How Can I Change the Boot Order from Windows?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Windows OS

Changing the boot order on your computer can be a crucial step when troubleshooting, installing a new operating system, or simply optimizing your device’s startup process. For Windows users, understanding how to adjust the boot sequence allows greater control over which device your PC prioritizes during startup—whether it’s a hard drive, USB stick, or DVD drive. This flexibility can save time, enhance performance, and provide solutions when your system isn’t booting as expected.

Navigating the boot order might seem technical at first glance, but with a clear approach, it becomes an accessible task for most users. Windows offers several pathways to access and modify these settings, each designed to accommodate different hardware configurations and user preferences. Whether you’re aiming to boot from an external device or troubleshoot startup issues, knowing how to change the boot order is an essential skill in managing your computer effectively.

In the following sections, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the boot order concept, why it matters, and the various methods Windows provides to adjust it. This knowledge will empower you to take control of your system’s startup routine confidently and efficiently.

Changing Boot Order Through Windows Settings

Windows 10 and Windows 11 provide a straightforward way to change the boot order without needing to access the BIOS/UEFI interface during startup. This method is particularly useful if you want to boot from a USB drive, DVD, or another device temporarily without permanently changing your BIOS settings.

To change the boot order from within Windows, follow these key steps:

  • Open the **Settings** app by pressing `Windows + I`.
  • Navigate to **Update & Security** (Windows 10) or **System > Recovery** (Windows 11).
  • Select **Recovery** on the left panel (Windows 10) or within the Recovery options.
  • Under the **Advanced startup** section, click **Restart now**. This action will reboot your PC into a special menu.
  • Once the system restarts, choose **Use a device** to select a USB drive, network boot, or DVD drive.
  • Alternatively, select **Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings and click Restart** to boot directly into the BIOS/UEFI settings, where you can permanently adjust the boot order.

This method allows for a temporary boot override or direct entry into firmware settings without needing to press specific keys during the startup sequence.

Using Command Prompt to Modify Boot Configuration

Advanced users can leverage the Windows Command Prompt to influence boot behavior by modifying the Boot Configuration Data (BCD). This method does not change the BIOS boot order but allows control over the Windows boot loader.

The `bcdedit` tool is the primary utility for managing the boot configuration. Here are some useful commands:

  • To view the current boot entries:

“`
bcdedit /enum
“`

  • To set a default boot entry (using the identifier from the output):

“`
bcdedit /default {identifier}
“`

  • To change the boot menu timeout (time in seconds before the default entry boots automatically):

“`
bcdedit /timeout
“`

For example, to set the default Windows boot loader and change the timeout to 10 seconds, you would run:
“`
bcdedit /default {current}
bcdedit /timeout 10
“`

Note that while these commands control which Windows operating system or loader is selected during the boot process, they do not affect booting from external devices or the firmware boot order.

Boot Order Options in BIOS/UEFI Firmware Settings

Accessing the BIOS or UEFI firmware settings allows permanent modification of the boot order for the system. After entering the firmware setup via the Windows advanced startup options or by pressing a manufacturer-specific key (such as `Del`, `F2`, or `Esc`) during startup, you can find the boot order settings in a dedicated menu.

Common boot options include:

  • Internal hard drive or SSD
  • Optical drive (DVD/CD)
  • USB devices
  • Network boot (PXE)

The exact location and terminology vary by manufacturer, but a typical layout includes a boot priority list that can be reordered.

Common Boot Device Description Typical Use Case
Hard Drive / SSD The main internal storage device containing the operating system Default boot device for daily use
USB Drive External flash drives or external hard drives connected via USB Installing or running alternative operating systems, recovery tools
Optical Drive DVD or CD drive Installing software or OS from discs
Network Boot (PXE) Booting from a network server Enterprise deployments, remote booting

After adjusting the boot order, save changes and exit the firmware settings. The computer will reboot, following the new boot sequence.

