CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202)Software TroubleshootingEasy
A technician needs to boot a Windows 11 laptop into Safe Mode to troubleshoot a driver issue, but the laptop's fast boot feature makes it impossible to catch the correct function key during POST. Which method should the technician use instead?
- AGo to Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now, then choose Startup Settings and select Safe Mode
- BRun 'chkdsk /f /r' from an elevated Command Prompt
- CPress F8 repeatedly the instant the power button is pressed
- DReinstall Windows using bootable installation media
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now, then choose Startup Settings and select Safe Mode
With UEFI fast boot enabled, function-key interrupts during POST are unreliable, so the supported method is to use Settings > Recovery > Advanced startup to reboot into the WinRE environment and select Safe Mode from Startup Settings.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. chkdsk checks disk integrity and has nothing to do with entering Safe Mode.
- C. Legacy BIOS trick that often fails on modern UEFI systems with fast boot enabled.
- D. Reinstalling Windows is unnecessary and destructive just to enter Safe Mode.
Entering Safe Mode (UEFI)
On modern UEFI systems with fast boot, Safe Mode is reached through Settings > Recovery > Advanced startup rather than function-key interrupts.
- Advanced startup boots into WinRE
- Startup Settings lists Safe Mode options
- Interrupting boot 3 times also triggers WinRE
Memory trick: 'Settings Saves the Safe Seat' when function keys fail.