A guide to starting Windows 11 from a USB device

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This content guides students and new users on booting from a USB flash drive in Windows 11. Two methods are explained: using the computer boot menu, which can be accessed with certain keys (Esc, F2, F10, or F12) during startup, or via Windows Advanced Startup (WinRE). Both methods allow loading or installing a new operating…

This post shows students and new users steps to boot from a USB flash drive when using Windows 11. There are multiple ways to boot from a USB flash drive in Windows, and all these methods work well. However, some work better than others in some cases.

One common way to boot from a USB drive is to use your computer boot menu. Your PC boot menu is accessible while the computer starts up the process. It provides a way to load and install a new operating system or access other external devices like a USB drive.

There are specific keys on the keyboard to access a computer boot menu. The keys generally used to access a computer boot menu are Esc, F2, F10, or F12. If any of the keys listed cannot access your computer boot menu, you may need to reference your PC manufacturer’s manual to get that.

Another way to boot from a USB is via Windows Advanced Startup (WinRE). We’re going to list some of the ways one can boot from a USB drive below.

How to boot from a USB flash drive in Windows 11

As mentioned above, there are multiple ways to boot from a USB flash drive in Windows, and all these methods work well. However, some are better than others in some cases.

Here’s how to boot from a USB flash drive in Windows 11.

Boot from USB via Windows Advanced Startup (WinRE)

To boot from a USB via WinRE, insert and connect the USB device to your computer. Next, boot to Windows Advanced Startup (WinRE).

Select Use a device in the WinRE option menu, as shown in the image below.

Then select the USB device from the list.

Your computer will reboot and boot from the selected USB device.

Boot from a USB device via the boot menu

If using WinRE above doesn’t work or doesn’t apply to you, you can use your computer’s boot menu to boot from a USB drive.

  • Connect the USB drive to your computer.
  • Start the computer up.
  • Press your keyboard’s boot menu key (Esc, F2, F10, or F12) to access the boot menu.

The boot menu option key will vary per brand and model of the motherboard. If the keys above can not cover the boot menu, reference your PC’s manual.

Select the USB drive you want to boot from and press Enter.

Your computer will then boot from the drive.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

This post showed you how to boot from a USB flash drive in Windows 11. Please use the comment form below if you find any errors above or have something to add.

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