Changing the boot drive in Windows 10 is simpler than it sounds. Essentially, you’ll be telling your computer to start from a different hard drive or SSD. To do this, you’ll need to access your computer’s BIOS settings, set the desired drive as the primary boot option, save your changes, and then restart your computer. Once done, your PC should boot from the drive you just selected, effectively changing the boot drive.
How to Change Boot Drive Windows 10
Changing your boot drive in Windows 10 involves accessing the BIOS/UEFI settings and prioritizing a different drive to boot from. This process can be useful when you want to boot from a new or different drive, such as a faster SSD or a drive with a different operating system.
Step 1: Restart your computer
Access the BIOS by restarting your computer and pressing the designated key during startup.
The key you need to press varies depending on your computer’s manufacturer, but it’s often F2, F10, Delete, or Esc. Look out for a message on the screen during startup indicating which key to press. Be quick, though, as you have only a small window of time to press it.
Step 2: Enter BIOS/UEFI
Navigate to the Boot menu within the BIOS/UEFI interface.
Once inside, use the arrow keys to find the Boot menu. This is where you can see the list of drives and change the order in which your computer checks them for an operating system.
Step 3: Change the boot order
Set the desired drive as the first option in the boot sequence.
Highlight the drive you want to boot from and use the instructions on the screen to move it to the top of the list. This tells your computer to attempt booting from this drive first.
Step 4: Save changes
Save your changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI.
Typically, you’ll press a key like F10 to save and exit. Make sure to confirm any prompts asking if you want to save your changes. Your computer will then restart.
Step 5: Verify the boot drive
After your computer restarts, verify that it boots from the correct drive.
Check that your computer starts from the drive you selected. If it doesn’t, revisit the BIOS/UEFI to ensure your changes were saved correctly.
After completing these steps, your computer will start using the new boot drive. This means that whenever your computer powers on, it’ll check the specified drive first before any others. If the drive has a working operating system, your computer will boot from it seamlessly.
Tips for Changing Boot Drive Windows 10
- Before making any changes, back up important data in case something goes wrong.
- Keep your BIOS updated to avoid compatibility issues with newer hardware.
- Be cautious when making changes in BIOS/UEFI, as incorrect settings could affect your computer’s functionality.
- Use a reliable power source to prevent sudden shutdowns during the process.
- Ensure the drive you want to boot from is properly connected and functioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a boot drive?
A boot drive is the hard drive or SSD that your computer uses to start up the operating system.
Can I change the boot drive without BIOS?
No, changing the boot drive typically requires accessing the BIOS/UEFI settings.
What happens if I choose the wrong boot drive?
Your computer may not start properly if the drive lacks an operating system or is faulty.
Is it possible to have multiple boot drives?
Yes, you can have multiple boot drives, each potentially containing different operating systems.
Will changing the boot drive affect my files?
Changing the boot drive won’t affect your files, but ensure the drive you select has the necessary data.
Summary
- Restart computer.
- Enter BIOS/UEFI.
- Change boot order.
- Save changes.
- Verify boot drive.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned how to change the boot drive in Windows 10, you’re ready to take control of your computer’s startup process. This skill is handy for various situations, whether you’re upgrading to a faster SSD or testing out a new operating system. Remember, while the process might seem intimidating, taking it step by step makes it much easier.
In case you run into any issues, don’t panic! The BIOS/UEFI is designed to be user-friendly, allowing you to make changes without too much hassle. If the changes don’t work as expected, simply retrace your steps and double-check each detail.
For further reading, consider exploring articles on optimizing your boot drive’s performance. You might also want to look into dual-booting systems if you’re interested in running multiple operating systems on the same machine. Your next computer adventure is just around the corner, so don’t hesitate to explore the endless possibilities that come with mastering your PC’s boot settings.
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
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