How to Install SpyHunter 5 in Safe Mode

In some situations, malware may intentionally block SpyHunter 5 (and other anti-malware products) from installing on Windows.

Windows Safe Mode is a special Windows startup configuration, often used for troubleshooting and diagnostic purposes. When Windows starts in Safe Mode, only basic files and drivers that are necessary to run Windows are loaded.

If you are not able to install SpyHunter 5 normally, please follow the steps below to run the SpyHunter 5 installer in Windows Safe Mode. Please select a method, based on which Operating System you are running.

METHOD #1 (WINDOWS 10 ONLY): Start Safe Mode in Windows 10 From Settings

If your PC is running Windows 10, please use the following instructions to start it in Safe Mode:

  1. You should print these instructions before continuing (or have them accessible on another device). Before proceeding, please save any open documents and close all open applications, as your system will be shut down in the next step.
  2. Press the "Windows Logo" key + the "I" key to open the "Windows Settings" menu.
  3. Click "Update & Security" and then click "Recovery" in the menu on the left side of the window.

  4. In order to open the "Advanced Startup" options, click on the "Restart Now" button.
  5. Windows will restart and the "Choose an Option" screen should appear. Select "Troubleshoot," then "Advanced Options," then "Startup Settings," and finally select "Restart."



  6. Your system should restart and then display a list of options. Press the "5" or "F5" key to select "Safe Mode with Networking."
  7. Windows Safe Mode should now load. You may be prompted with a popup message, advising you that Windows is running in Safe Mode. If so, please click "Yes" to proceed to Safe Mode.
  8. If you have already downloaded the SpyHunter 5 installer and saved it to your hard drive, navigate to its location and execute it. Alternatively, please use your web browser to visit www.enigmasoftware.com to download and launch the SpyHunter 5 installer.
  9. Once the installation has completed, you can run a SpyHunter 5 scan to detect and address any items on your system.
  10. After you have completed this operation, please restart Windows to exit Safe Mode.

METHOD #2 (WINDOWS XP/Vista/7/8/8.1): Start Safe Mode Using the F8 Key

  1. You should print these instructions before continuing (or have them accessible on another device). Before proceeding, please save any open documents and close all open applications, as your system will be shut down in the next step.
  2. Restart your computer.
  3. As your computer restarts and before Windows launches, press and hold the "F8" key on your keyboard when the first screen appears (this will generally be a black screen with white text or a logo of your computer manufacturer) or if you see the message "Please select the operating system to start."

Note 1: As soon as you see the first screen on your monitor, you should press and hold "F8" on your keyboard until you see the "Windows Advanced Options" menu. Do not worry if you hear a beeping sound, it is normal.

Note 2: If the Windows startup screen appears at this point (which displays the Windows logo), you did not press "F8" early enough. You will need to wait until the computer starts in "Normal Mode" and then return to Step 2 in these instructions.

  1. At the "Windows Advanced Options" menu, select "Safe Mode with Networking" (by using the keyboard arrow keys) and press "Enter" on your keyboard.Note: The options below may vary, depending on which version of Windows is installed on your computer.
  2. If prompted, choose which operating system you wish to boot up in Safe Mode.
    Note: The prompt below is generally only visible if you have multiple operating systems installed on your computer.
  3. Windows Safe Mode should now load. You may be prompted with a popup message, advising you that "Windows is running in Safe Mode." If so, please click "Yes" to proceed to Safe Mode.
  4. If you have already downloaded the SpyHunter 5 installer and saved it to your hard drive, navigate to its location and execute it. Alternatively, please use your web browser to visit www.enigmasoftware.com to download and launch the SpyHunter 5 installer.
  5. Once the installation has completed, you can run a SpyHunter 5 scan to detect and address any items on your system.
  6. After you have completed this operation, please restart Windows to exit Safe Mode.

Note: SpyHunter 5 guards do not function while Windows is running in Safe Mode. Please disregard any error messages related to System Guards when running in Safe Mode.

SpyHunter for Mac (MacOS) Instructions

In some situations, malware may intentionally block SpyHunter for Mac (and other anti-malware products) from installing on your Mac. 

Safe Mode is a special Mac startup configuration, often used for troubleshooting and diagnostic purposes. When your Mac starts in Safe Mode, certain software is not launched on system boot.

If you are not able to install SpyHunter for Mac normally, please follow the steps below to run the SpyHunter for Mac installer in Safe Mode.
To start your Mac in Safe Mode, simply restart the system and hold the "Shift" key as your Mac is starting up. Your system will start up and you will see a "Safe Boot" text in the upper left corner of your screen, near the system clock. Enter your password and proceed to install SpyHunter for Mac.

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