To change the boot drive in Windows 11, you change the boot order in your PC’s UEFI firmware (often still called BIOS). The quickest way in is Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now, then Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings. On the Boot tab, move the drive you want to Boot Option #1, save, and exit.
To start from a USB drive just once, use the one-time boot menu key instead (often F12, F11, F8, or Esc). If you have two Windows installations, you can choose the default from Windows itself.
Quick Answer
Open UEFI Firmware Settings from Advanced startup, go to the Boot tab, set the drive you want as Boot Option #1, and press F10 to save and exit.
Method 1: Change the Boot Order in UEFI
- Open Settings > System > Recovery.
- Next to Advanced startup, select Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.
- In the firmware menu, open the Boot tab (it may be called Boot Priority, Boot Sequence, or Startup).
- Select Boot Option #1 and choose the drive you want, such as Windows Boot Manager on your new SSD. Some firmware uses + and – keys or drag-and-drop to reorder.
- Press F10 (or choose Save & Exit) and confirm.
Menus differ by manufacturer, but the Boot tab and F10 to save are common to most PCs.
Method 2: Boot From a Drive Just Once
- Restart the PC.
- As soon as the logo appears, press the boot menu key repeatedly.
- Choose the drive from the list. The permanent order doesn’t change.
| PC maker | Common boot menu key | Firmware setup key |
|---|---|---|
| Dell | F12 | F2 |
| HP | Esc, then F9 | Esc, then F10 |
| Lenovo | F12 (or Fn + F12) | F1 or F2 |
| ASUS | F8 or Esc | F2 or Del |
| Acer | F12 (may need enabling) | F2 |
| Custom desktops | F11, F12, or F8 | Del |
Keys vary by model, so check your manual if these don’t work. You can also select Use a device on the Advanced startup screen.
Method 3: Choose the Default Windows on a Dual-Boot PC
- Press Windows + R, type
msconfig, and press Enter. - Open the Boot tab.
- Select the installation you want and choose Set as default.
- Select OK and restart.
You can also go to Settings > System > About > Advanced system settings > Startup and Recovery to set the default and the menu timeout.
After Moving Windows to a New Drive
- If you cloned Windows to an SSD, set the SSD’s Windows Boot Manager entry first, then check that the PC starts from it before wiping the old drive. See how to clone a hard drive or move Windows to an SSD.
- Open Disk Management (right-click Start) and confirm the new drive shows Boot and EFI System Partition.
Setting up a second operating system? Our guide to installing Linux alongside Windows covers dual-booting step by step.
Troubleshooting
- The drive isn’t listed: Make sure it’s connected and has a bootable Windows installation. USB drives must be formatted for UEFI.
- “Secure Boot violation”: The USB tool or OS isn’t signed. Use official media, or check your Secure Boot settings.
- The PC goes straight to Windows before you can press a key: Fast startup skips the key window. Use Advanced startup instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the boot drive without entering the BIOS?
For a one-time boot, yes: use Advanced startup > Use a device. Permanent changes are made in UEFI.
Will changing the boot order erase anything?
No. It only changes which drive the PC tries first.
Summary
- Open UEFI Firmware Settings from Advanced startup.
- Set the drive you want as Boot Option #1.
- Save with F10.
- Use the boot menu key for one-time changes.
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.