Pressing F8 before Windows boots up is the ultimate way to access the boot menu on a Windows PC. However, different manufacturers (Dell, Lenovo, HP, Acer, Samsung, Asus ) can have different key combinations for the same.
If you are unfamiliar with it, the boot menu is a dedicated menu that allows you to navigate through multiple options that can help you boot your PC into useful modes while troubleshooting it. Whenever you encounter an error on your PC, the first thing anyone will advise you is to restart it into Safe Mode. And how do you do it? Well, you use the boot menu for it.
While options like logging into safe mode, debugging, boot logging, etc., are directly available in the boot menu for extensive troubleshooting, the majority of Windows users do not know how to access it. This happens because every manufacturer has a slightly different way of invoking it. If you are looking for ways to access it, then you have definitely reached the perfect place.
In this post, we will discuss how to launch Windows startup settings and access the boot menu on any Windows PC.
What is the Boot Menu in Windows? Understanding Boot Menu
The boot menu is the ultimate feature list that you can access to fix issues on any Windows PC. This menu has all the options that can help you change your computer’s boot behavior. For instance, you can easily choose exactly which drive will be used to boot the PC. This comes in super handy when you are trying to install a new copy of Windows using a USB or a DVD. The Boot menu offers features such as Boot Order, Troubleshooting methods, etc.
With the help of the Boot Menu, you can not only decide the exact boot sequence but also access your BIOS settings for better configuration. It is also helpful in troubleshooting basic issues on your PC. How? Well, when your computer starts up, it has a set protocol to initiate a few services and applications. However, when the PC is not working properly, you may be required to avoid the usual startup, as it may be the reason triggering the error. And where do you go to ensure that the startup settings are changed as required? You guessed it, the boot menu!
The boot menu is considered the core of Windows and does not change much when it comes to different versions. You can find a similar menu in Windows 11/10/8.1/8, while a slightly different one in Windows 7. However, the real differentiating factor is the motherboard being used. You see, different manufacturers have different hotkeys that can help you access the boot menu on your computer. That happens because they have different motherboards powering their CPU, so the trigger for BIOS and UEFI settings is different.
Is there a Difference Between Boot Menu & Start-Up Settings?
Before we launch the boot menu on your computer, a massive confusion must be cleared. The Boot Menu is usually found in the BIOS settings of your device and offers features that allow you to directly tweak the way your PC will boot up. The features of the boot menu are often confused with the Startup Settings option. Both are different; however, they can be easily mistaken for the same since both affect the starting of your PC.
The boot menu offers you features that allow you to identify how your PC will boot, such as –
- Check and change the Boot Sequence.
- Choose which device is used as the primary, secondary, and tertiary boot device.
- Access Boot Manager for configuring boot settings.
On the other hand, the Startup settings allow you to choose how your PC starts. With Startup settings, you can invoke the following settings –
- Enable Debugging on your PC.
- Launch the PC in different Safe Modes such as Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking, etc.
- Enable Low-Resolution video mode.
- Enable Boot Logging.
- Disable Driver Signature Enforcement
- Disable Early Launch Anti-Malware- Protection
- Disable Automatic Restart on System Failure
If you are looking for an answer to how to access Windows Startup Settings, you have to navigate to your PC’s settings and restart your PC using Advanced Startup. You can navigate the Troubleshoot options and select the Advance option to find all your startup settings.
The difference between Boot Menu and Windows Startup settings is quite clear now, considering one offers features related to configuring your boot settings. In contrast, the other offers features to help your operating system start better. One is for configuring the hardware sequence correctly, while the other offers assistance in choosing the perfect mode for launching the PC.
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Launching Windows Boot Menu on Different Devices: Here’s How You Do It!
There are two common ways to access the boot menu on a Windows PC. The first is to use the fn keys, while the other is to directly open the BIOS configuration.
Method 1: Enter the Boot Menu Using Function Keys
To use the boot menu on any Windows PC, you need to know exactly which function key triggers the BIOS settings on your computer. Usually, when your PC is starting up, you get a small Window to press the correct function key so that the PC jumps to the motherboard settings menu instead of directly booting into Windows. F2 is the most commonly used key; however, as mentioned before, different manufacturers have different key combinations.
