Windows

How to Boot Your PC From a Windows 11 USB Drive

Use the one-time boot menu, Windows Advanced Startup, UEFI/BIOS, or the correct method for your PC brand.

LevelBeginnerTime12 minFormatStep by step

Fastest methodUse the one-time boot menu during startup.

Windows still works?Open Advanced Startup instead of guessing a key.

USB not listed?Check the drive, UEFI mode, and firmware settings.

The one-time boot menu is normally the safest and fastest choice because it starts the USB once without permanently changing your boot order.

Method 01

Use the one-time boot menu

Connect the Windows 11 USB drive before you turn the computer on.

Shut down the PCMake sure it is fully powered off, then insert the USB drive.

Turn it on and press the boot keyPress the manufacturer’s boot-menu key repeatedly as soon as the PC starts.

Select the USB driveChoose the entry that matches your USB, preferably the one beginning with “UEFI”.

Press EnterThe computer should now start Windows Setup from the USB drive.

Method 02

Start from Windows Advanced Startup

If Windows still opens, this route avoids guessing the correct startup key.

Open SettingsGo to System → Recovery.

Open Advanced startupNext to Advanced startup, select Restart now.

Choose the USBSelect Use a device, then choose the USB storage device.

Method 03

Change the UEFI/BIOS boot order

Use this only when the one-time boot menu is unavailable or disabled.

Enter UEFI/BIOSUse the setup key during power-on or open it through Advanced Startup.

Open Boot settingsLook for Boot, Boot Order, Boot Priority, or Boot Option.

Move the USB to the topKeep the computer in UEFI mode for a normal Windows 11 installation.

Save and restartF10 is commonly used, but follow the instructions shown on your screen.

Reference

Boot-menu keys by manufacturer

Keys can differ on individual models. If a method does not work, check the support page for your exact device.

Dell

F12

Power on and tap F12 repeatedly to open the One-Time Boot Menu.

Dell instructions ↗

HP

Press F9 repeatedly. On some systems, press Esc first and then F9.

HP instructions ↗

Lenovo

F12 / Fn+F12

Restart and use F12 or Fn+F12. Some laptops also have a Novo button.

Lenovo instructions ↗

ASUS

Esc

Hold Esc while pressing Power. F8 can also open the menu from ASUS UEFI.

ASUS instructions ↗

Acer

F12

Press F12 during startup. If needed, enable the F12 Boot Menu in BIOS first.

Acer instructions ↗

MSI

F11

Tap F11 repeatedly during startup. Delete commonly opens MSI BIOS setup.

MSI instructions ↗

Microsoft Surface

Vol− + Power

Hold Volume Down, press Power, and release Volume Down when the dots appear.

Surface instructions ↗

Other / custom PC

F2 · F12 · Del · Esc

On custom PCs, the motherboard manufacturer normally determines the key.

Microsoft guidance ↗

Troubleshooting

USB drive does not appear?

Recreate the USB

Use Microsoft’s Windows 11 Media Creation Tool so the drive is prepared as bootable installation media.

Connect it before power-on

Some firmware only detects removable media that was connected before the boot menu opened.

Try another USB port

Connect directly to the computer and avoid docks or hubs while troubleshooting.

Stay in UEFI mode

Windows 11 is designed for UEFI. Do not switch to Legacy or CSM without a specific reason.

Check USB Boot

Some firmware has a separate USB Boot or boot-menu option that must be enabled.

Check Fast Boot

Firmware Fast Boot can make it harder to detect key presses or removable media.

Leave Secure Boot on

Official Windows 11 media normally works with Secure Boot. Change it only for a documented reason.

Have your BitLocker key ready

Firmware changes can trigger a BitLocker recovery prompt during the next startup.

Checked guidance

Official sources

The methods in this guide are based on Microsoft and manufacturer documentation.

Firmware menus and keys can vary by exact model and firmware version.

✓

You’re ready.

Your computer should now start Windows Setup from the USB drive.

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