How to Change Boot Order in BIOS Windows 11 (Step-by-Step Guide)

By / October 17, 2025

Ever needed to boot your Windows 11 PC from a USB drive or external device — only to find it keeps starting from the wrong disk?
That’s where changing the boot order in BIOS comes in.

In this comprehensive step-by-step guide, we’ll explain what boot order is, why it matters, and how to change it safely in BIOS or UEFI on Windows 11. Whether you’re installing a new operating system, troubleshooting startup issues, or booting from a recovery drive, this guide has you covered.

What Is Boot Order in BIOS?

Before jumping into the steps, let’s make sure you understand the basics.

The boot order (also called the boot sequence) is the order in which your computer checks storage devices to find an operating system.

For example:

Boot Priority Device Type Description
1st USB Drive External drive, often used for Windows installation or recovery
2nd SSD / Hard Drive Where Windows 11 is installed
3rd DVD Drive For booting from optical discs
4th Network Boot (PXE) Used in enterprise environments

When you power on your PC, the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI firmware checks these devices in order.
If your bootable Windows installation USB is not first in the list, your system won’t boot from it — it’ll just start Windows as usual.

Why You Might Need to Change the Boot Order

Changing the boot order can be useful in several scenarios:

  • 💽 Installing or reinstalling Windows 11 from a USB or DVD.

  • ⚙️ Booting from a recovery drive to repair or reset your system.

  • 💾 Running a different operating system, such as Linux or macOS.

  • 🧰 Using diagnostic tools from a bootable drive.

  • 🔄 Restoring system images or running backup utilities.

In short, anytime you want to start your PC from something other than your internal hard drive, you’ll need to modify the boot sequence.

Understanding BIOS vs. UEFI

Windows 11 systems typically use UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) — a modern replacement for the older BIOS.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature BIOS UEFI
Interface Text-based Graphical (mouse-friendly)
Boot Speed Slower Faster
Drive Support Up to 2 TB (MBR) >2 TB (GPT)
Security Basic Secure Boot supported
Availability Older systems Modern systems (Windows 8 and later)

💡 Tip: Whether your system uses BIOS or UEFI, the process of changing boot order is very similar.

How to Change Boot Order in BIOS on Windows 11 (Step-by-Step)

Let’s walk through the process in detail.

There are two main ways to access BIOS on Windows 11:

  1. Using Restart + Function Key (traditional method)

  2. Using Windows Settings (Advanced Startup)

We’ll cover both below.

Method 1: Access BIOS via Function Key at Startup

This is the most common and quickest method.

Step 1: Shut Down Your Computer

Make sure your system is fully powered off — not in sleep or hibernate mode.

Step 2: Power On and Press the BIOS Key

As soon as your PC starts, repeatedly press one of the following keys (depending on your manufacturer):

Brand BIOS/UEFI Key
Acer F2 or DEL
ASUS F2 or DEL
Dell F2
HP ESC or F10
Lenovo F1 or F2
MSI DEL
Toshiba F2
Samsung F2 or F10

You’ll enter the BIOS/UEFI setup interface.

🧭 Pro Tip: If you see the Windows logo, you missed the timing. Restart and try again, pressing the key repeatedly right after powering on.

Step 3: Locate the Boot Menu or Boot Priority Option

Once inside BIOS or UEFI:

  • Navigate using arrow keys (for BIOS) or your mouse (for UEFI).

  • Look for a tab named Boot, Boot Order, or Boot Priority.

Step 4: Change the Boot Order

Inside the Boot menu, you’ll see a list of available devices, such as:

1. Windows Boot Manager (SSD)
2. USB Storage Device
3. DVD-ROM
4. Network Boot

To change the order:

  • Highlight the device you want to boot from first (e.g., USB drive).

  • Use the on-screen instructions — usually the + or - keys — to move it up or down in priority.

When finished, your boot order might look like this:

1. USB Storage Device
2. Windows Boot Manager
3. Network Boot

Step 5: Save and Exit BIOS

Once your boot order is set:

  • Press F10 (or follow the on-screen prompt) to Save and Exit.

  • Confirm when asked to save changes.

Your computer will reboot — and this time, it’ll check the USB drive (or whichever device you prioritized) first.

Method 2: Access BIOS from Windows 11 Settings

If you can’t use the function key method, Windows 11 provides an alternative through Advanced Startup options.

Step 1: Open Settings

  • Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.

  • Navigate to System → Recovery.

Step 2: Restart into Advanced Startup

Under the Recovery options section:

  • Find Advanced startup.

  • Click Restart now.

Windows will reboot into the blue “Choose an option” screen.

Step 3: Navigate to UEFI Firmware Settings

  1. Click Troubleshoot.

  2. Select Advanced options.

  3. Choose UEFI Firmware Settings.

  4. Click Restart.

Your PC will restart directly into the BIOS/UEFI interface.

Step 4: Change Boot Order in BIOS

Once inside the UEFI screen, follow the same process as before:

  • Go to the Boot or Startup tab.

  • Reorder devices so your desired boot device (USB, DVD, etc.) is listed first.

  • Save and exit with F10.

That’s it — your computer will now boot from the new device priority.

Alternative Method: Use the Boot Menu Key

If you don’t want to permanently change the boot order, you can use the temporary boot menu.

