Changing the boot order in Windows 11 might sound technical, but it’s actually easier than you think. Whether you’re trying to boot from a USB drive, an external SSD, or even reinstall Windows, knowing how to set the correct boot priority is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you step by step through everything you need to know about changing boot order in Windows 11.
📝 Key Takeaways
Boot order decides which device your PC checks first when starting.
You can change boot order using BIOS/UEFI settings or via Advanced Startup in Windows 11.
It’s useful when installing Windows, fixing boot errors, or running diagnostic tools.
Windows 11 PCs mostly use UEFI firmware, which comes with advanced boot settings.
Don’t worry — this guide covers every step in detail, even if you’re a beginner.
What Is Boot Order in Windows 11?
Boot order (also called boot sequence) is the order of devices your computer checks to load the operating system. For example:
Hard Drive/SSD (default, where Windows 11 is installed)
USB Drive (if you want to boot from a Windows installation media or Linux)
DVD/CD Drive (rarely used nowadays)
Network Boot (PXE)
If the first device in the list doesn’t have a bootable system, your PC moves to the next one.
Why Would You Need to Change Boot Order?
Changing the boot order in Windows 11 can solve many problems and open up possibilities:
🔧 Reinstall Windows 11 from a USB drive.
💾 Boot into recovery tools when Windows fails to load.
🐧 Try another OS like Linux without touching your Windows installation.
🛠️ Run diagnostics or firmware updates from external media.
⚡ Speed up startup by prioritizing your SSD.
Think of boot order as telling your computer, “Hey, check here first!”
Methods to Change Boot Order in Windows 11
There are two main methods:
Through BIOS/UEFI settings (most common and permanent).
Through Advanced Startup Options (temporary and user-friendly).
We’ll explore both in detail.
How to Enter BIOS/UEFI in Windows 11
Before changing boot order, you need to access your BIOS/UEFI firmware settings.
Steps to Enter BIOS/UEFI:
Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to System > Recovery.
Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings.
Click Restart — your PC will reboot into the BIOS/UEFI menu.
👉 Tip: On some PCs, you can also press a special key (F2, F10, F12, Del, Esc) immediately after powering on to enter BIOS directly.
Method 1: Change Boot Order in BIOS/UEFI
This method gives you full control over the sequence of boot devices.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Restart your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI (use the steps above).
Navigate to the Boot tab (location may vary by manufacturer).
You’ll see a list of devices such as:
Windows Boot Manager (SSD/HDD)
USB Drive
DVD Drive
Network Boot
Use your keyboard arrows or mouse to rearrange the boot order.
Example: Move USB Drive to the top if you want to install Windows from it.
Press F10 (or the Save & Exit option) to save changes.
Restart your computer — it will now boot from the new priority device.
Method 2: Temporary Boot Order Using Advanced Startup
If you just want to boot from a USB one time only, you don’t need to permanently change BIOS settings.
Steps:
Open Settings > System > Recovery.
Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
When your PC restarts, choose:
Use a device → Select the device (USB, DVD, Network).
Windows will boot from the chosen device just for this session.
👉 This is handy if you want to reinstall Windows or run a repair tool once, without altering BIOS.
How to Change Boot Order Without BIOS (Alternative Ways)
Some users don’t want to deal with BIOS menus. Luckily, Windows 11 provides other options.
Option 1: Use Boot Menu Key
On startup, press the boot menu key (often F12, Esc, or F8).
A quick menu appears letting you choose which device to boot from temporarily.
Option 2: Command Prompt (Advanced Users)
Run
bcdeditcommands in an elevated Command Prompt to manage boot configuration data (BCD).Example:
bcdedit /set {bootmgr} device boot⚠️ Only recommended for advanced users — incorrect changes may cause boot errors.
Common Boot Menu Keys by Manufacturer
Here’s a quick reference table:
| Brand | Boot Menu Key | BIOS Key |
|---|---|---|
| Dell | F12 | F2 |
| HP | Esc / F9 | Esc / F10 |
| Lenovo | F12 | F1 / F2 |
| Acer | F12 | Del / F2 |
| ASUS | Esc / F8 | Del / F2 |
| MSI | F11 | Del |
| Toshiba | F12 | F2 |
👉 Always check your manufacturer’s website if these keys don’t work.
What Happens If Boot Order Is Wrong?
If your PC is stuck in the wrong boot sequence:
It may try to boot from an empty USB or DVD drive.
You’ll see an error like “No bootable device found”.
Windows 11 won’t load until you set the correct boot order.
✅ Solution: Re-enter BIOS/UEFI and move Windows Boot Manager to the top.
Best Practices When Changing Boot Order
Keep Windows Boot Manager (SSD/HDD) as the first device for everyday use.
Only move USB/DVD to the top when installing or troubleshooting.
Avoid enabling Network Boot (PXE) unless required in workplaces.
Double-check changes before saving — wrong settings can confuse the system.
Troubleshooting Boot Issues in Windows 11
Sometimes, even after changing boot order, issues remain. Here’s what to try:
🔄 Reset BIOS/UEFI to defaults → Fixes misconfigured boot options.
💽 Recreate Windows installation media → If USB isn’t recognized.
🛠️ Run Startup Repair via Advanced Startup.
🧰 Check cables & drives → Loose SSD/USB connections cause detection problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I permanently change the boot order in Windows 11?
Enter BIOS/UEFI settings and move your preferred device to the top of the boot list, then save changes.
2. Can I boot Windows 11 from an external hard drive?
Yes, but the drive must be bootable. You’ll need special tools like WinToUSB to make an external drive bootable with Windows.
3. What’s the difference between BIOS and UEFI?
BIOS is older firmware with limited features.
UEFI is modern, faster, supports larger drives, and offers graphical menus.
4. Why doesn’t my USB show up in boot options?
Possible reasons:
USB is not bootable.
Wrong port (try switching to USB 2.0).
Disabled in BIOS — check settings.
5. Can I reset boot order back to default?
Yes. In BIOS, look for Load Setup Defaults or Restore Defaults, then save changes.
Conclusion
Changing the boot order in Windows 11 might seem intimidating at first, but with the right steps, it’s straightforward. Whether you need to boot from a USB to reinstall Windows, run recovery tools, or simply troubleshoot, knowing how to adjust boot priority gives you control over your system.
Use BIOS/UEFI for permanent changes.
Use Advanced Startup or Boot Menu keys for temporary booting.
Always keep Windows Boot Manager as your default option for daily use.
Now that you know how to change boot order in Windows 11, you’re ready to tackle installations, fixes, and even try out different operating systems without hassle.