How to Boot from USB in Windows 11
Booting from a USB drive in Windows 11 lets your PC start up from a flash drive instead of your main hard drive. You need this process to install a fresh copy of Windows 11, fix computer startup problems, or run repair tools when Windows refuses to load normally.
The process works by putting your bootable USB drive into the PC, restarting the computer, and pressing a key like F2, F12, or Delete to open your motherboard’s BIOS or UEFI settings menu. Once inside, you change the boot order so the flash drive runs first before the internal storage drive.
Access the Advanced Startup menu by going to Settings System Recovery Restart now. Then select “Use a device” and choose your USB drive from the list. Alternatively, restart your PC and press the boot menu key for your manufacturer.
Preparation of Bootable Media
Booting from a USB in Windows 11 requires a bootable flash drive made with Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool or a program like Rufus with an ISO file, but remember this will erase everything on the USB.
How to Enter the BIOS on a 🪟 Windows 11 PC
Entering the BIOS or UEFI settings is often the first step to boot from USB in Windows 11. Restarting the computer and quickly pressing a special key like F2, F10, F12, or Del right after it starts powering on gets you into these settings. Different computer brands use different keys, so check the table for the manufacturer.
| Manufacturer | Boot Menu Key |
|---|---|
| Dell | F12 |
| HP | F9 or Esc |
| Lenovo | F12 or Fn+F12 |
| ASUS | F8 or Esc |
| Acer | F12 |
Booting through Windows Advanced Startup
Booting from a USB drive in Windows 11 works using the built-in Advanced Startup feature. Plug the USB drive into the computer. Go to Settings System Recovery, find “Advanced startup”, and click “Restart now.”
- Plug your USB drive into the computer.
- Go to Settings System Recovery
- Find “Advanced startup” and click “Restart now.”
- When the menu appears, select “Use a device.”
Choosing the USB drive from the displayed list prompts the computer to restart and load from that storage device.
Booting using the Computer Boot Menu
The computer's built-in boot menu offers another method if Windows Advanced Startup fails. Plug in the USB drive, restart the PC, and immediately press the specific boot menu key for that machine. Selecting the USB drive directly from the startup options list completes the setup.
- Plug your USB drive into the computer.
- Restart your computer.
- Immediately press the boot menu key for your model.
- Select your USB drive from the list using the arrow keys and press Enter.
Summary
Preparing bootable media and using either the Advanced Startup menu or the hardware boot menu key allows successful USB booting in Windows 11. Backing up data and checking BIOS settings prevents unexpected data loss.
Why is my USB not showing up in the boot menu?
USB drives might fail to appear in the boot menu for Windows 11 if the formatting was incorrect, so double-check the use of a utility like Media Creation Tool or Rufus, and ensure BIOS settings allow USB booting while keeping Fast Boot disabled.
Do I need to disable Secure Boot to boot from USB?
Disabling Secure Boot is generally unnecessary for booting from USB in Windows 11 when the drive is configured correctly for UEFI systems, though temporary deactivation helps when using older tools or unsigned software.
Will booting from USB erase my files?
Booting from a USB leaves files untouched unless a clean installation of Windows wipes the internal drive during setup. Copying important data to an external location prior to major system repairs or installations safeguards files against accidental loss.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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