BIOS / boot order

Boot from your install USB so Windows Setup loads instead of the existing system. Prefer the UEFI USB entry when two listings appear for the same stick.

1. Check firmware requirements (Windows 11)

Check these in firmware before setup if you install Windows 11:

• UEFI mode (not Legacy / CSM)
• Secure Boot enabled
• TPM 2.0 enabled (PTT on Intel, fTPM on AMD)

If setup still reports a compatibility error, see Enabling TPM 2.0 for Windows 11 Installation.

Installing Windows 10?

TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are not required. Skip to 2. Boot from USB.

2. Boot from USB

Enter firmware from Windows (try this first)

Open Command Prompt Commonly known as cmd as administrator and run:

shutdown /r /fw /t 0 & shutdown /r /fw /t 0

The PC restarts into UEFI/BIOS. Open Boot or Boot Override, select your USB (UEFI), save, and exit.

If nothing opens, Fast Boot blocked the keyboard, or you want a one-time USB boot without changing the default drive, use your motherboard brand below. Press the key repeatedly as soon as the logo appears.

Action	Key
Boot menu (one time)	F8 (desktop) · Esc (many laptops)
BIOS setup	Del or F2

Boot menu: pick the USB line labeled UEFI → Enter.

In BIOS: Boot → Boot Override (or press F8 for boot menu) → USB UEFI → save and exit.

Keys vary by model

Prebuilt PCs and laptops may use different keys. If a key fails, try the other key listed for that brand or check the splash screen / manual.

Next step

When the Windows installer loads, continue with Setup wizard.