How to Change Boot Priority Settings in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Boot Issues

Boot priority settings determine the order in which your computer looks for an operating system during startup. Changing these settings can help fix common boot problems, such as when your PC fails to start or boots from the wrong device.

If you’re using Windows 11 and facing boot issues, adjusting the boot priority is often a simple and effective solution. This guide will walk you through each step in a clear and easy-to-understand way.

Following these instructions carefully will help you avoid common mistakes and get your PC booting correctly again.

Let’s begin with some quick notes before diving into the detailed steps.

Quick Note: What You Need Before Changing Boot Priority

Make sure your PC is fully shut down before starting the process.
Have a USB drive or DVD ready if you plan to boot from external media.
Know what device you want your computer to boot from (e.g., internal hard drive, USB, DVD).
Be aware that incorrect changes in BIOS/UEFI can affect system startup, so follow the steps carefully.

How to Change Boot Priority Settings in Windows 11

Step 1: Access the BIOS or UEFI Firmware Settings

Boot priority is controlled in the BIOS or UEFI firmware settings, which are separate from Windows. To get there:

Click on the Start button and select Settings.
In Settings, go to System > Recovery.
Under the Advanced startup section, click Restart now. Your PC will restart and open a blue menu.
From the blue menu, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings.
Click Restart to enter your BIOS/UEFI settings.

This method is the safest way to enter BIOS on Windows 11 computers without needing to press keys during boot.

Step 2: Locate the Boot Priority or Boot Order Menu

Once inside the BIOS/UEFI interface, the screen and options may look different depending on your PC manufacturer, but the process is similar:

Use the arrow keys or mouse (if supported) to navigate through the menus.
Look for a tab or menu named Boot, Boot Order, or Boot Priority.
This section lists all devices your PC can boot from, such as your hard drive, USB devices, DVD drive, and network.

If you have trouble finding it, check your PC or motherboard manual for specific instructions.

Step 3: Change the Boot Order

In the boot menu, you can change the order devices are checked when your computer starts:

Select the device you want to boot from first (for example, your internal hard drive or USB drive).
Use the instructions shown on the screen to move the device up or down the list. This often involves pressing keys like + / -, F5 / F6, or dragging with the mouse.
Ensure the correct device is at the very top of the list.

Setting the correct boot device first ensures your PC loads the operating system from the intended source. This is especially important if you want to boot from a USB to reinstall Windows or troubleshoot.

Step 4: Save Changes and Exit

After adjusting the boot order, you need to save your changes so they take effect:

Find the option labeled Save and Exit, Save Changes, or similar.
Select it and confirm if prompted.
Your PC will restart with the new boot priority settings applied.

Don’t forget this step — if you exit without saving, your changes won’t be applied, and the boot issues may persist.

Alternative Method: Change Boot Device Temporarily

If you only need to boot from a different device once (for example, to run a recovery tool), you can use the Boot Menu key during startup without changing BIOS settings permanently:

Restart your PC.
Immediately press the special key to access the Boot Menu (often F12, Esc, F10, or F8 depending on the manufacturer).
Select the device you want to boot from for this session.
Your PC will boot from the selected device, but the permanent boot order will remain unchanged.

This method is useful for troubleshooting or installing Windows without altering BIOS permanently.

FAQs

Q: How do I know which key to press to enter BIOS or Boot Menu?

A: The key varies by manufacturer but is usually shown briefly during startup (e.g., “Press F2 to enter Setup” or “Press F12 for Boot Menu”). Common keys include F2, Del, Esc, and F12. Check your PC’s manual or manufacturer website for exact details.

Q: What if I can’t access the BIOS or UEFI settings?

A: Make sure you use the Windows 11 advanced startup method described above. If your PC boots too fast, try holding Shift while clicking Restart to access recovery options.

Q: Will changing boot priority delete any files?

A: No, changing boot order only changes where the PC looks for the operating system. It does not delete or modify any data.

Q: Can I reset boot priority to default?

A: Yes, most BIOS/UEFI screens have an option to Load Setup Defaults or Reset to Default. Use this if you want to undo changes.

When Nothing Works

If changing the boot priority does not resolve your boot issues, you might be facing hardware problems or corrupted system files. Here are some final steps you can try:

Use Windows Recovery Environment to repair startup files.
Check your hard drive and cables for physical damage.
Contact your PC manufacturer’s support or visit the official Microsoft Windows 11 support page: Windows 11 Help.

Conclusion

Changing the boot priority settings in Windows 11 is a straightforward way to resolve many common startup problems. By carefully entering the BIOS/UEFI firmware, locating the boot options, and setting the correct device order, you can ensure your PC boots from the intended source.

Remember to save your changes before exiting and consider using the temporary boot menu for one-time device boots. If issues persist, further troubleshooting or professional help may be required.

Following this step-by-step guide will empower you to fix boot issues confidently and get your Windows 11 system running smoothly again.