How do I change Boot order in Windows 10?
Ensuring that your computer boots without any issues is crucial for a smooth and efficient computing experience. In Windows 10, you can change the boot order to prioritize the devices and media that you use most frequently. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to change the boot order in Windows 10.
Why Change Boot Order?
Before we dive into the steps, it’s essential to understand why changing the boot order is necessary. Here are some reasons why:
- Speed up boot time: By prioritizing the devices and media that you use most frequently, you can significantly reduce the boot time. This is especially important for users who frequently use multiple devices or media at once.
- Prevent conflict: If multiple devices or media are detected during boot, it can cause conflicts and slow down the boot process. By changing the boot order, you can ensure that the most important devices are prioritized, reducing conflicts and speeding up the boot process.
- Improved security: By prioritizing the devices and media that you trust, you can reduce the risk of malware and other security threats.
How to Change Boot Order in Windows 10
Changing the boot order in Windows 10 is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do so:
Step 1: Access the Boot Options Menu
To change the boot order, you need to access the Boot Options menu. Here’s how to do it:
- Method 1: Using the Windows Key
- Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
- Type
msconfigand press Enter to open the System Configuration window. - Click on the Boot tab and then click on the Boot options button.
- Method 2: Using the Settings App
- Click on the Start button and search for Settings.
- Click on Update & security and then click on Recovery.
- Click on Advanced start-up options, and then click on Restart now.
Step 2: Change the Boot Order
Once you’re in the Boot Options menu, you can see the list of available devices and media. Here’s how to change the boot order:
- Method 1: Using the Up and Down Arrows
- Use the Up and Down arrow keys to select the device or media you want to boot from.
- Press the Enter key to move the selected device or media to the top of the list.
- Method 2: Using the Move-Down (↓) and Move-Up (↑) Buttons
- Click on the Move-Down (↓) button to move the selected device or media down in the list.
- Click on the Move-Up (↑) button to move the selected device or media up in the list.
Tips and Tricks:
- Prioritize UEFI-based devices: If you have multiple UEFI-based devices, it’s recommended to prioritize them first, as they can cause system instability if not properly configured.
- Avoid conflicts: If you have multiple devices or media that are not compatible with each other, try to prioritize the ones that are most compatible.
- Save changes: After making changes, click on OK to save the changes. You may need to restart your computer to apply the changes.
Additional Tips for Advanced Users:
- Use the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) Editor: If you’re an advanced user, you can use the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) Editor to manually edit the boot entries and prioritize devices. To do this, open the Command Prompt as an administrator and type
bcdedit /enumto display the list of boot entries. - Create a restore point: Before making any changes, it’s recommended to create a system restore point. This will allow you to roll back to a previous state if you encounter any issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, changing the boot order in Windows 10 is a simple process that can improve the overall performance and security of your system. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can prioritize the devices and media that you use most frequently, reducing the boot time and minimizing conflicts. Remember to prioritize UEFI-based devices, avoid conflicts, and save changes to apply the changes. Advanced users may also want to explore the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) Editor and create a system restore point before making any changes.