Accessing the boot menu on Windows 10 offers you the ability to modify your system’s startup configuration and perform troubleshooting or recovery procedures. If you encounter persistent issues or need to make changes to your boot settings, knowing how to access the boot menu is essential. Fortunately, Windows 10 provides several methods to enter this vital utility, ensuring that you have the flexibility to choose the approach that best suits your situation.
One convenient method is to hold down the Shift key while restarting your computer. As your system begins the restart process, the boot menu will automatically appear, providing you with options to boot into different environments, such as Safe Mode or UEFI Firmware Settings. Alternatively, you can access the boot menu through the Windows Recovery Environment. To do this, restart your computer and repeatedly press the F8 key until the Windows Recovery Environment screen appears. From here, you can select the Troubleshoot option, followed by Advanced options, and finally Startup Settings. This method allows you to change boot settings without having to enter the UEFI firmware.
If the Shift key or F8 key methods don’t work, you can also use the System Configuration utility. To access System Configuration, press Windows Key + R and type msconfig in the Run dialog box. Once the System Configuration utility opens, navigate to the Boot tab. Here, you can modify boot options such as the default operating system, boot timeout, and debug information.
Using the Settings App
There are multiple methods to access the Boot Menu in Windows 10, and one of the most straightforward is through the Settings app. This method is user-friendly, making it suitable for both novice and experienced users.
To get to the Boot Menu using the Settings app, follow these steps:
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Open the Settings app: Click on the Start button, then select the "Settings" gear icon.
- Alternatively, you can press the Windows key (⊞) + I on your keyboard to directly launch the Settings app.
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Navigate to System: In the Settings app, click on "System." This section provides various options related to your system’s settings, including boot settings.
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Select Recovery: On the left-hand navigation panel, scroll down and click on "Recovery." This section deals with system recovery options, including the ability to reboot your computer into the Boot Menu.
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Click Advanced Startup: Under the "Advanced startup" section, you will find the "Restart now" button. Click on this button to restart your computer and enter the Boot Menu.
Once you click the "Restart now" button, your computer will restart and display the Boot Menu options. This menu allows you to choose which device you want to boot from, such as your hard drive, USB drive, or network adapter. You can also access other troubleshooting options, such as the BIOS settings.
Utilizing the Command Prompt
The Command Prompt offers a straightforward approach to accessing the boot menu in Windows 10. Here’s how to accomplish this:
- Open the Command Prompt as Administrator:
- Click the Start menu and type “cmd” in the search field.
- Right-click on the “Command Prompt” result and select “Run as administrator”.
- Use the System Information Command:
- Type the following command and press Enter:
systeminfo | find "BIOS version/date" - This command will display your BIOS version and date.
- Note down the BIOS key for your specific system, usually listed as “F2”, “F10”, or similar.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
- Restart Your Computer and Enter the Boot Menu:
- Restart your computer.
- Immediately press the BIOS key you noted earlier.
- You will be taken to the boot menu, where you can select different boot options.
Note: The specific BIOS key may vary depending on your computer’s make and model. Refer to the manufacturer’s documentation for the exact key to use.
Employing the Advanced Boot Options Menu
The Advanced Boot Options Menu provides a comprehensive suite of troubleshooting and recovery tools. To access this menu, you can use the following methods:
1. Windows Settings
Navigate to the “Update & Security” section in Windows Settings. Select “Recovery” from the left-hand menu and click on the “Advanced startup” button. Your computer will restart and present you with the Advanced Boot Options Menu.
2. Command Prompt
Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Type the following command and press Enter:
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shutdown /r /o
“`Your computer will restart and boot into the Advanced Boot Options Menu.
3. Boot from Installation Media
If your computer cannot boot into Windows normally, you can create a bootable USB or DVD using the Windows Media Creation Tool. Insert the media into your computer and restart. The computer should automatically boot from the media. Select the “Repair your PC” option and you will be presented with the Advanced Boot Options Menu.
