How to Change Boot Order in BIOS: Step-by-Step Guide

Changing the boot order in BIOS is a task every computer user may need at some point. Whether you want to install a new operating system, run a live Linux distribution, or boot from a USB drive to recover lost files, understanding the boot sequence is essential.

While the concept sounds technical, the process is straightforward if you follow the right steps. This guide will show you exactly how to change the boot order in BIOS, explain why it matters, and provide tips for different computer brands and BIOS versions.

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By the end, you’ll feel confident navigating BIOS settings and solving common boot problems.

What Is Boot Order And Why Is It Important?

The boot order is the sequence your computer follows to find an operating system when it starts. Think of it as a checklist: the computer checks each device (like your hard drive, USB stick, or DVD drive) one by one until it finds something it can boot from.

For example, if you want to install Windows from a USB flash drive, but your hard drive is set as the first boot device, your computer will always load the current operating system. Only by changing the boot order to put USB first will your computer check the USB drive before the hard drive.

A few reasons you may need to change the boot order:

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• Installing a new OS: Boot from a USB or DVD with the installer.
• System recovery: Use recovery tools on CD, DVD, or USB.
• Data backup: Boot from a live Linux USB to recover files from a broken system.
• Testing hardware: Use diagnostic tools from a bootable device.
• Bypassing boot issues: If your main drive fails, you may need to boot from another device.

Changing the boot order is a powerful way to take control of your computer’s startup process.

Understanding Bios And Uefi: The Basics

Before diving into the process, it’s important to know the difference between BIOS and UEFI.

• BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the classic firmware interface for PCs. It’s text-based and navigated with the keyboard.
• UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is newer, with a graphical interface and mouse support. Most computers made after 2012 use UEFI.

Both BIOS and UEFI let you set the boot order. The steps are similar, but the look and feel can be different.

Main Differences Between Bios And Uefi

Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand:

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Most of the time, you don’t need to know if your computer is using BIOS or UEFI to change the boot order, but it can help you understand what you’re seeing on the screen.

When Should You Change Boot Order?

You don’t need to change the boot order every day. Here are the most common situations:

• Installing Windows or Linux from USB/DVD: The computer must boot from the installer media.
• System recovery and troubleshooting: Boot from recovery tools if your OS fails.
• Cloning or imaging drives: Use special software from a bootable device.
• Testing or wiping hard drives: Use diagnostic or erase tools.
• Bypassing malware: Sometimes, malware blocks normal startup; booting from another device helps you clean the system.

Changing the boot order is safe, but you must be careful not to change unrelated settings in BIOS/UEFI.

Step-by-step: How To Enter Bios Or Uefi

The first step to changing the boot order is accessing your BIOS or UEFI setup. This usually happens before the operating system loads.

How To Access Bios/uefi

• Restart your computer.
• As soon as you see the manufacturer’s logo (like Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS), press the setup key on your keyboard. Common keys include F2, Delete, Esc, F10, and F12.
• If you’re not sure which key to press, look for a message like “Press F2 to enter Setup” at the bottom of the screen. If you miss it, restart and try again.

Non-obvious insight: Sometimes, your keyboard may not work if it’s wireless or connected through Bluetooth. Use a wired USB keyboard for entering BIOS/UEFI.

Alternative: Access Uefi From Windows 10/11

If your computer uses UEFI, you can also access it from within Windows:

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
• Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
• On the blue screen, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.

This method works even if you can’t catch the setup key during boot.

Navigating The Bios/uefi Interface

Once inside, you’ll see either a simple blue/gray text screen (BIOS) or a more colorful graphical menu (UEFI).

• BIOS navigation: Use the arrow keys to move, Enter to select, and Esc to go back. Look at the bottom or right side for a list of controls.
• UEFI navigation: You can often use your mouse. Click menus, drag items, and use buttons. Some UEFIs still use only the keyboard.

Menus differ between brands, but you’re usually looking for a tab called Boot, Boot Order, or Boot Priority.

Non-obvious insight: On some laptops, the boot menu may be under Advanced or System Configuration.

How To Change Boot Order In Bios: Detailed Steps

Let’s walk through the full process. This example uses a standard BIOS interface, but the steps are similar for UEFI.

1. Find The Boot Menu

Look for a menu at the top named Boot or Boot Order. Use the arrow keys to move.

If you see a list of devices (like Hard Drive, CD/DVD, USB, Network), you’re in the right place.