How to Access the Boot Menu:

  1. Power on your PC.

  2. Immediately press the Boot Menu key (usually F12, ESC, or F11).

  3. Choose your preferred device from the list (e.g., USB drive).

This will boot from that device only once — without altering the permanent boot sequence in BIOS.

Brand Boot Menu Key
Acer F12
ASUS ESC
Dell F12
HP ESC or F9
Lenovo F12
MSI F11
Toshiba F12

💡 Tip: This option is ideal if you occasionally boot from USB or DVD, without needing to modify BIOS settings permanently.

How to Boot from a USB Drive After Changing Boot Order

Once your boot order is configured:

  1. Insert the bootable USB drive (Windows 11 installer or recovery tool).

  2. Restart your computer.

  3. The system will now start from the USB drive.

If you see a prompt like “Press any key to boot from USB”, do it quickly — otherwise, it’ll skip to the next boot device.

What If You Can’t Access BIOS in Windows 11?

Sometimes, you might have trouble entering BIOS or UEFI — especially on fast-boot systems. Here are a few troubleshooting steps:

✅ Option 1: Disable Fast Startup

  1. Open Control Panel → Hardware and Sound → Power Options.

  2. Click Choose what the power buttons do.

  3. Uncheck Turn on fast startup.

  4. Restart your PC and try pressing the BIOS key again.

✅ Option 2: Use Shift + Restart

  1. Hold Shift while clicking Restart in the Start menu.

  2. This triggers Advanced Startup, allowing access to UEFI Firmware Settings.

✅ Option 3: Use Command Prompt

Run this command:

shutdown /r /fw /t 0

This restarts your PC directly into the firmware (BIOS/UEFI).

How to Restore Default Boot Order

If you ever need to revert changes:

  1. Enter BIOS again using your manufacturer’s key.

  2. Look for Load Setup Defaults or Restore Default Settings.

  3. Save and exit (F10).

This resets all boot priority settings to factory defaults.

Tips for Safe Boot Order Management

  • 🔒 Enable Secure Boot: Keep it on for system integrity unless you’re installing unsigned software.

  • 💽 Double-check device connections: Ensure your USB or DVD is properly inserted before rebooting.

  • 🧩 Don’t disable critical drives: Removing your system drive from the boot list can cause startup failures.

  • 🕒 Use temporary boot menu for one-time changes to avoid confusion later.

Common Boot Order Problems and Fixes

Issue Cause Solution
PC skips USB drive USB not bootable Recreate bootable USB using Rufus or Media Creation Tool
BIOS doesn’t detect drive Loose or faulty connection Replug or test USB on another port
Boot menu doesn’t appear Fast boot enabled Disable Fast Startup
Changes not saved CMOS battery issue Replace the motherboard battery if settings reset every reboot

Changing Boot Order on Laptops vs. Desktops

While the general process is the same, laptops may have fewer options and rely more on UEFI menus instead of traditional BIOS screens.
Some ultrabooks even hide advanced settings — you can often reveal them by pressing a special key combo (check your manufacturer’s manual).

When to Change Boot Order Temporarily vs. Permanently

Use Case Recommendation
Installing Windows 11 Permanent change (until setup is done)
Running diagnostic tools Temporary (Boot Menu)
Frequent dual-boot use Permanent (custom priority)
Occasional recovery boot Temporary

Conclusion

Changing the boot order in BIOS on Windows 11 is a simple yet powerful way to control how your system starts. Whether you’re installing Windows, troubleshooting errors, or testing a live USB, the process only takes a few minutes once you know where to look.

By following this step-by-step guide, you can confidently:

  • Access BIOS/UEFI safely,

  • Adjust boot priority correctly, and

  • Boot from any device you choose.

Take your time, follow the instructions carefully, and your system will boot exactly how you want — every time.

Key Takeaways

Tip Description
⚙️ BIOS controls the order in which Windows checks for bootable devices.
💻 Use F2, DEL, or ESC (depending on brand) to access BIOS during startup.
🧩 Adjust boot priority under the Boot tab.
🔄 Save changes with F10 and restart.
🧠 For one-time boots, use the Boot Menu (F12) instead.

FAQs About Changing Boot Order in BIOS (Windows 11)

1. How do I get into BIOS on Windows 11?

Restart your PC and press the BIOS key (F2, DEL, or ESC) repeatedly during startup, or use Settings → Recovery → Advanced Startup → UEFI Firmware Settings.

2. How do I boot from USB on Windows 11?

Change your boot order so that “USB Drive” is listed before “Windows Boot Manager,” then restart with the USB inserted.

3. What if BIOS doesn’t detect my USB drive?

Ensure the USB is bootable and formatted as FAT32 for UEFI systems. Try different USB ports or recreate the drive.

4. Can I change boot order without BIOS?

Yes — use the Boot Menu key (F12 or ESC) during startup to temporarily choose a boot device.

5. Will changing boot order affect my files or Windows installation?

No, it only changes the sequence of devices checked during startup. Your files remain untouched.

Now you know exactly how to change boot order in BIOS on Windows 11 — safely and effectively.
Whether you’re booting from a USB drive or troubleshooting a startup problem, these steps ensure you’re always in control of your PC’s boot process.

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