The Advanced Boot Options Menu offers a range of options, including:
Option Description Startup Repair Automatically repairs common Windows boot issues. System Restore Restores your system to a previous point in time. System Image Recovery Reinstalls Windows from a previously created system image. Command Prompt Opens a Command Prompt window where you can execute advanced troubleshooting commands. UEFI Firmware Settings Allows you to access the UEFI firmware settings for your motherboard. Leveraging System Recovery Options
The Advanced Startup menu in Windows 10 provides access to a range of system recovery options, including the UEFI settings and the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). These tools can be utilized to troubleshoot and resolve boot-related issues.
To access the Advanced Startup menu, you can use the following methods:
- From within Windows: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery and click on the “Restart now” button under Advanced startup.
- From a bootable USB drive: Insert a USB drive containing the Windows 10 installation media. Boot from the USB drive and click on the “Repair your computer” option.
- From a recovery partition: Most Windows 10 computers have a dedicated recovery partition. Restart your computer and repeatedly press a specific key (usually F8 or F11) to access the recovery partition.
Once you’ve entered the Advanced Startup menu, you can choose from the following recovery options:
Recovery Option Description Startup Repair Automatically diagnoses and repairs common boot issues. Uninstall Updates Removes recently installed Windows updates that may be causing boot problems. System Restore Restores your system to a previous point in time when it was working properly. UEFI Firmware Settings Allows you to change UEFI settings, such as boot order and security options. Command Prompt Provides access to command-line tools for advanced troubleshooting and recovery tasks. Exploiting a Third-Party Tool
If tinkering with system configurations and command prompts doesn’t align with your preferences, third-party software can provide a more user-friendly solution. These programs are designed specifically to facilitate access to the boot menu, eliminating the need for complex manipulations.
One suitable application is EasyUEFI, a widely acclaimed tool that empowers users with a comprehensive set of UEFI and boot management capabilities. Here’s how you can utilize EasyUEFI to access the boot menu:
Step 1: Installation and Launch
• Retrieve EasyUEFI from its official website and install it on your Windows 10 system.
• Once the installation is complete, locate and launch the EasyUEFI application.Step 2: Boot Order Management
• Within the EasyUEFI interface, navigate to the "Boot" tab.
• Here, you will find a list of available boot devices. The current boot order is displayed, with the primary boot device listed at the top.Step 3: Modifying Boot Order
• To change the boot order, simply use the drag-and-drop functionality to rearrange the devices.
• Drag the desired boot device to the top of the list to prioritize it during the boot process.Step 4: Accessing the Boot Menu
• Once the boot order is configured, click on the "Save" button to finalize the changes.
• The next time you restart your computer, the modified boot order will be applied.
• As the system boots, press the designated key (typically F8 or F12) to access the boot menu.Step 5: UEFI Boot Options
• Additionally, EasyUEFI offers advanced options for UEFI boot management.
• The "UEFI" tab allows you to manage UEFI settings, including enabling/disabling Secure Boot and configuring boot mode (legacy or UEFI).
• By leveraging EasyUEFI’s intuitive interface and comprehensive capabilities, you can access the boot menu and customize boot settings effortlessly, without the need for complex manual interventions.Creating a Boot Menu Manually
Creating a boot menu manually involves modifying the BIOS settings. Here’s a detailed guide:
1. Access BIOS Settings
Restart your computer and press the appropriate key (usually F2, F10, or Del) during the BIOS startup screen.
2. Locate Boot Options
In the BIOS menu, navigate to the “Boot” section or “Boot Options.”
3. Create a New Boot Order
Within the “Boot Options” section, you’ll find a list of available boot devices. Use the arrow keys to highlight the boot device you want to add to the boot menu and press “Enter.”
4. Set Boot Priority
Once you’ve selected the boot device, you’ll need to set its boot priority. Use the arrow keys to move the boot device to the top of the boot order. This means it will be the first device the computer tries to boot from.
