Changing the boot order on your laptop involves adjusting the sequence in which your computer attempts to load an operating system from different devices, such as a hard drive, USB drive, or CD/DVD drive. This process is typically done through your computer's BIOS or UEFI settings.
What is Boot Order and Why Change It?
The boot order dictates which storage device your laptop tries to boot from first, second, and so on. By default, most laptops are set to boot from the internal hard drive or solid-state drive (SSD) where your operating system (like Windows or macOS) is installed.
You might need to change the boot order for several reasons:
- Installing a New Operating System: When installing Windows, Linux, or another OS from a USB drive or DVD.
- Running a Live OS: To use a diagnostic or recovery tool from a bootable USB drive (e.g., Ubuntu Live, Hirens BootCD).
- Repairing Your System: Booting into a recovery environment or using an installation media to fix startup issues.
- Dual-Booting: Setting up your system to choose between multiple operating systems.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Boot Order
Accessing and modifying the boot order requires entering your laptop's BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) setup utility. These are firmware interfaces that control your computer's hardware at a low level.
Step 1: Restart Your Laptop
The first step is to turn on or restart your computer. As soon as the screen turns on, you'll need to rapidly press a specific key to enter the BIOS/UEFI.
Step 2: Access the BIOS/UEFI Setup Utility
Immediately after turning on or restarting your laptop, begin pressing the designated BIOS/UEFI key repeatedly. This key varies by manufacturer and model. Press it every second or so until you see the BIOS/UEFI interface appear on your screen.
Here are common keys used to enter BIOS/UEFI:
- Dell: F2, F12, Del
- HP: Esc, F10
- Acer: F2, Del
- Lenovo: F1, F2, Fn+F2, Enter (then F1 or F2)
- Asus: Del, F2
- Microsoft Surface: Press and hold Volume Up button
- Samsung: F2, F10, F12, Del
- Toshiba: F2, F12, Esc
Tip: If you miss the window, simply restart and try again. Look for a message like "Press [KEY] to enter Setup" or "Press [KEY] for BIOS." For more specific instructions, consult your laptop's manual or visit the manufacturer's support website. Learn more about entering BIOS/UEFI
Step 3: Locate the Boot Order Options
Once inside the BIOS/UEFI utility, navigate the menus using your keyboard's arrow keys. The interface can vary significantly between manufacturers, but you'll generally look for sections titled:
- Boot
- Boot Options
- Boot Priority
- Startup
- Advanced Options
Within this section, you'll see a list of detected bootable devices.
Step 4: Adjust the Boot Priority
In the boot order section, you will see a list of devices. Your goal is to move the desired boot device (e.g., a USB drive or DVD drive) to the top of this list.
Common devices you might see include:
- Hard Drive/SSD: Your primary internal storage.
- USB Device/Removable Devices: For USB flash drives.
- CD/DVD Drive: For optical discs.
- Network Boot/PXE Boot: For booting over a network.
Use the keys indicated on the screen (often F5/F6, +/-, or arrow keys) to change the order of these devices. For example, if you want to boot from a USB drive, move "USB Device" to the first position in the boot order.
Step 5: Save and Exit BIOS/UEFI
After making your changes, it's crucial to save them before exiting the BIOS/UEFI utility. Look for an option like "Save and Exit," "Exit Saving Changes," or similar. This is often accessed by pressing the F10 key, but check the on-screen prompts.
Step 6: Confirm Your Changes
Your laptop will restart immediately after saving and exiting. If you successfully moved a bootable USB drive or DVD to the first position, the computer should attempt to boot from that device. You might see a prompt like "Press any key to boot from CD or DVD..." or the installation/live environment screen.
Step 7: Start Your Computer with the New Boot Order
If the boot process initiates from your chosen device (e.g., USB drive), you have successfully changed the boot order. Once you are done with the specific task (e.g., OS installation), remember to go back into the BIOS/UEFI and set your primary internal drive (Hard Drive/SSD) as the first boot device again to ensure normal startup.
Alternative: One-Time Boot Menu
If you only need to boot from a different device once, many laptops offer a one-time boot menu (also known as a boot device menu). This allows you to select a boot device for the current session without permanently changing the boot order in BIOS/UEFI.
- How to access: Similar to BIOS/UEFI, you press a specific key during startup, often F12, F10, or Esc.
- When to use: Ideal for quick diagnostics, running a live OS, or temporary OS installations.
Important Considerations
- UEFI vs. Legacy BIOS: Newer laptops often use UEFI, which has a more graphical interface and supports larger hard drives. Older systems use Legacy BIOS. The steps are generally similar, but the appearance might differ.
- Secure Boot: UEFI systems often have a "Secure Boot" feature enabled by default. If you're trying to boot from an older operating system or a non-standard bootable media, you might need to disable Secure Boot in the BIOS/UEFI settings.
- Manufacturer Specifics: Always remember that the exact menu names, key commands, and visual layout can vary significantly between different laptop brands and models.
