Booting from USB lets you install or repair Windows, or run a recovery tool. Windows 11 can restart straight into the boot device menu from Settings, or you can press your PC’s boot menu key at power-on. Secure Boot may block unsigned USB media.
Quick Answer
Plug in the bootable USB, open Settings, System, Recovery, click Restart now next to Advanced startup, then choose Use a device and pick the USB drive.
How to Boot from USB on Windows 11
- Create a bootable USB with the tool for your task, such as Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool for Windows installation.
- Plug it into the PC.
- Open Settings, System, Recovery and click Restart now next to Advanced startup.
- On the blue screen, choose Use a device.
- Select the USB drive. The PC restarts from it.
- Or restart and press the boot menu key (often F12, F11, F9 or Esc, depending on the maker) and pick the USB.
Boot Menu Keys by Maker
| PC maker | Common key |
|---|---|
| Dell | F12 |
| HP | Esc, then F9 |
| Lenovo | F12 or the Novo button |
| Asus | Esc or F8 |
| Acer | F12 (may need enabling) |
Troubleshooting
- Use a device missing: the PC may use legacy boot or the USB is not bootable. Use the boot menu key instead.
- USB not listed: try another port, preferably USB-A on the back of a desktop.
- Secure Boot violation: use official, signed media, or change Secure Boot only if you understand the risk.
- Related: how to open the BIOS on Windows 11 and how to reinstall Windows from BIOS.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a USB bootable?
Tools like the Media Creation Tool write the needed boot files.
Will booting from USB erase my PC?
Not by itself. Installing Windows can, depending on your choices.
Can I change the boot order permanently?
Yes, in the firmware settings.
Is it the same on Windows 10?
Yes, Settings, Update and Security, Recovery.
Summary
- Create a bootable USB.
- Plug it in.
- Advanced startup, Restart now.
- Use a device, pick the USB.
- Or use the boot menu key.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.