3 Ways to Start Your Computer from an External Drive

2025 Author: Jason Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2025-01-23 12:04

Starting your computer with an external drive will help you repair the drive or partition, troubleshoot problems, format the computer, or reinstall the operating system. You can start any Windows or Mac computer from an external drive.

Step

Method 1 of 3: Windows 8

Step 1. Swipe left on the right side of the screen, then tap Settings

If you're using a mouse, hover over the lower-right corner of the screen, hover over it, then click Settings

Step 2. Tap or click Power, then select Restart

Step 3. When the computer restarts, press and hold the Shift key

Step 4. Tap or click Troubleshoot when Windows 8 asks you to select an option

Step 5. Tap or click on “Advanced options”

Step 6. Tap or click on “UEFI Firmware Settings”

Step 7. Click “Restart”

The "Advanced BIOS Setup" menu will appear on the screen.

Step 8. Use the arrows to select the Boot option

Step 9. In the Mode option, change "UEFI" to "Legacy"

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Step 10. Select the option to restart the computer, then immediately press F2 to enter the BIOS again

The key you have to press may vary depending on the type of computer. For example, you may be asked to press F12 or F5 instead of F2

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Step 11. Use the arrows to select the Boot option, then change the Boot Order settings until your external drive is the first option on the list

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Step 12. Connect the external drive to the computer by USB

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Step 13. Restart the computer

Your Windows 8 computer will now start via the external drive.

Method 2 of 3: Windows 7 / Vista / XP

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Step 1. Turn on the computer

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Step 2. Connect the external drive to the computer via USB

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Step 3. Click Start, then click the arrow next to Shut down

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Step 4. Click Restart

Your computer will restart.

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Step 5. Press the appropriate key to access the BIOS

These keys vary depending on the type of computer. For example, you may be asked to press F12, F2, F5, or Esc.

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Step 6. Use the arrow keys to select Advanced Settings

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Step 7. Select the Boot Order option

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Step 8. Select the external drive as the default device

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Step 9. Select the option to save the settings, then close the BIOS setup

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Step 10. Restart the computer

Your Windows computer will now start via the external drive.

Method 3 of 3: Mac OS X

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Step 1. Connect the external drive to your Mac OS X computer

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Step 2. Click the Apple menu, then select the option to restart the computer

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Step 3. Press and hold the Option key after hearing the initial sound

The device selection menu will appear on the screen.

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Step 4. Click the name of the external drive

Your Mac will start from that drive.

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