5. Save Changes and Exit
Press F10 or the “Save and Exit” option to save your changes and exit the BIOS. Your computer will restart with the new boot menu.
6. Disable Fast Boot and Secure Boot
In some cases, Fast Boot and Secure Boot may interfere with the boot menu. Here’s how to disable them:
Fast Boot Secure Boot – In Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
– Under “Advanced Startup,” click “Restart now.”
– Choose “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “UEFI Firmware Settings.”
– Disable Fast Boot in the BIOS settings.– In Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
– Under “Advanced Startup,” click “Restart now.”
– Choose “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “UEFI Firmware Settings.”
– Disable Secure Boot in the BIOS settings.Accessing the Boot Menu from a Recovery Drive
If you’re facing boot issues that prevent you from accessing Advanced Startup Options through normal means, a recovery drive can provide an alternative route to the Boot Menu. Follow these steps:
**1. Create a Recovery Drive:** Insert a USB drive with at least 16GB of storage space. Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website, run it, and select “Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file)” for a Windows 10 ISO file. Click “Next” and select “USB flash drive.” Follow the prompts to create the recovery drive.
**2. Connect the Recovery Drive:** Connect the recovery drive to the PC experiencing boot issues.
**3. Boot from the Recovery Drive:** Most computers will automatically boot from a connected recovery drive. If not, enter the BIOS settings (usually by pressing F2, F10, or Del during startup) and change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive.
**4. Select Troubleshoot:** On the recovery drive’s main screen, click “Troubleshoot” to access Advanced Startup Options.
**5. Choose Advanced Options:** Click “Advanced options” to view a list of recovery tools.
**6. Select UEFI Firmware Settings:** Click “UEFI Firmware Settings” to access the Boot Menu. (Note: This option is only available on PCs that support UEFI firmware.)
**7. Customize Boot Order:** The Boot Menu will display a list of available boot devices. Use the arrow keys to select the desired boot device and press Enter to set it as the primary boot option. Refer to the table below for common boot menu options:
Option Description Windows Boot Manager The operating system installed on the primary hard drive USB Drive A connected USB device containing a bootable OS or recovery tools DVD/CD-ROM Drive A connected optical drive with a bootable disc Network Boot An option to boot from a network server (if available) How to Get to Boot Menu Windows 10
1. Restart your computer.
2. As soon as the computer starts to boot, press and hold the “F2” key (or the key that is displayed on the screen).
3. If the computer boots into Windows, restart it again and try again.
4. Once you see the BIOS menu, use the arrow keys to navigate to the “Boot” tab.
5. Use the arrow keys to select the “Boot Menu” option and press Enter.
6. The boot menu will now appear, and you can use the arrow keys to select the device that you want to boot from.
7. Press Enter to boot from the selected device.
Troubleshooting Boot Menu Issues
If you are having trouble getting to the boot menu, there are a few things that you can try:
– Make sure that the keyboard is plugged in and working properly.
– Try pressing the “F2” key or another key that is displayed to access the BIOS menu.
– Update your computer’s BIOS. Please refer to your computer manufacturer’s website for instructions on how to do this.
– Disable Fast Boot in Windows 10:
Steps Actions 1 Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I 2 Go to Update and Security > recovery 3 Under Advanced startup, choose Restart now 4 Select Troubleshoot 5 Choose Advanced options 6 Select Startup Settings 7 Click Restart 8 Press F10 – Disable early launch anti-malware protection.
Press F9 – Disable driver signature enforcement.Understanding UEFI and BIOS Compatibility
Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) and Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) are two firmware interfaces that are responsible for initializing the hardware of a computer and loading the operating system. UEFI is a newer standard that has replaced BIOS on most modern computers. However, some older computers may still use BIOS.
The main difference between UEFI and BIOS is that UEFI is more flexible and has more features. UEFI is also more secure than BIOS, as it uses a secure boot process that helps to prevent malware from being installed on your computer.
