How to Change Your Computer’s Boot Order

Normally when you start up your computer, it will automatically start by reading the computer’s internal hard drive. However, if you want the computer to boot up from a DVD or USB, you’ll need to change your computer’s boot order to list these first.

What is a Boot Sequence 

During the boot process, the computer checks itself to be sure all is well, loads some minimal operational software and loads the operating system. 

Each time a computer boots up, it goes through an initial series of processes, or sequence of events, which is aptly named a "boot sequence." During the boot sequence, the computer checks itself to be sure all is well, activates the necessary hardware components and loads the appropriate operational software then loads the operating system so that a user can interact with the machine.

Alternatively called boot options or boot order, the boot sequence defines which devices a computer should check for the operating system's boot files and startup. It also specifies the order in which the computer’s devices are checked. 

The sequence of events in the boot sequence is as follows:

1. Accessing BIOS/ROM: The boot sequence begins by accessing the computer's BIOS on Windows PCs or the system ROM on a Macintosh. The BIOS and ROM contain basic instructions that tell the computer how to boot up. 
2. Computer CPU received startup information: These instructions from the BIOS/ROM are then passed to the computer's CPU.
3. Computer memory received information: The CPU then begins loading information into the system RAM.
4. Loading the operating system: Once a valid boot disk or startup disk is found, the computer begins loading the operating system into the system memory. 
5. The computer is ready for use: After the operating system finishes loading, the computer is ready to be used.

The period of the boot sequence can take anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes, depending on the computer's configuration. Note that if the system is booting from a CD or DVD, the boot time may be significantly longer than if the computer is booted from a hard drive.

In addition, if your computer was turned off unexpectedly, the boot time might increase since the system may perform some additional checks to make sure everything is OK.

What should my boot sequence be?

You can set your boot sequence to how you want the computer to boot. For instance, if you never plan on booting from a disc drive or a removable device, the hard drive should be the first boot device. 

Note that, if you're trying to fix a computer or reinstall its operating system, you may need to change the boot sequence. The most traditional first boot selections for these tasks are an optical disc drive or a removable drive (thumb drive).

You can change the boot order’s list and re-order it in the computer's BIOS, as shown below.

Steps on How to Change System Boot Order

You can change the boot order from your computer’s BIOS setup utility. To find out how just follow the steps below:

Note: this can vary between different PCs, so the below steps are only for general guidance. If you’re unsure, please check with your manufacturer first.

Step 1: Enter your Computer's BIOS set up utility

• To enter BIOS, you often need to press a key (or sometimes a combination of keys) on your keyboard just as your computer is starting up.
• If you’re not sure which key this is, restart your computer and watch out for the information on the screen at the very beginning of the start-up process. Somewhere here, it will often say something like Press XXX to enter setup.
• Make sure you press the setup key quickly before your computer starts loading from its internal drive, otherwise restart your computer and try again.

Note: If you can’t find the information about the key you need to press, Lifewire has produced a handy guide listing the most common keys used for different types of computers and motherboards, which can try taking a look at.

Step 2: Navigate to the boot order menu in BIOS

• Once you enter your computer’s BIOS setup utility, look for an option to change the boot order.
• All BIOS utilities are slightly different, but it might be under a menu option called Boot, Boot Options, Boot Sequence, or even under an Advanced Options tab

Note: You also might not be able to click with your mouse in a BIOS utility, so use the instructions on the screen for how to navigate between the menu items

Step 3: Change the Boot Order

• Once you’ve located the page for boot order options in BIOS, you’ll see a list of options that your computer can load up from.
• Again, these options will vary slightly between computers but will typically include: Hard Drive, Optical (CD or DVD) Drive, Removable Devices (e.g. USB or Floppy), and Network.
• Change the list order so that USB Device or Removable Devices is listed first.

Step 4: Save your Changes

• Make sure you save your changes before exiting BIOS for the changes to take effect
• Navigate to the Save and Exit or Exit menu and choose an option that says, “Save Changes” or “Exit with Changes Saved” (or something similar)
• You may get a confirmation message as you’re exiting BIOS. Read it carefully to make sure you click the correct option to confirm the changes
• Your computer will automatically restart once you exit BIOS

Summary guide on how to change your computer’s boot order:

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

1. Save all your work and close any open programs.
2. Restart your computer. You can do this by clicking the “Start” menu, selecting the power icon, and choosing “Restart.”

Step 2: Enter the BIOS/UEFI Setup

1. Immediately press the BIOS key repeatedly as your computer restarts. The key varies by manufacturer and is typically displayed on the screen during startup. Common keys include:
   • DEL (Delete)
   • F2
   • F10
   • F12
   • ESC
2. If you’re unsure which key to press, check your computer or motherboard manual, or look for the prompt on the screen during the startup.

Step 3: Navigate to the Boot Menu

1. Once you’re in the BIOS or UEFI settings, use the arrow keys to navigate to the Boot tab or section.
   • This may be labeled differently depending on your motherboard or BIOS manufacturer, such as Boot Order, Boot Menu, or Boot Options.
2. Some modern UEFI interfaces allow you to use a mouse to navigate.

Step 4: Change the Boot Order

1. Highlight the device you want to boot from (like your USB drive or CD/DVD drive).
2. Follow the instructions on the screen to move your selected device to the top of the boot order. This is usually done by pressing the + (plus) or - (minus) keys, or F5 and F6.
3. Make sure that your preferred boot device (like a USB or CD/DVD drive) is listed first.

Step 5: Save Changes and Exit

1. Press the key indicated on the screen to Save and Exit. This is often F10 but can vary.
2. Confirm the changes when prompted by selecting Yes or OK.

Step 6: Restart Your Computer

1. Your computer will now restart using the new boot order. If you set a USB drive or other external device as the first boot option, the computer should boot from that device if it’s connected.

Tips:

• Boot Menu Shortcut: On some computers, you can access the boot menu directly without entering the BIOS. This key is often F12 or ESC during startup.
• UEFI vs. Legacy BIOS: If your computer uses UEFI instead of the traditional BIOS, the interface will look different, and you may have more advanced boot options.
• Reverting Changes: You can always go back to the BIOS/UEFI settings and change the boot order again if needed.