This brief tutorial is going to show you how to quickly enable or disable Windows’ legacy boot menu in Windows 8. You can access Windows legacy boot menu by pressing the F8 on your keyboard while Windows is being started. This has been the standard way to access safe mode in Windows, but Windows 8 changed that completely.
The boot menu allows you to repair your computer, access safe mode with or without networking, safe mode with command prompt and also helps you start Windows normally.
Windows Safe Mode is one of the many options to repair your computer when using Windows. It allows you just enough resources to start Windows in a limited environment.
One good reason why you would want to login using Windows safe mode is to fix problems that you wouldn’t be able to resolve while signed into your normal desktop.
Some viruses hijacked your Windows desktop session in ways that will prevent you from making changes. Since safe mode option lets you access Windows basic files and settings, you can use it to sign in and do a complete scan to get rid of the infected programs.
To get started, press the Windows Key + X on your keyboard to display Windows 8 Tools Menu. When it opens, select ‘Command Prompt (Admin)’
Then to enable the legacy boot menu, run the commands below.
bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy
To disable it, run the commands below. Disabling it means Windows 8 will have it default boot menu.
bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy standard
That’s it!
When the legacy boot menu is enabled, to access Windows safe mode, just press the F8 key on your keyboard before Windows boots.
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I quickly enable Windows legacy boot menu in Windows 8?
To quickly enable Windows legacy boot menu in Windows 8, press the Windows Key + X on your keyboard to open Windows 8 Tools Menu, select 'Command Prompt (Admin)', and run the command: bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy.
What is the purpose of Windows Safe Mode in Windows 8?
Windows Safe Mode in Windows 8 allows you to start Windows in a limited environment, providing just enough resources to troubleshoot and repair your computer. It is useful for fixing problems that may be affecting your normal desktop.
How can I access Windows Safe Mode with networking in Windows 8?
To access Windows Safe Mode with networking in Windows 8, enable the legacy boot menu, and then press the F8 key on your keyboard before Windows boots. Select the Safe Mode with Networking option from the boot menu.
What are the options available in the Windows legacy boot menu?
The Windows legacy boot menu offers options such as repairing your computer, accessing safe mode with or without networking, safe mode with command prompt, and starting Windows normally. It provides various ways to troubleshoot and start Windows.
How can I disable the Windows legacy boot menu in Windows 8?
To disable the Windows legacy boot menu in Windows 8, open Command Prompt as an administrator, and run the command: bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy standard. This will set Windows 8 to use its default boot menu.
What key should I press to access Windows Safe Mode with the legacy boot menu enabled?
With the legacy boot menu enabled in Windows 8, you can access Windows Safe Mode by pressing the F8 key on your keyboard before Windows boots. This key combination allows you to choose various boot options.
Why would someone want to use Windows Safe Mode in Windows 8?
Using Windows Safe Mode in Windows 8 is beneficial for fixing issues that may prevent normal desktop access, such as virus infections or system errors. Safe Mode provides a secure environment to troubleshoot and repair your computer.
How does enabling the legacy boot menu help in troubleshooting Windows 8?
Enabling the legacy boot menu in Windows 8 provides easier access to options like Safe Mode and repair tools, making it simpler to troubleshoot and fix issues with the operating system. It offers a quick way to access essential troubleshooting features.
