This article explains how to start a computer running Windows 7 with a USB memory drive. This operation allows you to use the "live" image of an operating system other than the one already present (for example Linux) without the need to perform the installation or to use command line programs such as Clonezilla. If necessary, you can also use a bootable USB drive to install Windows 7.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Prepare the USB Device
Step 1. Understand how a bootable USB drive works
By default, the computer boots up by loading the operating system on the primary hard drive. However, you can change this scenario by instructing the computer to use the USB stick as the boot drive, rather than the system hard drive.
- The settings for the order of boot devices to use are stored in the computer's BIOS, which you can access during the early stages of turning on the computer by pressing the correct key.
- In order to use a USB memory device as a boot drive, it must be configured appropriately, by copying the ISO image of an operating system or the program that you want to use and making it bootable.
Step 2. Find the key to press to enter the BIOS
This aspect varies by BIOS and computer model. To find out which key you need to press, search the web using the make and model of your computer as search criteria, along with the keywords "bios key". Alternatively, you can consult the instruction manual of the device, if you have one.
In most cases, you will need to press one of the function keys (for example F12) or the key Esc or Canc.
Step 3. Insert the USB key into a free port on your computer
The USB ports have a rectangular shape and are located in different places, depending on the type of computer.
If you are using a laptop, the USB ports are usually located along the sides of the case. If you are using a desktop, you will find USB ports on the front or back of the case
Step 4. Make the USB drive bootable
If the USB stick you are using has not yet been made bootable, you will need to do so now using the "Command Prompt" or one of the "Windows Installation Tools".
Step 5. Add the files you want to use on the USB drive
Copy the ISO image you want to use to boot your computer. Select it with a single click of the mouse, press the key combination Ctrl + C, open the window for the USB stick and press the key combination Ctrl + V to paste the copied data into the device.
- For example, if you need the bootable USB drive to be able to install Ubuntu Linux on a computer, you will need to copy the ISO image of the Ubuntu installation file onto the USB device.
- If you want to create an installation USB drive using "Windows 7 Installation Tool" or "Windows 10 Installation Tool", you can skip this step.
Step 6. At this point, close all open programs and save your work
Before entering the BIOS, you will need to save all the files you were working on and close any running programs to avoid losing important data.
Part 2 of 4: Enter the BIOS
Step 1. Open the "Start" menu by clicking on the icon
It features the multicolored Windows logo and is located in the lower left corner of the screen.
Step 2. Click the Shut Down button
It is located on the right side of the "Start" menu. The computer will be shut down.
You will most likely be asked to confirm your action
Step 3. Wait for the computer to complete the shutdown procedure
When the system is completely shut down, you can continue.
Step 4. Press the Power button
Of computer.
This will start the boot phase.
Step 5. Immediately press the BIOS enter key
You will need to do this right after releasing the Power button. Press the BIOS access key repeatedly until the BIOS user interface appears on the screen.
Step 6. When the BIOS menu appears on the screen, you can stop pressing the access key
Normally, the BIOS user interface is characterized by a blue screen with white characters, but the appearance may vary depending on the manufacturer of the program. At this point, you are able to change the order of the devices to be used to start the computer.
Part 3 of 4: Changing the Order of Boot Units
Step 1. Locate the "Boot Order" menu or section
It may be visible from the main BIOS screen, but you will most likely have to scroll through the tabs displayed at the top of the screen (using the directional arrows on your keyboard) to be able to locate the "Boot Order" section.
Most likely the "Boot Order" section is inserted inside the card Advanced. However, some BIOS versions provide a dedicated tab for the section Boot Order.
Step 2. Enter the "Boot Order" menu
If there is a "Boot Order" menu, select it using the arrow keys on your keyboard, then press the Enter key.
Step 3. Select the "USB" option
Locate and choose the "USB" entry listed in the computer boot device list.
Step 4. Look for the BIOS key legend
Normally, it is located at the bottom right or left of the screen.
Step 5. Find out which key you need to use to change the boot device order, putting the selected one first
Normally you have to press the key +, but it is better to refer to the key legend to avoid making mistakes.
Step 6. Move the "USB" option to the top of the list
Press the appropriate key until the "USB" option is displayed at the top of the boot device list in the "Boot Order" section. This way you can be sure that when you turn on your computer, the BIOS will use the USB drive as the first boot device instead of the system hard drive.
Part 4 of 4: Boot the Computer from the USB Drive
Step 1. Save your changes and exit the BIOS
Press the button related to the "Save and Exit" option as specified in the legend, then press the button to confirm your action when prompted.
For example, you may need to press the key Esc to save the BIOS changes and key Y to confirm your choice.
Step 2. Restart your computer if necessary
If the computer does not use the USB key as a device from which to load the operating system at the first start, you may need to restart the computer leaving the USB drive connected to its port.
Step 3. Wait for the program interface on the USB stick to appear on the screen
When the computer detects the USB drive as bootable, it will automatically load the program inside. The user interface of the latter should appear on the screen when the upload is complete.
Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions
When the program interface on the USB stick appears on the screen, you can install the operating system or service you need.
Advice
- If you don't want to use the "Command Prompt" to make your USB stick bootable, you can use one of the many free programs, such as Live Linux USB Creator.
- In some cases, the computer will not detect the USB device as a boot drive if it is connected to the wrong USB port. If so, you can solve the problem by using a different port.
