Alright, let's get your MSI motherboard booting from that USB drive with Windows 11! It might seem a little daunting at first, but follow these steps carefully, and you'll be installing Windows 11 in no time.
Getting Started: Is Your USB Ready?
Before we even touch the BIOS, let's make sure your USB drive is correctly prepared. Have you already created a bootable Windows 11 USB drive? This is the crucial first step. If not, you'll need to do that first using the official Microsoft Media Creation Tool or another reliable method. Ensure the USB drive has enough capacity (at least 8GB is recommended) and that it's formatted correctly.
Step 1: Powering On and Entering the BIOS
This is where the magic begins!
Sub-step 1.1: The Initial Power-Up
Make sure your computer is completely turned off. Now, press the power button to turn it on.
Sub-step 1.2: The Magic Key Press
As soon as you power on your system, you'll need to press a specific key to enter the BIOS (sometimes called UEFI) settings. The key can vary depending on your MSI motherboard model, but it's most commonly one of the following:
- Delete (Del)
- F2
- F11
Keep an eye on the screen during the initial startup. You might see a brief message indicating which key to press (e.g., "Press DEL to enter Setup"). Start pressing the key repeatedly as soon as you power on the system until the BIOS menu appears. Don't just press and hold; a rhythmic tapping often works best.
Step 2: Navigating the BIOS to Find Boot Options
Once you're inside the BIOS, the interface might look a bit different depending on your specific MSI motherboard. However, the general principles remain the same. We're looking for settings related to boot order or boot devices.
Sub-step 2.1: Identifying the Boot Section
Use your keyboard's arrow keys to navigate through the different tabs or sections in the BIOS. Look for tabs or menu items with names like:
- Boot
- Boot Order
- Boot Options
- Startup
The exact wording might vary, so take your time and explore the different sections.
Sub-step 2.2: Locating Boot Device Priority or Boot Order
Within the boot section, you should find an option that allows you to change the order in which your computer tries to boot from different devices. This might be listed as "Boot Device Priority," "Boot Order," or something similar.
Step 3: Setting Your USB Drive as the Primary Boot Device
Now comes the crucial part – telling your system to boot from the USB drive first.
Sub-step 3.1: Finding Your USB Drive in the Boot List
Using the arrow keys, navigate to the list of bootable devices. Your USB drive should be listed here. It might be identified by its name, the brand (like "SanDisk" or "Kingston"), or simply as "USB HDD" or "Removable Device."
Sub-step 3.2: Moving the USB Drive to the Top
Select your USB drive in the boot list. You'll likely see instructions on the screen indicating which keys to use to move the selected item up or down in the boot order. Common keys for this are:
- + and - keys
- Page Up and Page Down keys
- Function keys like F5 or F6
Follow the on-screen instructions to move your USB drive to the very top of the boot order list. This ensures that your system will try to boot from the USB drive before any other storage devices (like your internal hard drive or SSD).
Step 4: Saving Changes and Exiting the BIOS
Once you've set the USB drive as the first boot device, you need to save your changes and exit the BIOS.
Sub-step 4.1: Finding the "Save and Exit" Option
Look for an option like:
- Save Changes and Exit
- Exit Saving Changes
- Save & Exit Setup
This option is usually found in one of the main BIOS tabs (often labeled "Exit" or "Save & Exit").
Sub-step 4.2: Confirming the Save
Select the "Save Changes and Exit" option and press Enter. You might be prompted with a confirmation message asking if you want to save the changes. Select "Yes" or "OK" and press Enter again.
Step 5: The Boot Process from USB
Your computer will now restart. If everything has been done correctly, it should now boot from your USB drive. You should see the Windows 11 setup process begin. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 11.
Step 6: What if it Doesn't Boot?
Sometimes things don't go as planned on the first try. Here are a few things to check if your system doesn't boot from the USB:
- Double-check the boot order: Go back into the BIOS and ensure the USB drive is still at the top of the boot order.
- Verify the USB drive: Make sure your bootable USB drive was created correctly and is functioning. Try it on another computer if possible.
- Enable USB Booting (if applicable): Some BIOS versions might have a specific setting to enable USB booting. Look for options related to USB configuration or removable devices in the BIOS settings and ensure they are enabled.
- Try a different USB port: Sometimes, certain USB ports might not be ideal for booting. Try plugging the USB drive into a different USB port (preferably a USB 2.0 port if available).
- BIOS Mode (UEFI vs. Legacy): Ensure your BIOS boot mode (UEFI or Legacy/CSM) is compatible with how your Windows 11 USB drive was created. If you created a UEFI bootable USB, make sure your BIOS is set to UEFI mode. If it's a Legacy bootable USB, ensure Legacy/CSM is enabled. This setting is usually found in the BIOS boot or advanced settings.
Frequently Asked Questions (How to...)
How to enter MSI BIOS?
During startup, press the Delete (Del) key repeatedly until the BIOS menu appears. Other common keys are F2 or F11.
How to find the boot order in MSI BIOS?
Navigate the BIOS using the arrow keys and look for sections labeled Boot, Boot Order, Boot Options, or Startup.
How to move the USB drive to the top of the boot order?
Select the USB drive in the boot list and use the +, -, Page Up, Page Down, or function keys (like F5 or F6) as indicated on the screen to move it to the top.
How to save changes in MSI BIOS?
Look for an option like Save Changes and Exit, Exit Saving Changes, or Save & Exit Setup in one of the main BIOS tabs (often Exit). Select it and press Enter, then confirm the save if prompted.
How to check if USB booting is enabled in MSI BIOS?
Look for settings related to USB Configuration or Removable Devices in the BIOS and ensure they are enabled.
How to identify my USB drive in the BIOS boot list?
Your USB drive might be listed by its name, brand (e.g., SanDisk), or as USB HDD or Removable Device.
How to switch between UEFI and Legacy boot mode in MSI BIOS?
Look for options like Boot Mode, UEFI/Legacy Boot, or CSM (Compatibility Support Module) in the BIOS boot settings. You can then select your desired mode.
How to troubleshoot if my MSI motherboard isn't booting from USB?
Double-check the boot order, verify the USB drive's functionality, ensure USB booting is enabled, try a different USB port, and check the BIOS boot mode compatibility.
How to create a bootable Windows 11 USB drive?
You can use the official Microsoft Media Creation Tool, which you can download from the Microsoft website.
How to know if my Windows 11 USB drive is UEFI or Legacy bootable?
The method used to create the USB drive usually determines this. The Media Creation Tool typically creates a UEFI bootable drive. Third-party tools might offer options for both. If you're unsure, you might need to recreate it using a specific method.
Good luck with your Windows 11 installation! Let me know if you encounter any specific issues along the way.