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Booting Windows Server 2016 to Safe mode provides the option to fix a broken OS. Learn how to do this in two ways.
Option 1: Boot to Safe Mode From Within Windows
Use this method if you can still boot to and login to Windows. This method is useful if you need to perform certain tasks from safe mode.
Here are the steps:
- Press Windows logo + R key. This will open Run command.
- At Run command type MSConfig and click OK.
- When Microsoft System Configuration tool opens, click the Boot tab. Then, on Boot options, check the box beside Safe boot and select Minimal (default). When you finish, click Apply. Then OK.
- Restart your server.
- When your server restarts and you login, you will see that it is now in Safe Mode.
- When you finish with Safe mode, open MSConfig again, Boot tab and uncheck Safe boot. Click OK. Then restart your server in normal mode.
Warning!
If you do not revert your configuration with this last task your computer will continue to boot to safe mode!
If you do not revert your configuration with this last task your computer will continue to boot to safe mode!
Option 2: Boot to Safe Mode From the Recovery Environment
The second method to boot to Server 2016 Safe Mode is via recovery environment. Use this method if your server is broken and cannot boot.
Here are the steps:
- Open this link – Boot to Windows Server 2016 Recovery Mode Without Installation Media (DVD or USB) (opens in a new browser tab).
- When the link opens, follow the steps to boot your server to Windows Server 2016 recovery environment.
- When you get to the Choose an option screen, click Troubleshoot. Then proceed with the rest of the steps below the image.
- At Advanced options screen, select Startup Settings.
- When the Startup Settings screen opens, click Restart.
- Your server will restart and display Advanced Boot Options.
- Use the Up/Down arrow keys to select your Safe Mode option. To boot the option, click Enter on your keyboard. If you are not sure what option to select, see my explanation of each option below:
- Safe Mode: This loads Windows with minimal drivers and services – Use this option if you are having trouble booting Windows.
- Safe Mode with Networking: Boots safe mode but now includes network drivers. Use this option if you need to get to the internet or access a network resource.
- Safe Mode with Command Prompt: Similar to Safe mode but instead of booting to GUI (Windows logon), it displays a command prompt. Use this option if you need to run a command to fix Windows. Some commands that may be helpful to fix Windows are DISM, SFC, DISKPART.
- Last Known Good Configuration: This is a very useful boot option. Use this to restore your server to the last known clean boot to Windows. This method is useful if you experience a blue screen or boot failure after update, installing a new software or device driver.
To read about the remaining Windows Server 2016 safe mode options click Advanced startup options (including safe mode).
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Conclusion
This guide discussed 2 options to boot Windows Server 2016 safe mode.
I hope you have been able to fix the problem with your server! If you did, we would like to hear the details; kindly share by responding to the “Was this page helpful?” question below.
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For more Windows Server 2016 guides, visit our Windows Server How-Tos page.
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Thanks for this clear guide! I followed Method 1 and had my server booting into Safe Mode in no time. Your step-by-step instructions made it super easy. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for the detailed guide! I found the step-by-step instructions very helpful. Booting into Safe Mode can be tricky, so the clear explanations for both methods were a lifesaver. Keep up the great work!
These are not the only methods to change Safemode settings. There are probably a few other trails not well traveled such as registry guessing/hacks. On 2016 server core, bcdedit makes quick work disabling Safemode on the next reboot:
bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.