2. Change The Boot Priority

You’ll see devices listed in order. The device at the top is checked first when your computer starts.

• To change order, highlight a device and use the + or – keys to move it up or down.
• On some BIOS, use F5/F6 or Page Up/Page Down.
• In UEFI, you might drag devices with your mouse or use up/down arrows.

Example: To boot from a USB drive, move USB or the name of your flash drive to the top.

3. Save And Exit

• Look for Save & Exit or Exit Saving Changes.
• Press F10 on many systems, or select with your mouse.
• Confirm changes if prompted.

Your computer will restart. If your bootable device is connected, it will start from there.

Tip: If your device doesn’t boot, double-check it’s plugged in and works on another computer.

How To Change Boot Order In Uefi

UEFI is more modern, but the idea is the same.

• Enter UEFI firmware settings (see above).
• Go to the Boot or Boot Priority section.
• Use your mouse or keyboard to move the device you want to the top.
• Save and exit.

Some UEFI systems have a Boot Override option. This lets you boot from a device just once, without changing the permanent order.

Example: You want to boot from a USB only this time. Use Boot Override, select your USB, and the system will boot from it once, then go back to normal order next time.

Brand-specific Instructions

BIOS and UEFI screens look different depending on your computer’s brand. Here’s how popular brands usually organize their boot settings:

Dell

• Enter BIOS with F2.
• Go to the Boot Sequence section.
• Use the provided keys to move devices up or down.
• Save changes and exit.

Hp

• Enter BIOS with Esc or F10.
• Choose Boot Options.
• Change the order with the arrow keys or drag.
• Save changes.

Lenovo

• Use F1 or F2 at startup.
• Select Boot or Startup.
• Adjust the order and save.

Asus

• Press F2 or Del.
• Find the Boot tab.
• Change order, save, and exit.

Apple Mac

Macs use a different system (not BIOS/UEFI). To boot from another device, hold Option (Alt) during startup, then choose your device.

Common Boot Order Options Explained

You may see several options in your boot menu. Here’s what they mean:

• HDD/SSD: Your internal hard drive or solid-state drive.
• CD/DVD: Optical drives for discs.
• USB: Flash drives, external hard drives.
• Network/PXE: Boot from a network server (used in companies).
• Removable Devices: Covers USB, SD cards, etc.

Order matters: The first device with a valid operating system or bootable media will be used.

Example: If you leave a bootable USB drive plugged in, your computer may always try to boot from it. Remove it when not in use.

Table: Typical Boot Device Priorities

To help you understand, here’s how boot order affects startup:

Setting the wrong order can slow down booting (if you have a slow DVD or empty USB in the top spot).

How To Set A One-time Boot Device

Sometimes, you only want to boot from a device once (for example, to run a recovery tool).

Many computers have a one-time boot menu. Here’s how to access it:

• Restart your computer.
• Press the boot menu key (often F12, Esc, or F8) right after turning it on.
• Choose the device you want to boot from for this session only.

This method does not change the permanent boot order.

Secure Boot And Boot Order

Modern UEFI systems have a Secure Boot feature. This protects your computer from malware during startup but can block some bootable tools or operating systems.

If you can’t boot from your device:

• Go to UEFI firmware settings.
• Look for Secure Boot (often in the Security tab).
• Set Secure Boot to Disabled.
• Save and exit.

You can turn Secure Boot back on later for extra security.

Note: Disabling Secure Boot may be required for older Linux installers or diagnostic tools.

Troubleshooting Boot Order Problems

Changing the boot order is usually easy, but sometimes things go wrong. Here’s how to solve common problems:

Problem: Can’t Enter Bios/uefi

• Try another keyboard (wired USB).
• Check your manual for the correct key.
• Turn off fast startup in Windows (sometimes called “hybrid shutdown”)—this can block access.

Problem: Bios/uefi Doesn’t Detect Usb/dvd

• Make sure the device is plugged in before powering on.
• Use a USB 2.0 port (some BIOS don’t detect USB 3.0 sticks).
• Check if the device is bootable (try on another PC).

Problem: Boot Device Not Working

• Re-create the bootable USB using reliable tools (like Rufus or BalenaEtcher).
• Check if the ISO file is good.
• Some computers need Legacy Boot enabled for old devices.

