Booting a PC from a USB drive is an essential skill for installing a new operating system, running diagnostic tools, or using a live environment without modifying your hard drive. This guide will walk you through the process in detail, ensuring a smooth boot experience.

A bootable USB drive allows you to:

• Install Windows, Linux, or other operating systems.
• Run recovery and repair tools for troubleshooting.
• Use live environments without installing software.
• Perform system updates and firmware installations.

To boot from a USB, you need to access your computer’s Boot Menu or BIOS/UEFI settings. This process varies depending on your PC’s manufacturer.

Most modern PCs have a Boot Menu, which allows you to temporarily choose a boot device without changing system settings permanently.

1. Restart your PC.
2. As soon as the computer starts, repeatedly press the correct key to open the Boot Menu. This key varies by manufacturer but is usually F12, F2, Esc, or DEL.
3. A list of bootable devices will appear. Use the arrow keys to highlight your USB drive, then press Enter.
4. Your PC should now boot from the USB.

For a full list of Boot Menu keys, check Tom’s Hardware.

If your computer does not have a Boot Menu or does not detect the USB drive, you may need to adjust the boot order in the BIOS/UEFI settings.

1. Restart your PC.
2. As it starts, repeatedly press the correct key to enter the BIOS/UEFI settings. This key is often F2, DEL, or Esc, depending on the manufacturer.
3. Once inside the BIOS/UEFI, use the arrow keys or mouse (if available) to navigate to the Boot or Boot Order section.
4. Locate the list of bootable devices and move USB Drive to the top using the indicated key (usually + or -).
5. Save your changes and exit (usually by pressing F10, then confirming with Yes).
6. Your computer will restart and attempt to boot from the USB drive.

For a more detailed guide on accessing BIOS/UEFI settings, visit How-To Geek.

• If the USB drive is properly set up and selected, your PC should now boot from it.
• You may see a message like “Press any key to boot from USB”—press a key to continue.

For troubleshooting and boot menu key lists, check Tom’s Hardware.

• USB Not Detected? Try a different USB port, preferably a USB 2.0 port instead of USB 3.0.
• Secure Boot Enabled? Some PCs require disabling Secure Boot in the BIOS/UEFI for non-Windows USB booting. Learn how at Microsoft Support.
• Legacy vs. UEFI Mode? Some bootable USBs require switching between Legacy and UEFI boot modes in BIOS.
• Try Another USB Drive if the one you’re using isn’t working.

• Windows Installation Guide
• Linux Boot from USB

Once your PC boots from the USB, follow the on-screen instructions for installation, recovery, or whatever task you need to perform.