How to Change the Boot Order

Change the boot order of your computer's BIOS.

The boot order in your computer's BIOS (basic input/output system) tells your system where to look for a bootable operating system or device and in what order. If no operating system is found in the first location, the boot sequence will look in the next listed location until it finds an operation it can boot. Bootable devices can be anything from a CD or DVD, USB flash drive, floppy disk or hard drive. Changing the boot sequence allows a user to tell the computer the first location to look in. This is particularly useful when booting a system with dual operating system or a system's recovery disk. Changing the boot order through your computer's BIOS is simple.

Instructions

1. Power on your computer or reboot it if it's already on. You will enter the system's BIOS.

2. Pay attention to your screen during the startup process as you will have to press a function key to enter the BIOS. Your computer will alert you to the specific function button, but it only show for one or two seconds. Once you learn the key, you must press it once or twice to access the system's BIOS. If you are unsure of what button it is or you missed the prompt, you may need to restart your computer again. You can refer to the chart available (see Resources) for the function key that is associated with your system's BIOS.

3. Locate an option for anything related to "Boot" and, using your keyboard's arrow keys, navigate to the option.

4. Change the boot order to your desired preference by following the instructions from the menu, being careful not completely disable any device. Generally, after highlighting the device you wish to change the order of, you will use the "+" or "-" keys to move them up or down. However, this may be different depending on the make and model of your computer.

5. Exit the BIOS once you have finished by using the "Esc" or "F10" key, being sure to save changes as you exit. Your computer will restart with the new boot sequence.

Tips & Warnings

• USB keyboards may not work to access the BIOS of your computer. You may need a standard PS/2 keyboard.

• You can not use your mouse in the BIOS menu. To navigate, you must use your keyboard.

References

• Help Desk Geek: How to Change the Boot Sequence in the BIOS
• Extreme Tech: Changing the Boot Order of Your Drives

Resources

• White Canyon: How to Change the Boot Order (BIOS Key Chart)