Changing the boot order in BIOS on your Windows 11 computer might seem like a tech-heavy task, but it’s really quite simple. You’ll need to restart your computer, access the BIOS menu, and then adjust the boot order settings. This can help if you’re trying to boot from a USB drive or another device.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Change Boot Order in BIOS Windows 11
In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the steps to change the boot order in the BIOS settings on your Windows 11 machine. Follow these steps to get your computer to boot from your preferred device.
Step 1: Restart your computer.
To access the BIOS, you’ll first need to restart your computer.
When your computer is in the process of restarting, be prepared to press the correct key to enter the BIOS menu. This key varies depending on your computer’s manufacturer but is often F2, F10, DEL, or ESC.
Step 2: Press the BIOS access key.
During the startup, repeatedly press the key to enter the BIOS menu.
Timing is crucial here. You must press the key before Windows starts loading. If you miss it, just restart your computer and try again.
Step 3: Navigate to the Boot menu.
Once in BIOS, use the arrow keys to navigate to the Boot menu.
The Boot menu is where you’ll find the list of devices your computer can boot from. It might be called “Boot,” “Boot Options,” or something similar.
Step 4: Change the boot order.
Use the instructions provided within BIOS to reorder the boot sequence.
Typically, you’ll use the arrow keys to move devices up and down the list. Make sure your preferred boot device is at the top of the list.
Step 5: Save and exit BIOS.
After you’ve changed the boot order, save your settings and exit the BIOS.
Usually, you’ll press F10 to save the changes and exit. Your computer will then restart with the new boot order settings in place.
After completing these steps, your computer will attempt to boot from the device you selected as the top priority. If the device is bootable, the system should start from there without any issues.
Tips for Changing Boot Order in BIOS Windows 11
- Know your BIOS access key: Different manufacturers use different keys. Check your computer’s manual or look for instructions during the initial boot screen.
- Be quick: You usually have a small window of time to press the key to enter BIOS, so be ready as soon as your computer starts.
- Understand the menu: The BIOS interface might look different depending on your computer, but the basic functions are the same.
- Backup important data: Before making any changes, ensure all your important data is backed up just in case something goes wrong.
- Consult the manual: If you’re unsure about any step, refer to your computer’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for more detailed instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BIOS?
BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. It initializes and tests your hardware during the boot process before handing control over to your operating system.
Why would I need to change the boot order?
Changing the boot order can help you boot from a USB drive, CD/DVD, or another device, which is useful for installing a new operating system or running system recovery tools.
Can I damage my computer by changing the boot order?
No, changing the boot order itself won’t harm your computer. Just make sure you don’t alter other BIOS settings if you’re not familiar with them.
What if I can’t access the BIOS?
If you’re having trouble accessing the BIOS, check your computer’s manual for the correct key or check online for specific instructions for your computer model.
What happens if I choose the wrong device to boot from?
If the selected device isn’t bootable, your computer will usually move to the next device in the boot order list until it finds a bootable one or errors out.
Summary
- Restart your computer.
- Press the BIOS access key.
- Navigate to the Boot menu.
- Change the boot order.
- Save and exit BIOS.
Conclusion
Changing the boot order in BIOS on your Windows 11 PC might sound intimidating, but it’s actually straightforward once you know what to do. With this guide, you can confidently adjust your boot settings to suit your needs. Whether you need to boot from a USB for a fresh OS installation or troubleshoot a system issue, these steps have you covered. Remember to always check your computer’s manual for specifics on accessing BIOS, and don’t hesitate to reach out to tech support if you run into any snags. Happy computing!
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.