How to Change Boot Order in Windows 10
Starting your computer can sometimes feel like a race against time, especially when you need to access a specific drive or device quickly. In these situations, you might need to adjust the boot order in Windows 10 to prioritize the device you need.
This article will guide you through the process of changing the boot order in Windows 10, explaining the different methods and providing clear steps for each.
Why Change the Boot Order?
Modifying the boot order in Windows 10 is helpful in several scenarios:
- Troubleshooting startup issues: If your computer is unable to boot from the hard drive, you might need to boot from a USB drive containing a recovery tool or a bootable operating system.
- Accessing a specific device: If you need to access data on an external hard drive or another device, you can change the boot order to prioritize that device.
- Installing a new operating system: When installing a fresh copy of Windows, you need to set the boot order to prioritize the installation media.
- Dual booting with another operating system: You might want to install a second operating system alongside Windows 10 and configure the boot order to allow you to choose between the two systems.
Methods to Change Boot Order in Windows 10
There are two main methods to change the boot order in Windows 10:
1. Using the BIOS/UEFI Settings
- Access the BIOS/UEFI: The process of accessing the BIOS/UEFI varies depending on your motherboard. Usually, you need to press a specific key during the boot process, such as F2, F10, Delete, or Esc. Refer to your motherboard manual or online documentation for the correct key.
- Locate the Boot Order Settings: Once you are in the BIOS/UEFI, navigate to the "Boot" or "Boot Order" section.
- Change the Boot Order: Use the arrow keys to highlight the desired device and adjust its position in the boot order list. Typically, you'll want to move the device you want to boot from to the top of the list.
- Save and Exit: After making the changes, save the settings by pressing the F10 key or a similar key, depending on your BIOS/UEFI.
2. Using the Windows Boot Options
- Access the Windows Boot Options: While your computer is booting, press the Shift key repeatedly to access the "Choose an option" menu.
- Select "Troubleshoot": Choose the "Troubleshoot" option from the menu.
- Select "Advanced options": Click on "Advanced options" to access more settings.
- Select "UEFI Firmware Settings": Choose "UEFI Firmware Settings" to access the BIOS/UEFI settings.
- Change the Boot Order: Follow the steps outlined in the previous method to adjust the boot order within the BIOS/UEFI.
- Save and Exit: Once you have made the changes, save the settings and exit the BIOS/UEFI.
Examples of Changing Boot Order
Here are some examples of how you might change the boot order in Windows 10:
- Booting from a USB drive: If you need to install Windows 10 from a USB drive, you would move the USB drive to the top of the boot order list in the BIOS/UEFI.
- Booting from an external hard drive: If you want to access data on an external hard drive, you would move the external hard drive to the top of the boot order list in the BIOS/UEFI.
- Dual booting with Linux: If you have installed Linux on your computer, you would adjust the boot order in the BIOS/UEFI to allow you to select which operating system you want to boot into.
Tips for Changing Boot Order
- Consult your motherboard manual: Always refer to your motherboard manual for specific instructions on accessing the BIOS/UEFI and changing the boot order.
- Use the arrow keys: Use the arrow keys to navigate through the BIOS/UEFI menus and select options.
- Press Enter to select an option: Press the Enter key to confirm your selection.
- Save your changes: Always save your changes before exiting the BIOS/UEFI.
Conclusion
Changing the boot order in Windows 10 is a simple process that can help you troubleshoot startup issues, access specific devices, or install a new operating system. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily modify the boot order and gain more control over your computer's startup process. Remember to always save your changes before exiting the BIOS/UEFI, and refer to your motherboard manual for specific instructions.