How to Change Boot Drive Windows 10? [Updated 2024]

Sometimes, we need to change the boot drive for some reason. However, not every user knows the process of how to change the Boot drive of Windows 10. If you are one of those newbies looking to change the boot drive of your computer system for the first time? Don't worry this guide will help you to change your boot drive using the recovery tool and BIOS settings. 

Before we go any further, let us help you understand what a boot drive is and what are the most common reasons to replace a boot drive.

🔗Further reading: How to Change Primary Hard Drive Windows 10 Easily & Quickly

What Is A Boot Drive?

A boot drive is a storage device containing the computer operating system. It is used to boot a computer in the form of a CD-ROM drive, USB flash disk, floppy disc drive, and DVD drive. A hard disk is the most common type of boot drive. 

The operating system is pre-installed in a new computer, and you can directly boot it. On the other hand, an old computer needs to replace the disk to upgrade its storage and functionality. However, it is not possible to boot a computer unless the necessary boot files are stored on the disk. Due to the following reasons, you may need to change the boot drive in your windows computer:

• Windows Installation: If you want to install a new operating system to a formatted drive, you will need to use it as a bootable device. You must copy the Windows installer to the disk and pick it as a boot drive to activate the installation.
• Upgrade HDD to SSD: If you are looking to upgrade the performance of your computer/laptop using a new SSD, you will need to move the boot drive into it.
• Need a Recovery Drive: If your hard drive is damaged or failing, you can use a new disk to recover the data operating the windows tool. It will help you to give a kick start to your computer even if it does not start. To do so, you will need to change the recovery drive to boot your computer with no data loss.
• Operate Bootable Antivirus: When powerful malware or virus hits your system, it stops you from using the Windows operating system and other programs. The only way to fix the problem is to use combat bootable antivirus stored on a hard drive or flash drive. 

No matter what is the reason for changing the boot drive, we will help you anyway. Follow the methods and steps to change the Boot drive Windows 10.

How to Change Boot Drive Windows 10?

As we mentioned earlier, there are three easy ways to change the boot drive. One is using a professional boot tool, and the other is Advanced Options and System Configuration. Go through the given methods by following the step-by-step guide.

1. Method 1. Change the Boot Drive via a Third-Party Tool
2. Method 2. Change the Boot Drive via Advanced Options
3. Method 3. Change the Boot Drive via System Configuration

Method 1. Change the Boot Drive via a Third-Party Tool

If you are not familiar with the operation of Windows, a third-party smart tool - EaseUS Partition Master, can enable you to change the boot drive under UEFI easily. The tool provides a quick and easy operation, even if you are new to knowing how to change the boot drive in Windows 10.

Step 1. Launch EaseUS Partition Master on your computer and navigate to the "Boot Repair" section in "Toolkit."

Step 2. Go to the "UEFI items" tab and change the boot order by dragging the drive to the first position.

Step 3.Click "Save" to apply the changes. Then, your OS is set to boot from the new hard drive.

Note:If you hit on the "Reboot" button after the drive, the OS can boot from this disk at the next time for once.

In addition, as a wonderful Windows boot repair tool, EaseUS Partition Master offers some additional advanced features such as repairing the boot drive, fixing the computer's blue screen, and other issues. Download it, and you can use it any time you meet the errors.

Method 2. Change the Boot Drive via Advanced Options

The easiest way to change the boot drive is to enter UEFI firmware via advanced options. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Explore the Settings by clicking the gear icon on the left side of the Windows screen. 

Step 2: Click the "Update & Security" option.

Step 3: Select "Recovery" from the left side menu, then tap "Restart Now."

Step 4: Select the Troubleshoot option, then click "Advanced Options."

Step 5. In the end, choose "UEFI Firmware Settings" to make changes.

Step 6. It will restart your computer. Once the system boots up, it will take you to the Firmware settings.

Step 7. Switch to Boot Tab and select your desired boot drive from the list and place it on the top.

Note: Use the arrow keys or the + & - buttons to change the boot order.

Step 8. Press F10 to Save and Exit.

Method 3. Change the Boot Drive via System Configuration

You can also change your boost drive through the diskpart command in System Configuration. Use the BIOS settings or UEFI firmware by pressing any compatible Function key from F1 to F12. 

Note: Different computers/laptops access BIOS from different Fn keys. Restart the computer to log in to BIOS settings and go through the steps below:

Step 1. Press the correct function key to access the BIOS Setup

Step 2. Hit Enter to access the Boot submenu.

Note: All the BIOS utilities may differ a little but the menu settings are generally listed horizontally. You will get the menu option at the top, hardware options in the middle, and BIOS modification at the bottom of the screen.

Step 3. To find the Boot order and select the drive, use the Arrow key to push the drive in the first place. To move the gadget up or down, press the + and - keys.

Step 4. Change the Boot order accordingly, and press the F10 key to choose "Save and Exit."

Step 5. Select "Yes" to confirm your changes and start your computer.

Concluding Thoughts

Changing your boot drive gives you multiple advantages to enjoy the efficient and definitive functionality of the computer system. You should not feel annoyed if you have not gone through the boot drive changing process. Thus, we have added the essential information about how to change Boot Drive Windows 10. Simply choose any of the mentioned methods, and follow each step correctly. 

FAQs about Changing Boot Drive Windows 10

Follow the FAQ section for additional queries about how to change boot Drive Windows 10.

1. Why I cannot use SSD to boot?

You cannot use the SSD to boot due to the failure of resetting the boot order in the BIOS utility. Connect your SSD, then restart your computer. Press the correct function key to open the BIOS menu. Use + and - keys to move up and down. Choose the SSD and press F10 to save and exit.

2. How do I fix no bootable devices found?

Reconnect the device and restart your computer. After restart, press the relevant key, Esc, Del, or F1...F12 to open BIOS settings. Go to the boot tab and change the boot order. To do so, use the Arrow key and place the hard drive in the first position. 

3. Does the boot drive have to be a C drive?

Generally, the computer system uses the C drive as the boot drive, but you can change the boot drive from BIOS settings.