When you press the power button on your computer, the UEFI or BIOS firmware is the first thing that loads. The firmware then initializes the hardware on your computer and loads the operating system. If your computer uses UEFI, you will see a UEFI menu that allows you to select which operating system to boot from.
If your computer uses BIOS, you will not see a UEFI menu. Instead, you will see a BIOS menu that allows you to configure the settings for your computer’s hardware. To boot from a USB drive or DVD, you will need to change the boot order in the BIOS menu.
How to Boot from a USB Drive or DVD
To boot from a USB drive or DVD, you will need to change the boot order in the UEFI or BIOS menu. The steps for doing this are different depending on your computer’s manufacturer. However, the general steps are as follows:
- Restart your computer.
- Press the key that is displayed on the screen to enter the UEFI or BIOS menu.
- In the UEFI or BIOS menu, find the Boot Options menu.
- Change the boot order so that the USB drive or DVD is the first boot option.
- Save your changes and exit the UEFI or BIOS menu.
- Your computer will now boot from the USB drive or DVD.
Here is a table that summarizes the steps for booting from a USB drive or DVD on different computers:
Computer Manufacturer Key to Enter UEFI or BIOS Menu Dell F2 HP F10 Lenovo F1 Toshiba F2 Acer F2 Optimizing the Boot Process
Tweaking your system’s boot process can significantly improve its performance and reduce startup time. Here are some effective techniques:
10. Delay Windows Services
Many non-essential Windows services can be safely delayed, reducing the number of tasks competing for resources during boot-up. To delay services:
a) Open the Run dialog (Windows key + R), type “msconfig”, and press Enter.
b) Go to the “Services” tab, check the “Hide all Microsoft services” box.
c) Uncheck the boxes for any services you want to delay (e.g., Bluetooth Support Service, Print Spooler, etc.).
d) Click “Apply” and restart your computer. This will delay selected services until after Windows has fully loaded, freeing up resources for essential processes.
Service Effect of Delaying Bluetooth Support Service Delayed initialization of Bluetooth devices Print Spooler Delay in printing documents Fax Service Delay in sending or receiving faxes Note: Delaying essential services, such as network or audio drivers, can lead to system instability. Proceed with caution.
How To Get To Boot Menu Windows 10
To get to the boot menu in Windows 10, you can use one of the following methods:
1. Use the Windows key + X shortcut. This will open the Power User menu. From here, select “Settings” > “Update & security” > “Recovery”. Under “Advanced startup”, click the “Restart now” button. This will restart your computer and take you to the boot menu.
2. Use the Shift key + Restart. When you see the Windows logo during startup, hold down the Shift key and click the “Restart” button. This will also take you to the boot menu.
3. Use the F8 key. On some computers, you can press the F8 key during startup to access the boot menu. However, this method does not work on all computers.
4. Use the system BIOS. You can also access the boot menu by entering the system BIOS. To do this, you will need to press a specific key during startup. The key that you need to press will vary depending on your computer’s manufacturer. Once you are in the BIOS, you can navigate to the “Boot” menu and select the device that you want to boot from.
People Also Ask About How To Get To Boot Menu Windows 10
What is the boot menu?
The boot menu is a menu that allows you to select which device you want to boot your computer from. This can be useful if you want to boot from a different operating system or if you want to troubleshoot a problem with your computer.
How do I change the boot order in Windows 10?
To change the boot order in Windows 10, you can use the following steps:
- Open the Start menu.
- Click on the Settings icon.
- Select “Update & security”.
- Click on “Recovery”.
- Under “Advanced startup”, click the “Restart now” button.
- This will restart your computer and take you to the boot menu.
- Use the arrow keys to select the device that you want to boot from.
- Press Enter to boot from the selected device.
Why can’t I access the boot menu?
There are a few reasons why you might not be able to access the boot menu. One reason is that your computer’s BIOS may be set to prevent you from accessing the boot menu. To fix this, you will need to enter the BIOS and change the settings. Another reason is that your computer’s hardware may not be compatible with the boot menu. In this case, you will not be able to access the boot menu.
