Booting your computer from a USB drive can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re not tech-savvy. But don’t worry, it’s actually pretty straightforward. To boot from a USB in Windows 10, you need to insert your USB drive, access the BIOS or UEFI settings, and change the boot order. This means you tell your computer to look at the USB drive first when starting up. After that, restart your computer and follow the on-screen instructions.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Boot from USB Windows 10
Following these steps will help you successfully boot your computer using a USB drive in Windows 10. This is useful for installing a new operating system, running a live OS, or troubleshooting your current system.
Step 1: Insert USB Drive
Insert the USB drive into a USB port on your computer.
Make sure your USB drive is properly formatted and has bootable files on it. If it’s not, your computer might not recognize it as a bootable device.
Step 2: Access BIOS or UEFI
Restart your computer and press the appropriate key to enter BIOS/UEFI settings. Usually, this is F2, F12, Del or Esc.
The key to enter BIOS/UEFI varies by manufacturer. Look for a message during startup that says something like “Press [key] to enter setup.”
Step 3: Change Boot Order
In the BIOS/UEFI menu, navigate to the Boot tab and change the boot order to prioritize your USB drive.
Move the USB drive to the top of the boot order list. This tells your computer to check the USB drive before any other drives.
Step 4: Save and Exit
Save your changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings.
Saving and exiting usually requires pressing a specific key, like F10. Be sure to follow the on-screen prompts to save your settings.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
Restart your computer with the USB drive still inserted.
Your PC should now boot from the USB drive. If it doesn’t, double-check your boot order settings.
After completing these steps, your computer will start up from the USB drive. You’ll be able to follow any on-screen instructions related to whatever is on your USB, whether it’s an installation for Windows, a live Linux OS, or diagnostic tools.
Tips for Booting from USB Windows 10
- Create a Bootable USB: Use reliable software like Rufus or the Windows Media Creation Tool to make sure your USB drive is bootable.
- Check Compatibility: Make sure your computer supports booting from USB. Most modern computers do, but older models might not.
- Keep BIOS/UEFI Updated: Sometimes, an outdated BIOS/UEFI can cause issues. Check your manufacturer’s website for updates.
- Use USB 3.0 Ports: If you have a USB 3.0 drive, use a USB 3.0 port for faster data transfer speeds.
- Secure Data: Backup any important data on your USB drive before making it bootable, as the process may erase existing files.
Frequently Asked Questions about Booting from USB Windows 10
What if my computer doesn’t recognize the USB drive?
Make sure the USB drive is properly formatted and contains bootable files. Try a different USB port or update your BIOS/UEFI.
How do I know which key to press to enter BIOS/UEFI?
Common keys are F2, F12, Del, or Esc. Check your computer’s startup screen or manual for the exact key.
Can I boot from USB on a UEFI system?
Yes, but you might need to disable Secure Boot or enable Legacy Boot in the UEFI settings.
What should I do if my computer boots too quickly to enter BIOS/UEFI?
Try holding down the key repeatedly right after pressing the power button. You can also disable fast startup in Windows settings.
Why won’t my computer boot from the USB drive even after changing the boot order?
Ensure that the USB drive is truly bootable. Double-check your boot order and try different USB ports. Sometimes, resetting BIOS/UEFI settings to default can help.
Summary
- Insert USB drive.
- Access BIOS/UEFI.
- Change boot order.
- Save and exit.
- Restart your computer.
Conclusion
Booting from a USB drive in Windows 10 might seem tricky at first, but it’s quite manageable once you know the steps. By inserting your USB drive, accessing BIOS/UEFI, changing the boot order, and restarting your computer, you can easily boot from your USB. This method is invaluable for installing new software, running different operating systems, or troubleshooting issues.
Remember to use reliable software to make your USB drive bootable and keep your BIOS/UEFI updated. If you encounter problems, don’t hesitate to revisit the steps or consult this guide. Mastering how to boot from USB can save you a lot of hassle in the long run and opens up a world of possibilities for tech tinkering.
So, why not give it a try? Armed with this knowledge, you’re well on your way to becoming a more proficient computer user. Happy booting!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.