BIOS Won't Allow Boot Priority Change for Ubuntu Hard Drive

FIX HDD Boot Problem: Changing Boot Order Priority for Ubuntu Dual Boot Setup

If you have installed Ubuntu on a separate hard drive and want to change the boot order priority so that you can dual boot both Ubuntu and Windows, this article will guide you through the process. We will cover the key concepts related to boot order priority and provide a detailed, step-by-step guide to changing the boot order priority for your Ubuntu hard drive.

Understanding Boot Order Priority

Boot order priority determines the order in which your computer checks for bootable devices when it starts up. By default, most computers are set to boot from the primary hard drive, which is usually where the operating system is installed. However, if you have installed Ubuntu on a separate hard drive, you will need to change the boot order priority to be able to dual boot both Ubuntu and Windows.

Checking Current Boot Order Priority

Before you can change the boot order priority, you need to check the current boot order priority. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Restart your computer and press the key to enter the boot menu (this key varies by manufacturer, but it is often F12, F10, or Esc).
2. In the boot menu, you should see a list of bootable devices. The device that is currently set as the first boot device will be listed at the top.

Changing Boot Order Priority

To change the boot order priority, follow these steps:

1. Restart your computer and press the key to enter the BIOS setup (this key varies by manufacturer, but it is often F2, F10, or Del).
2. In the BIOS setup, navigate to the boot order settings. This may be located under the "Boot" or "System Configuration" menu.
3. Change the boot order so that your Ubuntu hard drive is listed as the first boot device.
4. Save your changes and exit the BIOS setup.

Code Block: Example BIOS Setup

# Enter BIOS setup by pressing F2
F2
# Navigate to boot order settings
...
# Change boot order so that Ubuntu hard drive is first
F6
# Save changes and exit
F10


Changing the boot order priority is a simple process that allows you to dual boot both Ubuntu and Windows. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your computer boots from the correct hard drive and that you are able to access both operating systems.

References

• Ubuntu Community Help Wiki: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BootOrder
• Arch Linux Wiki: https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Boot_loader
• Red Hat Documentation: https://access.redhat.com/documentation/en-us/red_hat_enterprise_linux/7/html/system_administrators_guide/ch-installation_guide