Starting in Safe Mode with Networking

Safe mode with networking starts your computer with only core drivers and services, plus networking support for internet access. It creates a basic state that limits the operating system to necessary functions so that you can determine what is interfering with your game, such as antivirus security settings, third-party software/drivers, or malware. Starting in safe mode, with or without networking, is not itself a solution.

Note: You may want to run Windows Update before entering safe mode in case an outdated app or driver is causing the issue.

This article describes how to start your computer in safe mode with networking and lists some commonly used troubleshooting techniques for Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.

• Starting in safe mode with networking
  • Windows 10 and Windows 8
  • Windows 7
• Troubleshooting

Important: To start your computer in safe mode you must have full administrator rights.

To see the steps for starting your computer in safe mode with networking, watch our video “How To Start in Safe Mode with Networking” on YouTube (see below).

Note: This article contains screenshots that are for example purposes only. Actual text and visuals may vary.

Starting in safe mode with networking

Important: Before performing the following steps, save your work and close any open apps to avoid loss of data or file damage.

Windows 10 and Windows 8

1. Restart your computer.
   Note: Depending on your version of Windows, you can perform several actions in different ways. Some commonly used methods are described below.
   
   Do one of the following:
   • Shift + Restart
     1. Click Start, and then select Power.
     2. Press and hold the Shift key and click Restart.
   • Settings
     1. Click Start, and then select Settings.
     2. Do one of the following:
        • • Windows 10
            Click Update & Security.
          • Windows 8
            Click Change PC Settings, and then select Update and recovery.
     3. From the left pane, click Recovery.
     4. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
        Your computer restarts.
2. Click Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings.
   
3. Click Restart.
   
   Your computer restarts again.
4. Press F5 or select 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
   

Your computer now starts in safe mode with internet access and you are able to troubleshoot your issue (see Troubleshooting).

Windows 7

1. Restart your computer.
   Note: Depending on your version of Windows, you can perform several actions in different ways. Some commonly used methods are described below.
   
   Do one of the following:
   • Click Start > Shut down to turn off your computer. Wait at least 10 seconds, and then turn your computer back on.
   • Click Start, select the options arrow to the right of the Shut Down button, and then click Restart.
     
2. Immediately begin pressing the F8 key. Continue pressing F8 repeatedly until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears.
3. Select Safe Mode with Networking using the arrow keys, and then press Enter.
   

Your computer now starts in safe mode with internet access and you are able to troubleshoot your issue (see Troubleshooting).

Troubleshooting

After you start your computer in safe mode with networking, your computer will load only basic functions so that you can troubleshoot your issue.

Note: In safe mode, your desktop might look and behave differently because most apps are inactive or disabled. This is temporary and your computer will revert back to its previous state when you exit safe mode.

Open the game and check if you are still experiencing a problem. If not, then the likely cause is another app or driver running during gameplay.

There are several things that you can do to try and fix your issue, such as:

• Scan for and remove malware.
• Check for and repair any damaged files/drivers.
• Uninstall apps that you no longer use.
• Uninstall downloaded apps individually to identify which one is causing the issue.
  • After removing a single app, restart your computer normally. Check if this has solved the problem.
  • After removing the problem app, you can reinstall any other apps that you removed.
• Restore or reset your computer.
• Search the internet for additional guidance.
  Note: Game forums are an excellent source of information from other players.

After you finish troubleshooting, you can exit safe mode automatically by shutting down or restarting your computer normally.