How to Boot from USB in Windows 11
Booting from a USB in Windows 11 lets your PC start up using a flash drive instead of its usual hard drive. This process is key for installing Windows 11, fixing startup problems, or running special tools when your computer won’t load normally.
A bootable USB drive works like a portable version of an operating system or a set of repair tools. You’ll typically create this drive using a tool like the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool.
Then, you’ll need to enter your computer’s BIOS or UEFI settings. This is usually done by pressing a key like F2, F10, F12, or DEL right after you turn on your PC. Inside these settings, you change the boot order.
Making the USB drive the first choice in the boot order tells your computer to load from the flash drive before it checks your main hard 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
To boot from a USB in Windows 11, you first need to make a bootable flash drive using 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 your PC’s BIOS or UEFI settings is often the first step to boot from USB in Windows 11. You can usually get into these settings by restarting your computer and quickly pressing a special key like F2, F10, F12, or Del right after it starts powering on. Different computer brands use different keys, so check the table for your 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
You can boot from a USB drive in Windows 11 using the built-in Advanced Startup feature. Plug in your USB drive, then navigate to your PC’s Settings, find the System menu, click on Recovery, and then select ‘Restart now’ under the Advanced startup section to begin the process.
- 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.”
From the list shown, choose your USB drive. Your computer will then restart and load from that drive.
Booting using the Computer Boot Menu
If Windows Advanced Startup doesn’t work, your computer’s built-in boot menu offers another way to boot from USB in Windows 11. Plug in your USB drive, restart your PC, and immediately press your computer’s specific boot menu key. This will let you select your USB drive directly from a list of startup options.
- 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
In summary, booting from a USB drive in Windows 11 means preparing your bootable media and then using either the Advanced Startup menu or your computer’s hardware boot menu key. Remember to back up your data and check your BIOS settings if needed.
Why is my USB not showing up in the boot menu?
Your USB drive might not show up in the boot menu for Windows 11 if it wasn’t formatted correctly as bootable, so double-check you used a tool like Media Creation Tool or Rufus, and ensure your BIOS settings allow USB booting and don’t have Fast Boot enabled.
Do I need to disable Secure Boot to boot from USB?
You usually don’t need to disable Secure Boot to boot from USB in Windows 11 if your USB drive was created correctly for UEFI systems, but you might need to turn it off temporarily if you’re using older tools or unsigned software.
Will booting from USB erase my files?
Booting from a USB won’t automatically erase your files. However, if you choose to perform a clean installation of Windows, that process will wipe your internal drive. Always back up your important data to an external location before starting any major system repairs or installations.
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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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