Quick summary
- Changing the boot order can be a lifesaver, especially when you need to access a USB drive, repair your system, or install a new operating system.
- When installing an operating system from a USB drive, you need to prioritize the USB drive in the boot order.
- Some Acer Nitro 5 models have a Boot Menu that allows you to temporarily select a boot device without changing the permanent boot order.
Are you tired of your Acer Nitro 5 booting into the wrong drive? Changing the boot order can be a lifesaver, especially when you need to access a USB drive, repair your system, or install a new operating system. This guide will walk you through the steps of changing the boot order on your Acer Nitro 5, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
Understanding Boot Order
Before diving into the steps, let’s understand what boot order means. When you turn on your Acer Nitro 5, the computer goes through a series of steps to start up. This process involves loading the operating system from a specific storage device. The boot order defines the sequence in which the computer checks these devices. By default, the boot order usually prioritizes the hard drive, followed by the optical drive (CD/DVD), and lastly, the USB drive.
Why Change Boot Order?
There are several reasons why you might need to change the boot order on your Acer Nitro 5:
- Installing a new operating system: When installing an operating system from a USB drive, you need to prioritize the USB drive in the boot order.
- Troubleshooting boot issues: If your computer is unable to boot properly, changing the boot order to a different drive can help diagnose the problem.
- Booting from a recovery drive: If your system encounters issues, you might need to boot from a recovery drive for repairs.
- Accessing data from a USB drive: If you need to access files from a USB drive quickly, you can set it as the first boot device.
Accessing the BIOS/UEFI Setup
The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is the software that controls the boot process and other basic hardware settings. You need to access the BIOS/UEFI setup to modify the boot order. Here’s how:
1. Power on your Acer Nitro 5.
2. Press the designated key repeatedly during the startup process. The specific key varies depending on the model. Common keys include F2, F10, Del, or Esc. Refer to your Acer Nitro 5 manual or look for a message on the screen during boot.
3. The BIOS/UEFI setup screen will appear.
Navigating the BIOS/UEFI Setup
The BIOS/UEFI interface might differ slightly depending on your Acer Nitro 5 model. However, the general navigation principles remain the same:
- Use the arrow keys to move between menus.
- Use the Enter key to select options.
- Use the + and – keys to adjust settings.
- Press F10 to save changes and exit.
Changing the Boot Order
Once you’re in the BIOS/UEFI setup, locate the boot order settings. It’s typically found under the “Boot” or “Startup” menu. You might see options like “Boot Device Priority,” “Boot Order,” or “Boot Menu.”
1. Select the boot order settings.
2. Use the arrow keys to highlight the current boot device.
3. Press the designated key to change the order. This key might be F5, F6, or a different key depending on your BIOS/UEFI version.
4. Move the desired boot device to the top of the list. For example, if you want to boot from a USB drive, move it to the top position.
5. Save changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI setup.
Confirming the Boot Order Change
After exiting the BIOS/UEFI setup, your Acer Nitro 5 will restart. To confirm the boot order change, observe the screen during the startup process. You should see a message indicating the boot device, such as “Booting from USB drive.”
Additional Tips
- Understanding the boot device options: The BIOS/UEFI setup usually displays a list of boot devices, including the hard drive (HDD or SSD), optical drive (CD/DVD), USB drive, and network boot.
- Enabling Legacy Boot Mode: If you’re using an older operating system or a legacy device, you might need to enable Legacy Boot Mode in the BIOS/UEFI setup.
- Using the Boot Menu: Some Acer Nitro 5 models have a Boot Menu that allows you to temporarily select a boot device without changing the permanent boot order. You can typically access the Boot Menu by pressing a specific key during startup, such as F12 or Esc.
Final Thoughts on How to Change Boot Order in Acer Nitro 5
Changing the boot order on your Acer Nitro 5 is a straightforward process that can be accomplished by accessing the BIOS/UEFI setup. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily prioritize your boot devices, enabling you to install new operating systems, troubleshoot issues, or access data from external drives.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: What if I can’t access the BIOS/UEFI setup?
A: If you’re unable to access the BIOS/UEFI setup, there might be a hardware issue. Contact Acer support for assistance.
Q: Does changing the boot order affect my operating system?
A: No, changing the boot order does not affect your installed operating system. It only changes the order in which the computer checks for bootable devices.
Q: Can I change the boot order without restarting my computer?
A: No, you need to restart your Acer Nitro 5 to apply the changes to the boot order.
Q: What happens if I don’t save changes before exiting the BIOS/UEFI setup?
A: If you don’t save changes, the boot order will remain unchanged. Your Acer Nitro 5 will boot from the same devices as before.