For MSI motherboards, the primary boot option, typically designated as Boot Option #1, is commonly set to either UEFI HARD DISK or HARD DISK. This setting dictates which storage device your system attempts to boot from first to load the operating system.
Understanding Boot Options on MSI Motherboards
Boot options refer to the sequence in which your computer's BIOS/UEFI firmware looks for an operating system. Configuring these options allows you to specify whether your system should boot from an internal hard drive, a USB drive, a CD/DVD, or a network, among other possibilities. On MSI motherboards, managing these settings is done within the BIOS/UEFI menu.
Accessing and Configuring Boot Options
To configure the boot options on an MSI motherboard, you need to enter the BIOS/UEFI settings menu:
- Entering BIOS Settings:
- Power on your device.
- Repeatedly tap the Delete key during the initial startup screen until the BIOS settings menu appears.
- Navigating to Boot Settings:
- Once in the BIOS menu, choose the SETTINGS option.
- From the
SETTINGSmenu, select Boot.
- Setting Boot Priority:
Within theBootmenu, you will find various options to set the boot priority for your devices. The most critical setting for determining your primary operating system drive is typicallyBoot Option #1.
| Setting | Typical Value(s) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Boot Option #1 | UEFI HARD DISK | This is the primary boot device for systems using Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) mode, often paired with GPT (GUID Partition Table) partitioned drives. This is the modern standard. |
| HARD DISK | This is the primary boot device for systems using traditional (legacy) BIOS mode, often paired with MBR (Master Boot Record) partitioned drives. | |
| Boot Option #2 | Other devices (e.g., USB Drive, Network Boot, SATA ODD) | Specifies the secondary device the system will try to boot from if the first option fails or is unavailable. |
| Boot Option #3 | Other devices | Specifies the tertiary device the system will try to boot from. |
What do UEFI HARD DISK and HARD DISK mean?
Understanding the distinction between UEFI HARD DISK and HARD DISK is crucial for modern systems:
- UEFI HARD DISK: This option is for booting operating systems installed on drives configured for UEFI, which is the successor to the traditional BIOS. UEFI offers faster boot times, supports larger hard drives (over 2TB) with GPT partitioning, and provides a more graphical interface. Most modern operating systems and MSI motherboards default to UEFI.
- HARD DISK: This option refers to booting operating systems installed on drives configured for the traditional (legacy) BIOS mode, often using MBR partitioning. While still supported, it's typically used for older operating systems or specific compatibility requirements.
Practical Insights for Boot Options
- Operating System Installation: When installing a new operating system, you will typically need to temporarily change
Boot Option #1to your USB drive or DVD drive containing the OS installer. - Troubleshooting and Recovery: Changing the boot order allows you to boot from recovery media (e.g., a USB drive with diagnostic tools) to troubleshoot issues with your main operating system.
- Optimizing Boot Speed: Ensure your fastest storage device (like an NVMe SSD) containing your operating system is always set as
Boot Option #1for the quickest system startup.
