HP PCs - Configuring the Boot Order in the System BIOS

When the computer starts, the system BIOS begins to check a pre-determined list of drives and devices that may contain an operating system such as Windows. The computer can boot an operating system from a hard drive, floppy drive, CD or DVD optical drive, USB storage device, or a network. The order in which the devices are checked is configurable through the BIOS setup menu.

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 Diskette on Key/USB Hard Disk
  3. USB CD/DVD ROM Drive
  4. Network Adapter
• Legacy boot order
  1. OS Boot Manager
  2. Notebook Hard Drive
  3. USB Diskette on Key/USB Hard Disk
  4. USB CD/DVD ROM Drive
  5. USB Network Adapter
  6. Network adapter

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

An operating system not found error message may appear if a floppy disk or an optical disk is inserted into a computer that does not contain an operating system. If this error occurs, remove the disk and restart the computer.

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

The boot order can be configured on the Advanced tab in the BIOS settings menu. The steps for modifying the boot order may vary depending on the model of the computer.

note:

BIOS configurations vary depending on the computer. For further information on a specific computer, refer to the documentation provided with the computer or go to the appropriate document for your PC.

• HP Desktop PCs - BIOS Setup Utility Information and Menu Options
• HP Notebook PCs - BIOS Setup Information and Menu Options

Follow the steps below 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 the f6 key on some computers.
3. After opening the BIOS, go to the boot settings.
   • For notebook PCs: select the Storage tab, and then select Boot Options.
   • For desktop PCs: select the System Configuration tab, and then select Boot Order.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to change the boot order.

To reset the boot order to the default settings, follow the steps below.

1. Turn on or restart the computer.
2. While the display is blank, press the f10 key to enter the BIOS settings menu.
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 on a specific computer, view the documentation provided with the computer. The BIOS settings are generally found in the Maintenance and Service Guide.