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HP PCs - Configuring the boot order in the system BIOS

When the computer starts, the system BIOS begins to check a predetermined list of drives and devices that might contain an operating system such as Windows.

The computer can boot an operating system from a hard drive, optical drive, USB storage device, or a network. The order in which the devices are checked is configurable through the BIOS setup menu.

What is the default boot order?

The default boot order settings for the computer are configured in the factory. The default boot order determines what the computer boots to first.

UEFI boot order

  1. OS Boot Manager

  2. USB drive

  3. USB CD or DVD drive

  4. Network adapter

Legacy boot order:

  1. OS Boot Manager

  2. Hard drive

  3. USB drive

  4. USB CD or DVD drive

  5. USB network adapter

  6. Network adapter

To boot to a DVD, CD, or USB device, bootable files must be installed or the computer might bypass the device and load what is installed on the local computer.

An Operating system not found error message might appear if a disc is inserted into a computer that does not contain an operating system. If this error occurs, remove the disc and restart the computer.

If you have installed a second hard drive and the computer does not boot, select the hard drive that contains the operating system as first boot device in the hard drive group.

Configuring the boot order

The steps for modifying the boot order can vary depending on the model of the computer.

You can configure the boot order from the Advanced tab in the BIOS settings menu.

Use the following the steps to configure the boot order on most computers:

  1. Turn on or restart the computer.

  2. While the display is blank, press the f10 key to enter the BIOS settings menu.

    The BIOS settings menu is accessible by pressing the f2 or f6 key on some computers.

  3. After opening the BIOS, go to the boot settings.

    • Notebook computers: Select Storage > Boot Options.

    • Desktop computers: Select System Configuration > Boot Options.

  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to change the boot order.

Resetting the boot order to the default settings

Use these steps to reset the boot order.

  1. Turn on or restart the computer.

  2. While the display is blank, press the f10 key to enter the BIOS settings menu.

    The BIOS settings menu is accessible by pressing the f2 or f6 key on some computers.

  3. In the BIOS Setup utility, select the File tab.

  4. Select Apply Defaults and Exit. The BIOS setup utility closes and the computer boots into Windows.

Note:

BIOS configurations vary depending on the computer. For further information about a specific computer, see the documentation provided with the computer. You can find the BIOS settings in the Maintenance and Service Guide.

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