Discover How to Resolve Missing USB Boot in BIOS

Are you ready to install a new operating system using a USB drive, but you can’t find the USB drive option in your BIOS settings? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many users face this issue, and it can be a real challenge, especially for those who are new to system installations. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed solution to set your USB drive as the first boot option in your computer’s BIOS. Let’s dive right in!

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Solution 1: Ensuring Your USB Drive is Ready

The first and most crucial step in setting your USB drive as the first boot option is to ensure that your USB drive is functioning correctly and that the bootable drive has been successfully created without any issues. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Check Your USB Drive: Ensure your USB drive is in good working condition. If you have any doubts, it’s a good idea to use a quick-start USB drive creation tool to recreate the bootable drive.
2. Plug It In: Insert the USB bootable drive into the computer you want to boot from. For desktop computers, it’s recommended to plug the bootable drive into a rear USB port for better compatibility.
3. Access the BIOS: Restart your computer and press the brand-specific shortcut key (usually Del or F2) to enter the BIOS settings interface.
4. Adjust Boot Priority: Once you’re in the BIOS, select “Advanced BIOS Features.” Look for “Hard Disk Boot Priority” and press Enter to access the hard drive boot priority settings.
5. Set USB Drive as First: Using the plus and minus keys (+ and -) on your keyboard, select the removable device (your USB drive) and move it to the top. Press ESC to return to the previous settings page.
6. Select First Boot Device: Now, choose the “First Boot Device.” If your BIOS version doesn’t have specific USB options like “USB-HDD” or “USB-ZIP,” select “Removable.” Save the changes by pressing F10 and then restart your computer.

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Solution 2: Enable Disk Automatic Monitoring

Some motherboards come with disk automatic monitoring and reporting functions. If this feature is disabled, it may also result in not finding the USB drive as a boot option. Follow these steps to enable it:

1. Access the BIOS: Restart your computer and access the BIOS settings interface using the shortcut key (usually Del or F2).
2. Advanced BIOS Features: Within this interface, locate “First Boot Device,” select it, and press Enter. In the pop-up window, choose “Hard disk.”
3. Enable HDD S.M.A.R.T. Capability: While still in the “Advanced BIOS Features” interface, select “HDD S.M.A.R.T. Capability” for disk automatic monitoring and reporting. Set it to “Enabled.”
4. Adjust Boot Priority: Finally, within the “Advanced BIOS Features” interface, choose “Hard Disk Boot Priority” and press Enter to confirm. Move the “USB-HDD” option to the first position, press F10 to save the settings, and then restart your computer.

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Solution 3: Dealing with Secure Boot

Many modern motherboards come pre-installed with the Windows 10 operating system, and they often have secure boot mode enabled by default, which may disable the USB boot option. To address this, follow these steps:

1. Access the BIOS: Restart your computer and access the BIOS settings interface by using the shortcut key (usually Del or F2).
2. Disable Secure Boot: Find “Secure Boot” and press Enter to set it to “Disabled.”
3. Set Boot Mode: Next, set “UEFI/Legacy Boot” to “Legacy only” or “Legacy first.”
4. Save Settings: Press F10 to save the settings, and your computer will restart. You should now be able to see the USB drive as a boot option in the boot menu.

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Wrapping It Up

In conclusion, the issue of not finding the USB drive option in the BIOS settings can be frustrating, but with the three solutions we’ve provided, you should be well-equipped to tackle this problem. Setting your USB drive as the first boot option is essential for a smooth system installation process. Now, you’re ready to proceed with your installation hassle-free.

If you encounter this problem while trying to install the system using a USB drive, refer to these solutions, and you’ll be back on track in no time. No more headaches when it comes to setting up your system. Happy installing!

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