How to Change the Boot Order on Your PC (So You Can Boot From USB)
Most modern PCs come with an operating system installed on the hard drive. However, sometimes you might want to boot your computer from an external device such as a USB drive. For example, you might want to run a different operating system, install a new operating system, or recover data from a damaged hard drive. In order to boot from a USB drive, you need to make sure that your computer’s BIOS is set to prioritize USB booting over booting from the hard drive. Here’s how to change the boot order on your PC:
- Enter the BIOS
To access the BIOS, you need to reboot your computer and press a specific key as soon as the screen turns on. The key you need to press will differ depending on your computer’s manufacturer, but it’s usually one of the following: F2, F10, F12, or DEL. If you’re not sure which key to press, consult your computer’s manual or look it up online.
- Navigate to the Boot Order Menu
Once you’ve entered the BIOS, you’ll need to navigate to the Boot Order Menu. This will contain a list of all the devices your computer can boot from, in order of priority. The menu should be easy to find and navigate, but if you’re having trouble, consult your computer’s manual.
- Change the Boot Order
To change the boot order, you need to move the USB drive to the top of the list, above the hard drive. This will ensure that your computer tries to boot from the USB drive before it tries to boot from the hard drive. To move the USB drive up the list, select it using the arrow keys and press the ‘+’ or ‘-‘ key to move it up or down the list. Alternatively, you may be able to move it using the drag-and-drop method.
- Save and Exit
Once you’ve changed the boot order, you need to save your changes and exit the BIOS. To do this, look for a key that says ‘Save and Exit’, ‘Exit and Save Changes’, or similar. Depending on your computer’s manufacturer, you may be asked to confirm your changes, or your computer may simply reboot automatically.
- Boot from the USB Drive
With the boot order changed, your computer should now try to boot from the USB drive. Make sure the USB drive is inserted before you turn on your computer, so it will register in the boot order. Depending on the operating system or other tool you’re booting from, you may be presented with a menu allowing you to choose how you want to boot from the USB drive.
