How to Access the Boot Menu on a Computer

The Boot Menu is a special menu that allows you to select the device from which to boot your system. It’s particularly useful if you need to boot the computer from a USB drive, an external hard drive, or a recovery disk. In this article, we’ll cover how to access the Boot Menu on a computer, regardless of its brand or model.

What is the Boot Menu and Why Do You Need It?

The Boot Menu allows you to specify which device your computer should boot from: an internal hard drive, USB flash drive, DVD, or network storage. This is helpful when installing a new operating system, performing system recovery, diagnostics, or using a Live distribution.

Step 1: Prepare to Launch the Boot Menu

Before starting, ensure you have the bootable device connected to the computer. This could be a USB drive, external disk, or any other bootable media.

Step 2: Restart the Computer

To access the Boot Menu, you need to restart the computer. As soon as the screen goes dark and the boot process begins, you must quickly press a specific key.

Step 3: Press the Correct Key to Enter the Boot Menu

Depending on your computer model, the key to access the Boot Menu may vary. Below are the most common options for different brands:

  • ASUS: F8
  • HP: Esc or F9
  • Dell: F12
  • Lenovo: F12 or Fn + F12 (sometimes Enter)
  • Acer: F12
  • MSI: F11
  • Gigabyte: F12

If these keys don’t work, check your computer’s user manual or look up information on the manufacturer’s website. In some cases, enabling Boot Menu support in the BIOS may be required.

Step 4: Choose the Boot Device

After successfully entering the Boot Menu, you’ll see a list of available boot devices. Select the device you want to boot from using the arrow keys on your keyboard, and press Enter to confirm.

Possible Issues and Solutions

  • Unable to access the Boot Menu: Try restarting the computer again and pressing the key as soon as the boot process begins. Some models require precise timing.
  • Boot device not showing up: Ensure the device is connected properly and is working. It’s possible that the device does not have bootable files.