How to Change Boot Drive Windows 10: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Changing the boot drive in Windows 10 can sound like a daunting task, but it’s actually pretty straightforward. In a nutshell, you’ll need to access the BIOS or UEFI firmware settings on your PC, change the boot order so that your desired drive is the first one to boot, and then save the new settings. With these easy-to-follow steps, you can accomplish this task without breaking a sweat.

Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Change Boot Drive Windows 10

Changing the boot drive in Windows 10 is all about telling your computer which drive to look at first when it starts up. Follow these steps to switch your boot drive.

Step 1: Access the BIOS/UEFI Settings

Restart your computer and press the key (usually F2, F10, DEL, or ESC) displayed on the splash screen to enter the BIOS/UEFI settings.

This step is crucial because the BIOS/UEFI is where you can change the boot order. Keep an eye on the screen when your computer starts up to see which key you need to press.

Step 2: Navigate to the Boot Menu

Once in the BIOS/UEFI, use the arrow keys to navigate to the Boot or Boot Order menu.

Different BIOS/UEFI interfaces might look slightly different, but they all have a Boot menu. Use the arrows to find it.

Step 3: Change the Boot Order

Highlight your desired boot drive using the arrow keys and move it to the top of the list using the instructions provided on the screen (usually + or – keys).

This step tells your computer to check this drive first when booting up. Make sure you move the correct drive to the top.

Step 4: Save and Exit

Press the key indicated on your BIOS/UEFI screen to save your changes and exit (usually F10).

Saving your changes ensures that the new boot order is applied. Exiting will restart your computer with the new settings.

Step 5: Confirm Boot Order

Once your computer restarts, it should boot from the new drive. Make sure everything is working as expected.

Double-check that your system boots into Windows from the new drive. If it doesn’t, you might need to re-enter BIOS/UEFI and try again.

After following these steps, your computer will boot from the new drive you’ve selected. If done correctly, you should see no issues, and the new drive should be the first one your system accesses when it starts up.

Tips on How to Change Boot Drive Windows 10

  • Backup Important Data: Before making changes, ensure all important data is backed up to prevent any loss.
  • Know Your BIOS/UEFI Key: Different motherboards use different keys. Look up your specific make and model if unsure.
  • Check Drive Labels: Label your drives clearly to avoid confusion when changing the boot order.
  • Update BIOS/UEFI: Ensure your BIOS/UEFI firmware is up to date for smooth operation.
  • Reset if Needed: If something goes wrong, you can always reset your BIOS/UEFI to default settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I can’t access the BIOS/UEFI settings?

Try restarting your computer and pressing the key repeatedly. If it doesn’t work, consult your motherboard’s manual or manufacturer’s website.

Can I change the boot drive without entering BIOS/UEFI?

No, changing the boot drive usually requires accessing the BIOS/UEFI settings.

What if my computer doesn’t boot after changing the boot drive?

You might have selected the wrong drive or it might not be bootable. Enter BIOS/UEFI again and double-check your settings.

Does changing the boot drive affect my data?

No, it only changes the order in which drives are accessed. Your data remains intact.

How do I know which key to press to enter BIOS/UEFI?

It’s usually displayed on the splash screen when your computer starts up. Common keys are F2, F10, DEL, and ESC.

Summary

  1. Restart your computer and press the BIOS/UEFI key (F2, F10, DEL, ESC).
  2. Navigate to the Boot menu.
  3. Change the boot order to prioritize your desired drive.
  4. Save and exit the BIOS/UEFI.
  5. Confirm that the computer boots from the new drive.

Conclusion

Switching the boot drive in Windows 10 can seem like diving into uncharted waters, but with a little guidance, it’s actually pretty simple. By entering your BIOS/UEFI settings and making a few changes, you can control which drive your computer boots from. This is particularly handy if you’ve added a new drive or want to boot from an external device.

Remember, these steps are meant to help you take control of your computer’s boot sequence, giving you the flexibility to choose which drive gets priority. Always back up important data before making changes, and don’t be afraid to consult additional resources if you run into trouble.

Changing your boot drive can open up new possibilities, like running different operating systems or improving your system’s performance. So, don’t hesitate to give it a try. If you found this guide helpful, consider sharing it with others who might benefit from learning how to change boot drive Windows 10. Happy computing!

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