BIOS Not Detecting Bootable USB in Boot Menu

If your BIOS doesn’t detect a bootable USB in the Boot Menu, several factors could be contributing to this issue, ranging from BIOS settings to the USB drive itself. Let’s explore the main causes and possible fixes.

1. Checking USB Port and Connection

Ensure that the USB drive is correctly connected and is in a functional USB port. Sometimes, BIOS may not recognize devices in a USB 3.0 port. Try connecting the USB drive to a USB 2.0 port, as some systems recognize devices better through this standard.

2. Verifying USB Boot Drive Format

BIOS may not detect the USB if it’s formatted incorrectly. For compatibility, the USB should be set up with the MBR (Master Boot Record) partition scheme and FAT32 file system, as many older BIOS versions do not support GPT or NTFS boot formats.

3. Adjusting Boot Order in BIOS

Enter BIOS settings and review the boot order. Make sure that USB devices are prioritized above the hard drive or SSD in the boot sequence. This can usually be done in the Boot Order or Boot Priority section. If the USB drive isn’t showing, restart the computer with the USB drive connected and re-enter BIOS.

4. Disabling Secure Boot

In some modern systems, Secure Boot may prevent booting from unsigned devices. Try disabling Secure Boot in BIOS settings (usually found under Security or Boot), then check if the USB drive appears in the Boot Menu.

5. Choosing Between UEFI and Legacy Modes

System mode can also affect USB detection. If BIOS is set to UEFI mode, ensure the USB drive is prepared for UEFI. If your system is set to Legacy mode, the USB drive should be formatted using MBR and FAT32 for compatibility.

6. Re-creating the Bootable USB

If none of the above solutions work, try re-creating the bootable USB. Use tools like Rufus or UltraISO to ensure proper settings (such as MBR partition scheme and FAT32 file system) are selected.