Boot Linux in Compatibility / Safe / Trobuleshooting Mode

Boot Linux in Compatibility / Safe / Troubleshooting Mode

When a Linux system fails to boot properly (black screen, freezing, GPU issues, driver problems), the first thing to try is Compatibility / Safe / Troubleshooting Mode.

Why this works:
  • Loads minimal drivers
  • Disables advanced graphics acceleration
  • Uses safer hardware settings
  • Allows you to update drivers or system packages

Once booted in compatibility mode, you can:

  • Open Driver Manager (Mint/Ubuntu)
  • Update packages via Terminal (sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade)
  • Install proprietary GPU drivers (NVIDIA/AMD)

How to Access Compatibility Mode

First, boot from your USB drive. On the Linux boot menu (GRUB/ISOLINUX), choose the compatibility/safe option.

Linux Mint

Select "Start in compatibility mode" and press Enter.

Linux Mint GRUB compatibility mode Linux Mint BIOS compatibility mode
Linux Ubuntu

Select "Ubuntu (safe graphics)" from the GRUB menu.

Ubuntu safe graphics mode
Linux Kali

Choose "Live system (amd64 failsafe mode)".

Kali failsafe mode
Linux Tails

Select "Tails (Troubleshooting Mode)".

Tails troubleshooting mode

Still Getting a Black Screen?

  • Try a different USB port (rear motherboard port preferred).
  • Disable Secure Boot (see SBAT page).
  • Try another distro (some GPUs behave better on certain versions).

Recommended Tools

Linux 8-in-1 USB
Linux 8-in-1 Multi-Boot USB

Multiple Linux environments in one drive — useful if one distro fails to boot.

Linux WiFi USB Adapter
Linux Wi-Fi USB Dongle

Helpful when boot succeeds but built-in Wi-Fi drivers fail to load.