How to Boot Your Computer From a Disc or USB Drive
Booting your computer from a disc or USB drive can come in handy when you need to troubleshoot or perform a clean install of your operating system. The process may seem intimidating, but it is actually quite simple. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to boot your computer from a disc or USB drive.
First, you need to make sure your computer is set up to boot from a disc or USB drive. Most computers have a default boot order that prioritizes the internal hard drive over any external devices. To change this, you need to access the BIOS or UEFI firmware.
To access the BIOS or UEFI firmware, restart your computer and watch for a prompt such as “Press F2 to enter setup.” This key may vary depending on your computer’s manufacturer. Once you’re in the BIOS or UEFI firmware, look for the boot order settings. You may need to refer to your computer’s documentation or search online for instructions specific to your model.
Once you’ve accessed the boot order settings, you need to make sure your USB drive or disc drive is listed ahead of the internal hard drive. Move the USB drive or disc drive to the top of the list and save your changes before exiting the BIOS or UEFI firmware.
With the boot order set up correctly, you’re now ready to boot from your USB drive or disc. Insert your USB drive or disc into your computer and restart it. Depending on your computer’s manufacturer and model, you may need to press a key such as F12 or Esc to access the boot menu. This will allow you to select the USB drive or disc as the boot device.
After selecting the USB drive or disc as the boot device, your computer should start up from it. You may need to follow further prompts to install or use the software on the USB drive or disc.
In summary, to boot your computer from a disc or USB drive, you need to access the BIOS or UEFI firmware, change the boot order settings, and restart your computer with the USB drive or disc inserted. It’s a simple process, but it can be a valuable tool for troubleshooting and performing clean installs.