If you want to start a new operating system, run a live Linux environment, or use a system recovery tool on an HP laptop, you might need to boot from a USB drive. There aren’t many steps to this process, but they need to be done in a certain order for it to work. This guide has a lot of steps that will help you get your HP laptop to start up from a USB drive.
To boot from a USB drive, you need to know how to use a computer. To boot from a USB is very useful, whether you’re a tech fan who wants to try out new OSs or someone who needs to get data off of a system that won’t turn on. Sometimes, like when you need to restart Windows or run diagnostic tools, the best and only way to do something is to boot from a USB.
Before you can use a USB drive, you need to make sure it is formatted correctly and has the usable files it needs.
Table of Contents
Formatting the USB Drive
First, make sure that your USB drive has the right file system set up. Different tools and operating systems may use different file systems, so this could be either FAT32 or NTFS.
- Plug in the USB drive: You can now connect your USB drive to your PC.
- Start up the File Manager: Right-click on the USB drive when you find it. After that, pick “Format.”
- Choose a file system: You can choose either FAT32 or NTFS from the drop-down menu.
- Quick Style: Check the “Quick Format” box to speed up the process.
- Start: Click “Start” to begin writing.
Creating a Bootable USB
Now it’s time to make a USB drive that works. You need to copy the things you need and get the USB drive to work to do this.
- Here is where you can get the ISO file: The tool or OS you want to use has an ISO file that you need to get.
- Use a tool: The Windows Media Creation Tool, Rufus, or UNetbootin are some tools that you can use.
- Choose the ISO: When you open the tool, pick the ISO file you made.
- Choose the USB Drive: Pick the right USB drive.
- Start: Press the button to start making the USB that works.
Accessing the BIOS/UEFI Settings
To start up from a USB, you need to change the boot order in your laptop’s BIOS or UEFI settings.
- Turn your laptop back on First, turn on your HP device again.
- Press the BIOS button: Press the Esc or F10 key over and over while the computer is starting up. Press this button to go to the page where you can change the BIOS/UEFI settings.
- You’ll have to use the keyboard to move around if your mouse doesn’t work well in the BIOS/UEFI screen.
- Check out the Boot Options: Press the arrow keys to go to the “System Configuration” or “Boot” tab.
- Choose the Boots: Select “Boot Order” and press “Enter.”
Changing the Boot Order
There is one thing you need to do to make sure the USB drive starts up your HP laptop.
- Press the arrow keys to move the USB drive to the top of the list of boot options.
- Save Changes: Press F10 to save your changes and leave the BIOS/UEFI tools.
Booting from the USB Drive
Now that the boot order has been set, it should start up from the USB drive.
- Turn your laptop back on: Allow your HP laptop to start up again.
- The USB drive should now be used to start up the machine. For the boot to go through, you may be asked to press a key.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
It’s not always possible to start up from a USB drive. Here are some common issues and ways to fix them.
- USB Drive Not Recognized: If your computer doesn’t see the USB drive. Check out the USB port. Next time, use a different USB port. Make a new USB that can start up. It’s possible that the process of making the USB didn’t work. Make the USB usable again with a tool you know you can trust.
- Problems with Boot Loops: If your laptop gets stuck in a boot loop. Make sure the boots are in the right order. Make sure that the USB drive is the first thing that the computer sees when it wakes up. Fix the BIOS and UEFI. Make sure the software for your BIOS or UEFI is up to date.
Conclusion
How to boot from a USB drive on an HP laptop is important to know because it can help you install new OSs, get back lost data, or run troubleshooting tools. Following the steps in this guide will help you make a working USB drive, set up your BIOS or UEFI, and boot from the USB in the right way. When you need to boot from a USB, you will be ready if you practice these steps a lot and know how to do them.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can any USB drive start up my HP laptop?
Anyone’s USB drive will work, but the best one is one that has at least 8GB of room and is in good shape. Also, make sure the USB drive is formatted correctly and has the bootable files that you made with tools you can trust.
That USB drive doesn’t show up on my HP laptop. What should I do?
The laptop might not see the USB drive. To fix this, try a different USB port or a different USB tool. Also, make sure the USB drive is formatted properly and there are no mistakes on it. In the BIOS or UEFI settings, make sure it is set as the main start device.
How do I change the BIOS or UEFI software on my HP laptop?
Go to the HP Support website and get the most current firmware version for your laptop model. This will let you update the BIOS or UEFI firmware. HP tells you how to safely update your BIOS/UEFI. This will make sure your system is always up-to-date and can handle the newest software and hardware.
This is what I want to do: change the running system on my laptop. Can a USB drive start up my computer?
Of course, you can use a USB drive to boot up and use a live copy of an OS, like Linux. The operating system can be used without having to be put on your machine. This might help you try something new or fix a problem.
Can you make a working USB drive with these well-known tools?
A lot of people use Rufus, UNetbootin, or the Windows Media Creation Tool to make a USB drive that works. It’s easy to make a USB drive that can be used for many things with these tools because they work with many operating systems and are simple to use. As a safety measure, you should only download these tools from their official websites.