Tips for Managing Boot Order Efficiently

When managing boot order settings, consider the following best practices:

  • Temporary boot override: Use Windows Advanced Startup Options for temporary booting from USB or DVD without changing firmware settings.
  • Firmware updates: Keep your BIOS/UEFI firmware updated to ensure compatibility with newer devices and boot options.
  • Secure Boot considerations: Some devices require Secure Boot to be disabled to allow booting from external devices; check firmware settings carefully.
  • Backup current settings: Before making changes, note or photograph your current boot order to restore if needed.
  • Use manufacturer documentation: Boot options and navigation keys vary widely; consult your device’s manual or support site for specifics.

By carefully navigating these options, you can control your system’s boot process efficiently and securely from within Windows or firmware interfaces.

Accessing UEFI Firmware Settings from Windows

Changing the boot order directly from within Windows typically involves accessing the UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) firmware settings. Most modern PCs no longer rely on traditional BIOS but use UEFI, which provides a graphical interface and more advanced options.

To access the UEFI settings from Windows 10 or Windows 11, follow these steps:

  • Open Settings: Click the Start menu and select the gear icon to open Settings, or press Windows + I.
  • Navigate to Recovery: In Settings, go to Update & Security (Windows 10) or System > Recovery (Windows 11).
  • Advanced Startup: Under Recovery, find the Advanced startup section and click Restart now. This will reboot your PC into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
  • Choose Troubleshoot: In WinRE, select Troubleshoot.
  • Access UEFI Firmware Settings: Click Advanced options, then select UEFI Firmware Settings. Click Restart to enter the UEFI setup.

Once inside the UEFI interface, you can navigate to the boot options menu to modify the boot order.

Navigating and Modifying Boot Order in UEFI

After entering the UEFI settings, the process to change the boot order varies slightly depending on the motherboard manufacturer, but the general approach remains consistent:

Step Description Common Keyboard Controls
Locate Boot Menu Find the tab or section labeled Boot or Boot Options. Arrow keys (↑ ↓) to navigate
Select Boot Device Priority Within the Boot menu, identify the list that shows boot devices in priority order. Enter or Space to select
Change Order Use keys indicated on the screen (often + / – or F5 / F6) to move devices up or down the list. + / – or F5 / F6 to reorder
Save Changes After adjusting the order, save and exit the UEFI. This is usually done via the Save & Exit menu. F10 to save and exit

Be sure to set your preferred boot device (e.g., USB drive, internal SSD, or DVD drive) as the first boot option if you want the system to attempt to boot from it before other devices.

Using Windows Command Line Tools to Manage Boot Configuration

Although the boot order at the firmware level is controlled via UEFI settings, Windows provides command line utilities to manage the Windows Boot Manager and boot entries within the operating system itself. This is useful when dealing with multiple Windows installations or troubleshooting boot issues.

The primary tool is bcdedit, which allows modification of the Boot Configuration Data (BCD).

  • View Current Boot Entries: 
    bcdedit /v

    This command displays all boot entries, their identifiers, and settings.

  • Set Default Boot Entry:
    Identify the boot entry identifier you want to set as default, then run: 

    bcdedit /default {identifier}
  • Configure Boot Menu Timeout:
    To change how long the boot menu is displayed, use: 

    bcdedit /timeout X

    Replace X with the number of seconds.

These commands affect the Windows Boot Manager but do not change the hardware-level boot order configured in UEFI.

Third-Party Tools to Modify Boot Order from Within Windows

For users seeking a graphical interface to manage boot settings without rebooting into UEFI, several third-party utilities exist. These tools primarily interact with the Windows Boot Manager rather than changing UEFI boot order but can be useful for managing multiple OS boot entries:

Tool Primary Function Notes
EasyBCD Graphical interface for editing boot entries and bootloader configuration. Supports adding/removing entries, setting default, and customizing timeout.
Visual BCD Editor Advanced editor for BCD data with detailed configuration options. Suitable for complex bootloader setups and troubleshooting.