Boot Menu Keys for Different PC Manufacturers:-
- Acer Boot Menu: Del or F2
- Asus Boot Menu: F9, F2 for all PCs, F2 or Del for motherboards
- Dell Boot Menu: F12
- HP Boot Menu: Esc or F10
- Lenovo Boot Menu: F1 or F2
- Samsung Boot Menu: F2
- Toshiba Boot Menu: F12
Boot Menu Keys for Different Motherboards:-
- ASUS: F8
- GIGABYTE: F12
- MSI: F11
- INTEL: F10, F2
- ASROCK: F11, F2
- EVG: F7
Simply check your manufacturer/motherboard and press the function key on startup to access the boot menu on your Windows PC. Keep in mind that you have to press the key before the Windows animation begins or just when your motherboard information shows up. Some PCs may have a very small window to press the key, so you have to be quick.
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Method 2: Access Boot Menu Using BIOS Configuration
Now, if you are unable to press the key at the correct time, do not worry. We also have another method to access the Boot Menu. This method requires you to follow a series of steps that eventually lead you directly to the desired menu so that you can make the changes as required. Keep in mind that in this step, we will use Windows Startup Settings; hence, you should not get confused.
Here are the steps that can help you out –
(For Windows 11)
Step 1 – Press Win+I on your PC to launch System Settings.
Step 2 – In System Settings, scroll down to the Recovery option and open it.
Step 3—In Recovery, you may find the Advanced Startup Option. Click on the Restart Now button corresponding to this option to restart your PC.
Step 4 – Once the PC runs the Startup Settings Menu, select Troubleshoot from the list.
Step 5 – In Troubleshoot, you can find another option by Advanced and select the same.
Step 6—From Advanced options, select the UEFI/BIOS configuration to access the BIOS/UEFI settings. 
Step 7—From BIOS/UEFI settings, simply select Boot Manager, and you will have the Boot Menu available!
(For Windows 10/8.1/8/7)
Step 1 – Press Win+I on your PC to launch System Settings.
Step 2 – Go to Update & Security in the settings menu.
Step 3—In Update & Security, find the Recover option. In the recovery settings, you may find Advanced Startup. Click on Restart and run Advanced Startup.
Step 4 – Once the PC runs the Startup Settings Menu, select Troubleshoot from the list.
Step 5 – In Troubleshoot you can find another option named Advanced. Select the same.
Step 6—From Advanced options, select the UEFI/BIOS configuration to access the BIOS/UEFI settings.
Step 7—From BIOS/UEFI settings, simply select Boot Manager, and you will have the Boot Menu available!
One can easily access the boot menu on a Windows PC using these steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can I Do With Boot Menu? Options Available
Well, there’s a lot you can do with the boot menu. Firstly, you always have the option to change your boot device priority, which comes in handy when you have a corrupt hard drive or a slower drive with the OS. However, the utility is not limited to boot sequencing and configuration, as many manufacturers offer different options.
Some of the options you may find in the boot menu of your Windows PC include –
- Configure BIOS/UEFI settings.
- Run a Memory Diagnosis
- Factory Restore PC
- Diagnose Hardware
- Choose a Temporary Startup Device
- Access Safe Mode
Keep in mind that these features can vary depending on the device manufacturer. Hence, your PC might have all of these features and more, or it may have a few features missing. Either way, it is completely fine as long as you are only looking for the boot Menu.
What to do if you can’t find the boot menu?
Well, the steps shared above can lead you straight to the boot menu on your PC. However, in case you are facing issues, please ensure that –
- You are pressing the correct key to launch the BIOS configuration.
- If you are using an older PC that uses traditional ports for input devices, do not use a USB keyboard, as the PC may not recognize it.
- Check your computer’s manual and documentation to find the exact command to launch the boot menu.
How to access the boot menu on a laptop
You can access the boot menu using the function key when your laptop starts to boot. If you are already logged in to your PC, restart it and press the related function key instantly to launch the boot menu. The list of required function keys according to your laptop manufacturer is above.
Make the Most of Your Windows by Configuring the Boot Menu!
The boot menu plays a vital role in the proper functioning of your computer. Not only does it allow you to manage boot settings, but it also helps you troubleshoot your PC to a great extent. You can not only boot from an external device using the boot menu, but you can even factory reset your PC. Not only that, the safe mode utility, which is considered the ultimate Windows troubleshooter, is also available in the same menu. Remember that Start-Up Settings can be considered an upgraded and simplified version of the Boot Menu; however, it is not the same.
Hence, properly using the boot menu can be a great way to keep your PC up and running. We hope this guide helps you out! In addition to this, to keep your PC optimized and free from common errors, we suggest you use a PC cleanup tool like Advanced System Optimizer. This product can help you keep the hard disk optimized, drivers updated, the system free from malware, and the PC. To try it, click the button below to download it today.
If you have any doubts, leave them in the comments section, and we would love to help you out!
That will be all for this one. Thanks for reading! Good Luck!
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