What do you need to start your computer from USB?
To start your computer from USB, there are a few things you will need:
- A USB drive: Make sure it has enough storage capacity and is formatted correctly.
- A bootable USB image: This could be an operating system installation file or a recovery tool.
- A computer with BIOS or UEFI firmware: This is necessary to change the boot order.
Step 1: Prepare your USB drive
Before you can start your computer from USB, you need to prepare your USB drive. Follow these steps:
- Format the USB drive: Insert your USB drive into your computer and format it to FAT32. This ensures compatibility with most systems.
- Create a bootable image: Use a bootable image creation tool to make your USB drive bootable. This tool will vary depending on the operating system or software you are using.
Step 2: Access your computer’s BIOS or UEFI firmware
Next, you need to access your computer’s BIOS or UEFI firmware. This is where you can change the boot order to start your computer from USB. Follow these general steps:
- Restart your computer.
- Look for the key to access BIOS or UEFI during the startup process. This key is usually displayed on the screen momentarily or mentioned in your computer’s manual.
- Press the corresponding key to enter BIOS or UEFI. This is often the F2, Delete, or Esc key.
Step 3: Change the boot order
Once you are in the BIOS or UEFI firmware, you need to change the boot order. Here’s how:
- Navigate to the “Boot” or “Boot Order” section using the arrow keys on your keyboard.
- Select the option that corresponds to your USB drive and move it to the top of the boot order using the designated keys (often F5 or F6).
- Save the changes and exit the BIOS or UEFI firmware.
Step 4: Start your computer from USB
Now that you have changed the boot order, it’s time to start your computer from USB:
- Insert the USB drive into a free USB port on your computer.
- Restart your computer.
- Your computer will now boot from the USB drive. Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the desired action, such as installing an operating system or running a recovery tool.
Starting your computer from a USB drive can be a useful skill to have in various scenarios. By following the step-by-step guide outlined above, you will be able to successfully start your computer from a USB drive. Remember to always remove the USB drive once you are done to avoid any unintended booting from the USB drive in the future. Take advantage of this handy method and troubleshoot or install new systems with ease!