How to Change Your Computer’s Boot Order

How to Change Your Computer’s Boot Order

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Taking the Reins: A Comprehensive Guide on How to Change Your Computer’s Boot Order

The boot order, also known as the boot sequence, determines which device your computer attempts to load its operating system from when it starts up. By default, your computer is likely set to boot from the hard drive containing your primary operating system. However, there are situations where you might need to change the boot order, such as:

  • Installing a new operating system: You’ll need to boot from the installation media (e.g., USB drive, DVD) containing the new OS.
  • Troubleshooting boot issues: Booting from a diagnostic tool or recovery drive can help diagnose and fix problems preventing your computer from starting normally.
  • Running a live operating system: Live operating systems allow you to try out an operating system before installing it or use it for specific tasks without affecting your primary OS.

This guide will walk you through the process of changing your computer’s boot order, covering both traditional BIOS and more modern UEFI systems.

Before You Begin:

  • Identify your system type: Most modern computers use UEFI, while older ones might still use BIOS. To check your system type, follow these steps:
    • Windows 10/11: Press Windows key + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. Look for “BIOS Mode” or “UEFI Mode” in the System Summary section.
    • Other methods: Consult your computer’s manual or manufacturer’s website for specific instructions on identifying your system type.
  • Gather necessary resources: Depending on the chosen boot device (e.g., USB drive, DVD), ensure you have it readily available.

Changing Boot Order in BIOS:

  1. Restart your computer.
  2. Press the key to enter BIOS setup. This key is typically Delete, F2, F10, or Esc. The specific key will be displayed on the screen during the initial boot process (often at the bottom). If you miss the key prompt, you’ll need to restart and try again.
  3. Navigate to the Boot menu. The layout and navigation methods can vary between different BIOS versions. Look for menus labeled “Boot,” “Boot Order,” “Startup,” or similar options. Use the arrow keys and Enter key to navigate.
  4. Locate the boot options. You should see a list of devices your computer can boot from, such as “Hard Disk,” “CD/DVD Drive,” or “USB Drive.”
  5. Change the boot order. Use the provided options (e.g., arrow keys, +/-, drag-and-drop) to move your desired boot device to the top of the list. This device will be the first one the computer attempts to boot from.
  6. Save changes and exit BIOS. Look for options like “Save & Exit,” “Exit Saving Changes,” or similar wording. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm and exit the BIOS setup. Your computer will restart and attempt to boot from the chosen device.

Changing Boot Order in UEFI:

  1. Restart your computer.
  2. Access the UEFI settings menu. This method varies depending on your computer manufacturer. It often involves pressing a specific key (e.g., Esc, Delete, F2, F10) repeatedly during the initial boot process. Some manufacturers might also provide an option to access UEFI settings through the advanced startup options in Windows.
  3. Locate the Boot menu. Once in the UEFI settings, navigate to the Boot section using the provided options (e.g., mouse, arrow keys). The specific wording and menu layout might differ based on your manufacturer.
  4. Change the boot order. Similar to BIOS, you should see a list of bootable devices. Use the provided options (e.g., mouse, arrow keys) to move your desired boot device to the top of the list.
  5. Save changes and exit UEFI. Locate the “Save & Exit” or similar option and follow the on-screen prompts to confirm and exit the UEFI settings. Your computer will restart and attempt to boot from the chosen device.

Additional Tips:

  • Consult your computer’s manual or manufacturer’s website: If you encounter any difficulties navigating your specific BIOS or UEFI settings, refer to the official resources for detailed instructions.
  • Be cautious when changing BIOS/UEFI settings: Modifying these settings can potentially affect your computer’s boot behavior. Only make changes you understand and are confident with.
  • Reset BIOS/UEFI settings to default (if needed): If you encounter any issues after changing boot order, most BIOS/UEFI settings have an option to reset them to default values. Consult your system’s documentation for specific instructions on how to perform a reset.