason to restart the computer

The screen that you see now has got 4 options.

  • Continue
  • Use a device
  • Troubleshoot
  • Turn off your PC

Click Troubleshoot option.

Boot Windows VM into Safe Mode
Boot Windows VM into Safe Mode

On the Advanced options screen, click Start Settings.

Boot Windows VM into Safe Mode
Boot Windows VM into Safe Mode

On the Startup settings screen, you can click Restart to change several windows options.

  • Enable low-resolution video mode
  • Enable debugging mode
  • Boot logging
  • Disable automatic restart on system failure
  • Enable safe mode
  • Disable driver signature enforcement
  • Disable early-launch anti-malware protection
Windows Virtual machine safe mode - Startup Settings
Windows Virtual machine safe mode – Startup Settings

You will see Advance Boot options screen. Select Safe Mode and hit enter key to boot virtual machine into Safe Mode.

Boot Windows VM into Safe Mode
Boot Windows VM into Safe Mode

I hope this post helps.

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5 Comments

  1. I agree with Rob, no good if you can’t login to the VM in the first place

  2. Avatar photo Madhusudan Singh says:

    So much? – If u have access to OS , Run–type MSconfig. 2nd tab enable Safe boot

    I need to know how to enter in safemode of HyperV machines ? F8 is not working

  3. You can also hold down SHIFT as you click Restart from within Windows 10 and it will boot into the Troubleshooting Wizard.

  4. Does not help much if you cant access the server to begin with, I need to boot from cold into safe mode, like F8, but that does not work..

Prajwal Desai

Prajwal Desai is a highly accomplished technology expert and an 11-time Dual Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional), specializing in Microsoft Intune, SCCM, Windows 365, Enterprise Mobility, and Windows. As a renowned author, speaker, and community leader, he is widely recognized for sharing his in-depth expertise and insights through his blog, YouTube channel, conferences, webinars, and other platforms.