What is the most reliable way to get a Windows 8/8.1 computer into Advanced Startup Options menu?

I would like to know what the best way to get a computer running Windows 8 or 8.1 into the light blue Advanced Startup Options menu is.

Also list the ways to get into Safe Mode if different from the ways above.

If possible, account for the fact that something is wrong with the computer and they cannot log in. Also, while I realize that SHIFT+F8 is a good way to get into the menu, most computers nowadays are "too fast" to see it.

My video drivers are broken, so it's kind of hard to open a command prompt. I'm not even sure if I am logged in or not.

Answer

How To Boot Into Safe Mode via CMD

Safe Mode:
    bcdedit /set {default} safeboot minimal

Safe Mode with Networking:
    bcdedit /set {default} safeboot network

Safe Mode with Command Prompt:
    bcdedit /set {default} safeboot minimal
    bcdedit /set {default} safebootalternateshell yes

Note: This will set the default to always be safe mode, so to undo that:

bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot

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How to Boot Into the Advanced Menu (8/8.1)

This can be accomplished any of the following ways:

1. Hold Shift + Click Restart (almost as if you were restarting the normal way)


2. WIN + i, click "Change PC Settings" > Update & Recovery > Recovery > Advanced Startup > Restart Now


3. cmd: shutdown /r /o /t 0

Item 3 summarized:

/r = This option will shut down and then restart the local computer or the remote computer specified in /m.
/o = Use this shutdown switch to end the current Windows session and open the Advanced Boot Options menu. This option must be used with /r. The /o switch is new beginning in Windows 8.

Edit

Since you changed your parameters:

1. Try to recall if you had auto login on or off.


2. Plug in head phones/speakers


3. Boot your computer


4. Wait a while


5. If auto log-in, skip this step. Else: login - listen for the audible queues and wait a bit.


6. Type WIN + R


7. Very carfully type one of the desired commands.


8. Hit ENTER, wait, and hope it works.

Otherwise, just get a linux disc and an external drive (or use GDrive/dropbox/whatever) to back up important data. Then reformat.