Step-by-Step: How to Boot from USB on Windows 7

Booting your computer from a USB drive allows you to install a new operating system or run various utilities. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to boot from a USB drive on a Windows 7 machine.

Step 1: Prepare the USB Drive

1. Select a USB Drive: Ensure your USB drive has enough storage space for the operating system or utility you need. Typically, at least 4GB or more is required.

2. Download the ISO File: Obtain the ISO file for the operating system or tool you want to use. This might involve downloading from a legitimate and official source (such as the Windows website for Windows OS images).

3. Create a Bootable USB Drive:

   • Download and install a tool like Rufus or UNetbootin.
   • Insert your USB drive into the computer.
   • Open the tool you installed:

     • For Rufus:
     • Select your USB drive under “Device”.
     • Choose “Disk or ISO image” under “Boot selection”.
     • Click “SELECT” to find your ISO file.
     • Choose the appropriate partition scheme: MBR for older BIOS systems or GPT for UEFI systems.
     • Click “START” to begin the process.
     • For UNetbootin:
     • Select “Diskimage” and browse for your ISO file.
     • Ensure the right USB drive is selected.
     • Click “OK” to create the bootable USB.

Step 2: Change the Boot Order in BIOS/UEFI

1. Restart Your Computer: Click on the Start menu, select “Shut Down,” and then choose “Restart.”

2. Enter BIOS/UEFI Setup:

   • As your computer restarts, press the appropriate key to enter BIOS/UEFI. This key varies by manufacturer but is usually F2, F10, F12, Delete, or Esc. Look for a prompt during startup that indicates which key to press.

3. Navigate to the Boot Menu:

   • Use the arrow keys to navigate (the mouse typically doesn’t work in BIOS).
   • Look for a tab or section named “Boot,” “Boot Options,” or something similar.

4. Change the Boot Order:

   • Select the “Boot Order” or “Boot Priority” section.
   • Move the USB drive to the top of the list to ensure your computer checks it first during the boot process. This is often done by selecting the USB drive and using the + or – keys.

5. Save and Exit:

   • Once the USB drive has priority, press the key associated with saving changes and exiting (often F10).
   • Confirm the changes when prompted, and your computer will restart.

Step 3: Boot from the USB Drive

1. Insert the USB Drive: If not already inserted, ensure your bootable USB drive is plugged into the computer.

2. Restart the Computer: If it isn’t already restarting from the previous step, manually restart it.

3. Boot from USB:

   • Your computer should now boot from the USB drive.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to either install the operating system or use the utility provided.

Troubleshooting Tips

• USB Not Booting: If the computer doesn’t boot from USB, double-check that the boot order is correct and the USB is bootable.
• Non-Responsive BIOS Key: Verify the key required to enter the BIOS/UEFI for your specific computer model by consulting its manual or looking online.
• Secure Boot Issue: If you’re using a UEFI system, ensure that Secure Boot is disabled for booting non-Windows environments.

Following these steps should enable you to successfully boot your Windows 7 computer from a USB drive. Enjoy the flexibility and functionality this provides!