Introduction
When installing Windows, booting from a USB drive, or changing your primary storage device, you may need to access your computer's BIOS settings and modify the boot order.
If your computer uses a Gigabyte motherboard, the BIOS provides several options that allow you to choose which device starts first when the computer powers on. This process is known as changing the boot order.
Understanding how the Gigabyte BIOS Boot Menu works can help you install operating systems, troubleshoot startup issues, and ensure your computer boots from the correct drive.
This guide explains how to access the Gigabyte BIOS, use the Boot Menu, and change the boot order safely.
What Is the BIOS Boot Menu?
The Boot Menu is a feature built into your motherboard firmware that allows you to select which device your computer should boot from.
Common boot devices include:
SSDs
HDDs
USB Flash Drives
DVD Drives
External Storage Devices
Network Boot Devices
The selected device is checked first when the computer starts.
If the device contains a bootable operating system, the computer loads it automatically.
What Is Boot Order?
Boot order is the sequence in which the motherboard checks storage devices during startup.
For example:
USB Drive
SSD
HDD
In this configuration:
The computer first checks the USB drive.
If no bootable system is found, it checks the SSD.
If the SSD is not bootable, it moves to the HDD.
Changing the boot order allows you to control which operating system or installation media starts first.
Why Would You Need to Change Boot Order?
There are several situations where changing boot priority becomes necessary.
Installing Windows
When installing Windows from a bootable USB drive, the USB device must usually be placed first in the boot order.
Installing Linux
Linux distributions such as Ubuntu are commonly installed using bootable USB media.
Upgrading to an SSD
After installing Windows on a new SSD, you may need to make the SSD the first boot device.
Troubleshooting Startup Problems
Incorrect boot settings can cause boot failures or operating system loading issues.
How to Enter Gigabyte BIOS
Most Gigabyte motherboards use a specific key during startup to access BIOS settings.
Method 1: Using the Delete Key
Turn on the computer.
Immediately press:
Delete (DEL)
Continue pressing until the BIOS screen appears.
This is the most common method.
Method 2: Using Fast Startup Restart
If Windows starts too quickly:
Restart the computer.
Press the BIOS key repeatedly before Windows begins loading.
How to Access the Gigabyte Boot Menu
Gigabyte motherboards also provide a temporary Boot Menu.
Steps
Turn on the computer.
Press:
F12
during startup.
The Boot Menu allows you to choose a boot device without permanently changing BIOS settings.
This is useful when:
Installing Windows
Booting from a USB drive
Running diagnostic tools
Understanding the Gigabyte Boot Screen
Inside the BIOS, you may see options such as:
Boot Option #1
Boot Option #2
Boot Option #3
These entries determine startup priority.
Example:
Boot Option #1
Windows Boot Manager
Boot Option #2
SSD
Boot Option #3
USB Drive
The device listed as Boot Option #1 is checked first.
How to Change Boot Order in Gigabyte BIOS
Step 1: Enter BIOS
Press:
DEL
during startup.
Step 2: Open the Boot Section
Navigate to:
Boot
using the keyboard or mouse.
Step 3: Select Boot Option Priority
Locate:
Boot Option Priorities
You will see the available boot devices.
Step 4: Choose the Desired Device
Set the preferred boot device as:
Boot Option #1
Examples:
SSD for daily Windows use
USB drive for Windows installation
Secondary operating system drive
Step 5: Save Changes
Press:
F10
Select:
Save & Exit
The system will restart using the new boot order.
How to Boot From a USB Drive
To install Windows or Linux:
Insert the bootable USB drive.
Enter BIOS or Boot Menu.
Select the USB device.
Save changes or boot directly.
The installation program should start automatically.
Difference Between Boot Menu and Boot Order
Many beginners confuse these two features.
Boot Menu
Temporary selection
Accessed with F12
Does not permanently change settings
Boot Order
Permanent configuration
Stored in BIOS
Used on every startup
The Boot Menu is usually safer for one-time tasks.
UEFI vs Legacy Boot Mode
Modern Gigabyte motherboards support:
UEFI Mode
Advantages:
Faster boot times
Better security
GPT disk support
Modern operating systems
Legacy Mode
Advantages:
Supports older operating systems
Compatible with older boot media
For Windows 10 and Windows 11, UEFI mode is generally recommended.
Common Boot Problems and Solutions
USB Drive Not Appearing
Possible causes:
USB not bootable
Incorrect formatting
USB inserted too late
Try recreating the bootable USB.
SSD Not Showing
Possible causes:
Loose SATA cable
Disabled storage controller
SSD detection problem
Verify hardware connections.
Windows Won't Boot After Changing Settings
Check:
Boot mode (UEFI or Legacy)
Correct boot device selected
Windows Boot Manager entry
Best Practices When Changing Boot Settings
To avoid problems:
Keep track of original settings.
Use UEFI whenever possible.
Avoid changing unrelated BIOS settings.
Save changes carefully before exiting.
Create bootable recovery media before major changes.
These precautions can prevent accidental boot failures.
Conclusion
The Gigabyte BIOS Boot Menu is an essential tool for managing how your computer starts. Whether you're installing Windows, upgrading to an SSD, troubleshooting startup issues, or booting from a USB drive, understanding boot order settings can save time and frustration.
By learning the difference between the temporary Boot Menu and permanent Boot Order settings, you can confidently control which device your computer uses during startup and ensure your system boots exactly as intended.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which key opens the Gigabyte BIOS?
Most Gigabyte motherboards use the Delete (DEL) key to enter BIOS.
2. Which key opens the Gigabyte Boot Menu?
The Boot Menu is usually accessed using the F12 key during startup.
3. What is Boot Option #1?
Boot Option #1 is the first device checked during system startup.
4. Should I use UEFI or Legacy mode?
For Windows 10 and Windows 11, UEFI mode is generally recommended because it offers better performance and security.
5. Can changing boot order delete my files?
No. Changing boot order only affects startup priority and does not modify or delete data stored on your drives.
