Alex Ruben
How to Boot Windows 10 and 11 from a USB Drive on Various Devices
This guide provides a clear, step-by-step tutorial on how to enter the Boot Menu on different computers and laptops, allowing you to boot Windows 10 or 11 from a USB drive. Following this tutorial, you will learn how to access the Boot Menu, recognize the differences between Legacy and UEFI modes, and seamlessly boot from your USB drive.
Step 1: Prepare Your Bootable USB Drive
Before you can boot from a USB, ensure you have a bootable USB drive ready with Windows 10 or 11 installation files. You can create a bootable USB drive using tools such as the Windows Media Creation Tool.
Step 2: Connect the USB Drive
Insert the bootable USB drive into a USB port on the computer or laptop you want to use.
Step 3: Restart Your Computer
Reboot your computer by selecting the option to restart. As the computer begins to boot, prepare to enter the Boot Menu.
Step 4: Enter the Boot Menu
Immediately after restarting, begin pressing the appropriate key on your keyboard for your specific device. Here are the common keys for various devices:
- Desktops:
- MSI (AMI BIOS) – F11
- Gigabyte (Award BIOS) – F12
- BioStar (Phoenix-Award) – F9
- Asus (AMI) – F8
- Intel (Phoenix-Award) – Esc
- AsRock (AMI) – F11
- ECS (AMI) – F11
- FoxConn – Esc
- ChainTech – (missing)
- Laptops:
- Asus – Esc
- Acer – F12
- Dell – F12
- Fujitsu – F12
- HP – Esc, then F9
- Lenovo – F12
- MSI – F11
- Samsung – Esc (press only once during the boot screen)
- Sony – F11
- Toshiba – F12
Step 5: Select the USB Drive in the Boot Menu
Once the Boot Menu opens, you’ll see a list of available drives. Use the keyboard to navigate to your bootable USB drive and press Enter to initiate the boot process from the USB.
Step 6: Install Windows
Your computer will start booting from the USB drive. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10 or 11 as needed.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Ensure you press the key for the Boot Menu multiple times if needed. If the USB drive does not appear in the Boot Menu, check that it is properly prepared and connected. Sometimes, BIOS settings may restrict booting from USBs, so consult your device’s manual for further adjustments.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can successfully boot your computer from a USB drive containing Windows 10 or 11. If you encounter difficulties, retracing your steps or consulting the specific settings for your device may help. Consider exploring additional guides on installing operating systems and USB troubleshooting.