Will Changing the Boot Menu to SSD Permanently Use the SSD?

The transition to using a Solid State Drive (SSD) as your primary boot drive can be a significant step in improving the speed and efficiency of your computer. However, many users are curious about whether changing the boot menu to prioritize the SSD will ensure it is the primary boot drive for good.

Overview of Boot Priorities and BIOS Settings

Depending on your motherboard's Benchmark and Input System (BIOS), your computer may or may not remember your choice when it comes to the boot menu. Some motherboards have the ability to retain the last boot menu setting, which might mean that if you change the boot order to prioritize the SSD, the computer will boot from it the next time and potentially every time. However, there’s no guarantee, making it essential to understand the specific settings and configuration options available.

How to Adjust the Boot Priority in BIOS

The most reliable way to ensure your system always boots from the SSD is by adjusting the boot priority order through the BIOS settings. Each motherboard manufacturer may have a different structure for accessing and configuring these settings, but the process generally involves locating a "Boot" or "Disks" or "Storage" section within the BIOS.

Once in the appropriate section, you will find a list of storage devices that your motherboard recognizes. You can then either move the SSD up or down in the list or select it as the 1st, 2nd, etc. option to ensure it is checked first for a bootable partition.

Example from a MSI Motherboard

For a MSI motherboard, the process of adjusting the boot priority in the BIOS might look something like this:

Access the BIOS settings using the appropriate key during the startup sequence (usually Del, F2, or F12, depending on the motherboard). Locate the Boot or Disks or Storage settings. Identify the storage device list, and use the arrow keys or the provided option to move the SSD to the top of the list. Or, prioritize the SSD by selecting it as the first boot device. After configuring the boot order, navigate to the Save Exit or Save Reboot option.

For other manufacturers like ASUS, the process might involve a more complex hierarchy, such as accessing the Boot settings under another menu level. The best approach is to consult the motherboard’s user manual or documentation for detailed instructions tailored to your specific model.

Conclusion

In summary, while some motherboards remember your last selection, it is crucial to explicitly configure the boot priority order in BIOS to ensure your system always boots from the SSD. This step involves locating the relevant settings within the BIOS menu and ensuring that the SSD is prioritized as the first boot device.

If you find that changing the boot menu does not reliably put the SSD as the primary boot drive, it is always better to double-check your BIOS settings and consult the motherboard’s documentation for any specific instructions or known issues. Proper configuration can help optimize your system's performance and ensure a seamless booting process.