Which startup mode loads Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services to troubleshoot startup problems?

• A. Safe Mode
• B. Normal Mode
• C. Diagnostic Mode
• D. Boot Logging

Answer: (A)

When you need to troubleshoot startup problems, you want Windows to run with only the essential pieces. Safe Mode loads Windows using a minimal set of drivers and services, plus the simplest startup programs. This stripped-down environment helps reveal whether the issue is caused by a driver, a startup program, or a service that normally loads during a normal boot. If the problem goes away in Safe Mode, it points to something that isn’t needed in a minimal boot—like a conflicting driver or software. You can still access the net in Safe Mode with Networking if you need to download tools or updates, but other networking features are typically disabled in the plain Safe Mode. Exiting returns you to a normal boot.

Normal Mode loads all drivers and services, so issues tied to drivers or startup programs are more likely to appear. Boot Logging records which drivers load during startup but doesn’t restrict what gets loaded. Diagnostic Mode (Selective Startup) lets you choose which items load to isolate problems, but Safe Mode is the standard minimal-load option specifically designed for troubleshooting.