One common way to boot from a USB drive is to use your computer boot menu. Your PC boot menu is accessible during the computer starts up process. It provides a way to load and install a new operating system or access other external devices like a USB drive. There are specific keys on the keyboard to access a computer boot menu. The keys that are generally used to access a computer boot menu are Esc, F2, F10, or F12. If any of the keys listed are not able to access your computer boot menu, then you may need to reference your PC manufacturer’s manual to get that. Another way to boot from a USB is via Windows Advanced Startup (WinRE). We’re going to list some of the ways one can boot from a USB drive below.
How to boot from a USB flash drive in Windows 11
As mentioned above, there are multiple ways one can boot from a USB flash drive in Windows, and all these methods work well. Some are better than others in some cases. Here’s how to boot from a USB flash drive in Windows 11.
Boot from USB via Windows Advanced Startup (WinRE)
To boot from a USB via WinRE, insert and connect the USB device to your computer. Next, boot to Windows Advanced Startup (WinRE). In the WinRE option menu, select Use a device as shown in the image below. Then select the USB device from the list. Your computer will reboot and boot from the selected USB device.
Boot from a USB device via the boot menu
If using WinRE above doesn’t work or doesn’t apply to you, you can use your computer’s boot menu to boot from a USB drive.
Connect the USB drive to your computer. Start the computer up Keep pressing the boot menu key (Esc, F2, F10, or F12) on your keyboard to access the boot menu.
The boot menu option key will vary per brand and model of the motherboard. If the keys above can not bring up the boot menu, reference your PC’s manual. Select the USB drive you want to boot from and press Enter. Your computer will then boot from the drive. That should do it! Conclusion: This post showed you how to boot from a USB flash drive in Windows 11. If you find any error above or have something to add, please use the comment form below.
