Dual Booting Pop OS and Windows: Windows Keeps Being Placed on Top in Boot Order

Are you trying to dual boot your computer with Pop OS and Windows, but every time you start your system, Windows is always the default option? Don't worry, you're not alone. Many users face this issue when setting up a dual boot configuration. In this article, we will guide you through the process of changing the boot order so that Pop OS becomes the default option.

Before we begin, it's important to understand why Windows is always placed on top in the boot order. This happens because Windows, by default, takes control of the boot loader during installation and places itself at the top of the boot order. However, we can easily change this by following a few simple steps.

Step 1: Accessing the UEFI/BIOS Settings

To change the boot order, we need to access the UEFI or BIOS settings of your computer. The process may vary depending on your system manufacturer, but generally, you can access the settings by pressing a specific key during the boot process. Common keys include F2, F10, Del, or Esc. Refer to your computer's manual or manufacturer's website to find the exact key for your system.

Once you press the correct key, you will enter the UEFI or BIOS settings. Look for an option called "Boot" or "Boot Order" in the menu. This is where we will make the necessary changes.

Step 2: Changing the Boot Order

Within the "Boot" or "Boot Order" menu, you will see a list of devices that your computer can boot from. The device at the top of the list is the default option. To change the boot order, you need to move Pop OS to the top.

Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to navigate through the list of devices. Look for the entry that corresponds to Pop OS. It may be listed as "Pop OS" or "Ubuntu" since Pop OS is based on Ubuntu. Once you find it, select it and use the designated key (usually F5 or F6) to move it to the top of the list.

After moving Pop OS to the top, look for an option to save the changes and exit the UEFI or BIOS settings. The specific option may be called "Save and Exit" or something similar. Press the corresponding key to save the changes and restart your computer.

Step 3: Verifying the Boot Order

Once your computer restarts, it should now boot into Pop OS by default. However, it's always a good idea to verify the boot order to ensure the changes were applied successfully.

To do this, restart your computer and pay attention to the boot menu that appears. It usually shows a list of available operating systems or devices to boot from. If Pop OS is listed at the top, congratulations! You have successfully changed the boot order.

If Windows is still the default option, repeat steps 1 and 2 to double-check the boot order settings. Make sure you properly save the changes before exiting the UEFI or BIOS settings.

That's it! You have now successfully changed the boot order, and Pop OS should be the default option when you start your computer.

If you ever want to switch back to Windows as the default option, simply follow the same steps and move Windows to the top of the boot order.

We hope this article has helped you resolve the issue of Windows being placed on top in the boot order when dual booting with Pop OS. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, feel free to reach out to our support team.

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