Why change the boot priority of a computer? Situations can arise different, for example, reinstalling the operating system, the need to check the system for problem files or malware, and much more.
There are several options for solving this issue, and they deserve separate consideration, since they require certain knowledge and skills from users.
How to get into the BIOS
First, it’s worth telling what the BIOS is. This, in fact, is a software package aimed at fulfilling the priority tasks of a computer. Namely:
- operating system launch;
- connection of all hardware and peripheral devices;
- setting up the work of physical and random access memory;
- stabilization and verification of the functionality of the central processor;
- assigns priority data loading from the selected medium (hard drive, removable media).
Without it, the OS simply won’t start. A similar situation will occur if the BIOS settings fail.
The first option involves entering the BIOS shell. As a matter of fact, it is not recommended to enter there yourself; the price of an error is too high. But BIOS boot priority is set, at least this tool is most popular among advanced users and specialists.
The fact is that the BIOS contains the basic system settings that are responsible for the proper operation of all equipment, monitor the temperature of the boards, and ensure the interaction of devices with each other.
So, how to get into the BIOS? Each model of a computer or laptop has its own “hot” keys, through which you can get into this environment. Press the desired key on the initial boot screen.
BIOS entry options on different gadget models
As already mentioned, the BIOS entry keys for each manufacturer have their own. And in order to figure out how to change the boot priority in the BIOS, you need to know at least the main ones:
- ASUS F2 key.
- Acer. Keys F1, F2, Del. The options are Ctrl + Alt + Esc or Ctrl + F2.
- Lenovo Keys F2, F12. Less common is F1.
- Packard Bell F2 key.
- HP F10 key If it doesn’t work, try F2, F11, Del or Esc.
On personal computers, the most common option is the Del key, but it all depends on the BIOS version. The most common combinations are:
- Ctrl + Alt + Esc;
- Esc
- F1;
- F2;
- Ctrl + Alt + Enter.
By the way, on laptops of the Lenovo family there is a special button - Novo button (curved arrow). If you click on it with the laptop turned off, it will start, in the window that appears, you can select BIOS Setup.
Boot menu in BIOS
So, the desired key is pressed, the shell entry is completed. What to do next? First you need to inspect all the bookmarks that are in the window that opens. Almost always, BIOS boot priority can be found in the Boot tab. If such a BIOS is on the PC, then you need to find the Boot Device Priority / Boot Settings line. The equipment is displayed there, or rather, in what order it will be used. By default, the hard drive is set. In order to figure out how to change the boot priority in the BIOS, you need to click on the 1st Boot Device and select a USB drive or DVD, depending on the need. Oh yes, the mouse in the BIOS does not work, so you only have to act on the keyboard.
For information: in each BIOS, the name of this item may vary. But the essence of this does not change, you need to choose USB / DVD as the primary boot device.
After the priority is changed, you need to exit the shell, press F10 and Y. The computer will reboot and start from the new device that is set first.
Another way to enter the Boot menu in the BIOS
But in earlier versions of the BIOS, the primary screen does not look like that. And the Boot tab is not there. So in order to change the boot priority in the BIOS, you will have to find the necessary menu items.
First you need to go to the Advanced BIOS Features section, after which a whole list of changeable lines will open. To change the boot priority, you need First Boot Device. After clicking on this line, a list of all connected devices will open. By analogy with other BIOS versions, you need to press F10 and save the changes made. After that, the PC will automatically reboot.
It should be remembered that putting the desired device in priority use at system startup is only possible if it is connected to the computer. Otherwise, the PC will not detect it.
Calling the boot menu without entering the BIOS
And if working with the BIOS requires certain skills from the user, then there is another way to start the boot menu. It is much simpler, and even an inexperienced PC owner can handle it.
If it is not clear how to set the boot priority in the BIOS, you can call the menu directly. On the first boot screen, you need to press the hot key, as a result of which the Boot menu opens. The only caveat: in any case, the BIOS will have to be visited in order to enable the boot window in its settings. To do this, select the Enabled option in the Boot menu section.
In conclusion, it is worth saying that the ability to change the boot priority of the operating system is very important for all users. Of course, if computer knowledge is very weak, then there is no need for this operation. But if a person is able to independently install a new OS or restore an existing one after a virus attack, then these methods are relevant.