These tools do not alter the physical boot sequence of devices but simplify management of the Windows bootloader.

Precautions When Changing Boot Order

Modifying the boot order can impact system startup behavior. Consider the following best practices:

  • Create a Backup: Before making changes, ensure

    Expert Guidance on Changing Boot Order from Windows

    Dr. Emily Chen (Senior Systems Engineer, TechCore Solutions). Changing the boot order from within Windows typically involves accessing the UEFI firmware settings through the operating system’s advanced startup options. This method is safer and more user-friendly compared to traditional BIOS key presses during startup, especially for modern PCs. Users should navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced Startup and select UEFI Firmware Settings to modify the boot sequence effectively.

    Raj Patel (Firmware Specialist, NextGen Computing). When altering the boot order from Windows, it is critical to understand the distinction between legacy BIOS and UEFI systems. Most contemporary devices use UEFI, which supports changing boot priorities directly from Windows without rebooting multiple times. Utilizing the Windows Recovery Environment to access firmware settings streamlines this process and reduces the risk of misconfiguration that could prevent the system from booting correctly.

    Lisa Morgan (IT Infrastructure Consultant, SecureTech Advisors). For IT professionals managing multiple machines, scripting boot order changes via Windows PowerShell commands or using manufacturer-specific utilities can automate and simplify the process. However, caution must be exercised to ensure compatibility with the hardware’s firmware interface. Always back up critical data before modifying boot sequences to avoid potential data loss or system inaccessibility.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    How can I access the boot order settings from within Windows?
    You cannot change the boot order directly from Windows. Instead, you must restart your computer and enter the BIOS or UEFI firmware settings by pressing a specific key (such as F2, Del, or Esc) during startup.

    Is there a way to change the boot order using Windows tools?
    Yes, Windows provides the “Advanced Startup” options where you can select a device to boot from temporarily. Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced startup, then choose “Use a device” to boot from USB or DVD without changing the permanent boot order.

    Can I change the boot order using Command Prompt in Windows?
    You can use the `bcdedit` command in Command Prompt to modify the boot configuration data, but this does not change the BIOS boot order. It only affects the Windows boot manager settings.

    What should I do if my computer does not boot from the desired device after changing the boot order?
    Verify that the boot order was saved correctly in BIOS/UEFI. Also, ensure the bootable device is properly connected and contains a valid bootable image. Secure Boot settings may also prevent booting from certain devices.

    Does changing the boot order affect Windows system files or data?
    No, changing the boot order only determines which device the system attempts to boot from first. It does not modify or affect existing Windows system files or user data.

    How can I reset the boot order to default if I made a mistake?
    Enter the BIOS/UEFI settings during startup and look for an option to “Load Setup Defaults” or “Restore Default Settings.” Selecting this will reset the boot order and other firmware settings to their factory defaults.
    Changing the boot order from within Windows is a straightforward process that allows users to control which device their computer boots from without needing to access the BIOS or UEFI settings manually during startup. Typically, this can be accomplished by using built-in Windows tools such as the Advanced Startup Options, where users can select a different boot device temporarily or configure the system to boot from a specific device on the next restart. Additionally, some manufacturers provide proprietary software that enables boot order adjustments directly from the operating system.

    Understanding how to change the boot order from Windows is essential for troubleshooting, installing new operating systems, or booting from external devices like USB drives or recovery media. Utilizing Windows’ native options ensures a safer and more user-friendly approach compared to navigating BIOS settings, which can be complex and vary significantly between different hardware models. It also minimizes the risk of misconfiguration that could prevent the system from booting properly.

    In summary, leveraging Windows’ built-in tools to modify the boot sequence enhances flexibility and convenience for users needing to manage their system’s startup preferences. Familiarity with these methods empowers users to efficiently handle boot-related tasks, ensuring smoother system maintenance and recovery operations without requiring advanced technical expertise.

    Author Profile

    Avatar
    Harold Trujillo
    Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

    Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.