Problem: Changes Are Not Saved

• Make sure to choose Save and Exit (not just Exit).
• Replace the CMOS battery if your BIOS forgets settings after shutdown.

Problem: Black Screen Or Boot Loop

• Double-check the boot order.
• Remove external devices (USB, DVDs) and try again.
• Reset BIOS/UEFI to default settings if needed.

Advanced Boot Order Tips

For users who want more control, here are advanced options:

• Legacy Boot vs UEFI Boot: Some older devices only work in “Legacy” mode. Check your UEFI settings for “CSM” or “Legacy Support.”
• Custom Boot Entries: Some UEFI systems let you add or remove entries for specific devices.
• Multiple OS Booting: If you dual-boot (like Windows and Linux), use the boot order to select your default OS.
• Network Boot (PXE): Used in organizations to install or repair computers over the network.

How To Restore Default Boot Order

If you change something and your computer won’t start, you can restore default settings:

• Enter BIOS/UEFI.
• Look for Load Setup Defaults or Restore Defaults (usually under the Exit tab).
• Confirm and save.

This puts everything, including boot order, back to factory settings.

Boot Order And Data Security

Changing the boot order can help you recover data, but be careful. Booting from unknown devices can risk your security.

• Only use trusted bootable tools.
• Don’t boot from devices you don’t recognize.
• Set a BIOS/UEFI password to prevent others from changing boot settings on your computer.

Updating Bios/uefi: When And Why

Sometimes, a BIOS/UEFI update can fix boot device detection problems. However, updating firmware is risky—if interrupted, it can “brick” your system.

• Only update BIOS/UEFI if you have a real problem or need new features.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Make sure your computer is plugged in during the update.

Boot Order For Different Use Cases

Let’s see which boot order you might use for different tasks:

Adjust your boot order for each task, then set it back to normal when done.

Practical Examples

Here are some real-life scenarios:

• Installing Windows 11: Download the Windows Media Creation Tool, create a bootable USB, then set USB as the first boot device.
• Recovering files from a dead system: Boot from a live Linux USB, copy files to an external drive.
• Fixing a virus-infected PC: Boot from an antivirus rescue disk on USB or DVD.
• Testing new hardware: Boot from a diagnostic USB to check memory and drives.

Changing the boot order unlocks these and more possibilities.

Safety Tips And Common Mistakes

• Don’t change other BIOS/UEFI settings unless you know what they do.
• Write down your original boot order before making changes.
• Remove bootable devices after use to avoid accidental booting.
• Check your USB stick or DVD is really bootable (test on another PC).
• Never interrupt a BIOS/UEFI update—it can damage your system.

A common mistake is forgetting to save changes. Always choose Save and Exit before leaving BIOS/UEFI.

Useful Resources

If you want to learn more, check the official guide from Wikipedia: BIOS for a deeper look at how firmware works.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know Which Key To Press To Enter Bios?

Each computer brand uses different keys. The most common are F2, Delete, Esc, F10, and F12. When you turn on your PC, watch for a message like “Press F2 to enter Setup.” If unsure, check your manual or the brand’s website.

Will Changing The Boot Order Erase My Data?

No, changing the boot order does not delete files or programs. It only changes which device your computer tries to start from. However, installing a new operating system or running recovery tools can overwrite data if you choose to format drives—so always back up important files.

Why Doesn’t My Computer Detect My Usb Boot Drive?

Possible reasons include:

• The USB is not plugged in before startup.
• The USB is not bootable (needs special software to create).
• The BIOS/UEFI doesn’t support USB boot, or it’s set to UEFI/Legacy mode that doesn’t match your USB.

Try creating the USB with tools like Rufus, and make sure you select the right mode (UEFI or Legacy).

What Should I Do If I Can’t Enter Bios Or Uefi?

Try a wired USB keyboard. Turn off Fast Startup in Windows if enabled. If you still can’t enter, unplug the power completely, wait 1 minute, then try again. If all else fails, consult the manufacturer’s support.

Is It Safe To Disable Secure Boot?

Disabling Secure Boot is safe if you understand why you’re doing it (for example, to install Linux or use recovery tools). However, it removes some protection from malware. Always enable it again when you’re done if possible.

Changing the boot order in BIOS or UEFI is one of the most useful skills for troubleshooting, upgrading, and recovering your computer. With careful steps and attention to detail, you can control exactly how your system starts—making you more confident and prepared for any situation.