What To Know
- Knowing how to change boot order Surface Pro can be a valuable skill, allowing you to quickly access external drives, boot into a recovery environment, or even troubleshoot system issues.
- In case of system errors or issues, you might need to boot into a recovery environment for troubleshooting or data recovery.
- If you want to run multiple operating systems on your Surface Pro, such as Windows and Linux, you’ll need to configure the boot order to select your preferred OS at startup.
The Surface Pro, with its sleek design and powerful performance, is a popular choice for professionals and creative individuals alike. But did you know that you can customize its boot order to suit your specific needs? Knowing how to change boot order Surface Pro can be a valuable skill, allowing you to quickly access external drives, boot into a recovery environment, or even troubleshoot system issues. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, empowering you to take control of your Surface Pro’s startup sequence.
Why Change Boot Order on Your Surface Pro?
Before diving into the steps, let’s understand why changing boot order might be necessary. Here are some common scenarios:
- Accessing Data on External Drives: If you frequently work with data stored on external hard drives or USB flash drives, setting them as the primary boot device can make your workflow more efficient.
- Boot into Recovery Environment: In case of system errors or issues, you might need to boot into a recovery environment for troubleshooting or data recovery. Changing boot order allows you to prioritize the recovery partition.
- Dual Boot Setup: If you want to run multiple operating systems on your Surface Pro, such as Windows and Linux, you’ll need to configure the boot order to select your preferred OS at startup.
- Troubleshooting Boot Issues: If your Surface Pro is encountering boot problems, changing the boot order can help identify and resolve the issue.
Method 1: Changing Boot Order Through the BIOS Setup
The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a fundamental part of your Surface Pro’s firmware that controls the initial startup process. Accessing the BIOS setup screen allows you to make various system-level configurations, including changing the boot order.
Accessing the BIOS Setup
1. Power off your Surface Pro completely.
2. Press and hold the **volume up button** while **pressing the power button** to turn it on.
3. Continue holding the volume up button until you see the Surface logo appear.
4. Release the volume up button. The BIOS setup screen should now be displayed.
Navigating the BIOS Setup
The BIOS setup menu may vary slightly depending on your Surface Pro model. However, the general navigation principles are the same:
- Use the arrow keys to move between menu options.
- Press Enter to select an option.
- Use the + and – keys to adjust values.
- Press Esc to exit a menu or the BIOS setup.
Changing Boot Order
1. Locate the Boot menu within the BIOS setup. It might be labeled as “Boot Order,” “Boot Options,” or similar.
2. Select the Boot menu using the arrow keys and press Enter.
3. The BIOS will display a list of bootable devices, including your hard drive, optical drive (if available), and any connected USB devices.
4. Use the arrow keys to move the desired boot device to the top of the list. This device will be the first one the Surface Pro attempts to boot from.
5. Save and Exit: Once you’ve adjusted the boot order, press **F10** to save your changes and exit the BIOS setup.
Method 2: Changing Boot Order Using the Windows Boot Options
Windows provides a built-in option to modify the boot order without entering the BIOS setup. This method is convenient for quickly changing the boot order for specific scenarios.
Accessing the Windows Boot Options
1. Restart your Surface Pro.
2. Press and hold the **Shift key** while clicking the **Restart** button.
3. This will open the Windows Boot Options menu.
Changing Boot Order
1. Select “Troubleshoot” from the Boot Options menu.
2. Choose “Advanced options.”
3. Select “Startup Settings.”
4. Click “Restart” to reboot your Surface Pro.
5. After rebooting, you will see a list of startup options.
6. Press the corresponding number key to select your desired boot device. For example, pressing “4” might select the “Enable Safe Mode” option.
7. Your Surface Pro will boot into the selected mode.
Tips for Changing Boot Order
- Consult your Surface Pro’s manual: Refer to your Surface Pro’s user manual for specific instructions and key combinations for accessing the BIOS setup.
- Be cautious with BIOS settings: The BIOS settings can affect your system’s functionality. Only change settings if you understand their purpose.
- Back up your data: Before making significant changes to your Surface Pro’s boot order, it’s always a good practice to back up your important data.
Understanding Boot Priority
When you turn on your Surface Pro, the BIOS searches for a bootable device in a specific order, known as the boot priority. This order determines which device the system will attempt to boot from first. Here’s a common boot priority order:
1. Internal Hard Drive: This is typically the primary boot device, containing the operating system.
2. Optical Drive (if available): If you have an optical drive, it might be set as the second boot device.
3. USB Devices: Any connected USB devices, such as flash drives or external hard drives, will be checked next.
4. Network Boot: Some systems support booting from a network connection, which is often used for network installations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What if I don’t see my desired boot device in the BIOS list?
A: Ensure that the device is properly connected and powered on. If it’s a USB device, try plugging it into a different USB port. If the device is still not recognized, it might be faulty or incompatible.
Q: Can I change the boot order without restarting my Surface Pro?
A: No, changing the boot order requires a restart for the changes to take effect.
Q: What happens if I accidentally disable the internal hard drive in the BIOS?
A: If you disable the internal hard drive, your Surface Pro will not be able to boot from it. You’ll need to re-enable it in the BIOS setup or use a bootable USB drive to access and re-enable the internal hard drive.
Q: Can I change the boot order from within Windows?
A: While you can’t directly change the boot order from within Windows itself, you can use the “Startup Settings” option in the Windows Boot Options menu to select a different boot device temporarily.
Q: Is it safe to change the boot order?
A: Changing the boot order is generally safe if you follow the instructions carefully. However, it’s always recommended to back up your data before making any significant changes to your system’s configuration.
Key Points: Unleashing the Power of Your Surface Pro
By understanding how to change boot order Surface Pro, you gain control over your device’s startup sequence. Whether you need to access data on an external drive, troubleshoot boot issues, or experiment with dual booting, mastering this skill empowers you to customize your Surface Pro’s functionality and enhance your overall computing experience. Remember to approach BIOS settings with caution, back up your data, and consult your Surface Pro’s user manual for specific instructions. Happy booting!
