Windows 10: How to get out of safe mode boot without logging in?

Ok, need help with a self induced catastrophe. I went into msconfig, to set Safemode booting so I could run Malware scans. One small problem, I can't remember my original Admin password. Haven't used it since day 1. I always used the 4 digit pin,. I don't want to crack or circumvent anything, I just need to get it OUT of safe mode booting and back to normal boot so I can use my pin and get back into the system. Once I can boot normally again, I can get in with the pin and reset my admin password.

Does anyone know if there is a way to do this? Is there a Keystroke combo or something that will let me get back to normal booting??? PLEASE HELP!!! I am an experienced tech, and have tried every trick I can think of. All I want to do is make it boot normally again, and not into Safemode. Dear Microsoft PLEASE bring back the F8 key boot menu. *Sad

:)

 

Forcing a normal boot out of Safe Mode without using Admin logon

Safe mode is not the default for Windows 10, its just a Startup option which appears to have been set ( never found one configured this way). Its a flag in the registry that for some reason was wrong. The assumption is that if it gets set the user know
how to unset it hence no specific option in Advanced troubleshooting mode.

 

Forcing a normal boot out of Safe Mode without using Admin logon

I gave up trying to do this myself.

I made an appointment with a tech at a Microsoft Store. He plugged in a thumb drive full off debugging tools, mysteriously logged in as an admin. He went to the msconfig screens and showed me the where it had been set up so if it was in Safe Mode it would
reboot only back to Safe Mode. He changed that setting, mysteriously cleaned up a couple more settings. When he was done the computer rebooted into Normal Mode and I could log in, first with my four number passcode, then with my Microsoft Account.

Took about fifteen minutes total, and he didn't charge me a penny. Still I'm upset about Windows 10 and it's weird Safe Mode default rebooting, and the lack of a "Normal Mode" option in the Advanced Boot Options page. Bad design, Microsoft!

 

Try clicking on Windows + R.....then msconfig to turn off Safe mode.

 

Hello Axeman, and welcome to Ten Forums. *Smile

The tutorial below has a few different ways to boot back into normal mode from safe more to help.

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2...dows-10-a.html

In addition: How to Enable or Disable F8 Advanced Boot Options in Windows 10

 

Try shutting it on and off a few times and see if you can get the repair screen. That might give you the option of a normal start. If the power button doesn't work try unplugging it after you start it.

 

So Windows + R works even if you can't log in???? hrm....fascinating...

 

HA! figured it out. I was getting frustrated because I have a CD with Advanced Password Changer 3.5 on it, but I couldn't get it to boot because the system was only giving me the UEFI DVD option. Wouldn't read the disk properly. I failed to remember that with a UEFI BIOS, with Fast Boot enabled, you wouldn't have time to get to the F8 screen. So after making a few adjustments, I was able to use APC 3.5 to Reset the built in Admin account, to log in and THEN do Win+ R to get it out of Safe Mode *Wink WHEW! *Biggrin

Good to know my Skeleton Key disk works like a champ in 10 too! As a Contractor, that little disk has saved my butt so many time I lost count!