Windows 11 - Boot from USB


Kan Lang

Member
Local time
4:41 PM
Posts
2
OS
Windows 11
hi, just received my (or 'a', depends on whether I will like the machine, or not) new Dell XPS 17 with Windows 11 installed. Learning from previous experiences I want to make a backup preferably using my favorite program Macrium Reflect before changing anything to the machine at all.

I am able to select an option from within Windows that shows a USB, but it brings me to some https help-system. Don't want that.

How can I start the machine from USB like I am able in Windows 10?

Thanks in advance, Kan
 
Windows Build/Version
Windows 11 - version not known at this very moment

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
found this in the tutorial section:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 11
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Omen 880-030
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen R7-1700 8-Core 3.0GHz
    Memory
    16gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX1070
    Hard Drives
    ssd + ssd +HD
    Internet Speed
    100/100
    Browser
    Edge
    Other Info
    Macrium Reflect
I have a Dell XPS 13 and I had that issue. What I discovered that none of my boot devices would work for Windows 11 (whereas they previously worked for all others OSs), so I recreated my USB boot stick using the Windows Media Creation Tool. Once it was done, I deleted the files on the USB and copied my previous media on to the newly created USB media and all was well. Anyway, that is what worked for me. Hope it helps.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
    Motherboard
    GIGABYTE B550 AORUS ELITE AX V2
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidea??
    Sound Card
    MB Sound only
    Hard Drives
    m2.nvme
    PSU
    Seasonic Focus
    Case
    Cougar
    Cooling
    Enermax Liquid CPU
    Keyboard
    Logitech K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    2.5 GB
    Browser
    BRAVE
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Please list all of the computer specs.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec B746
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-10700K
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4/ax
    Memory
    16GB (8GB PC4-19200 DDR4 SDRAM x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 TI
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SAM0A87 Samsung SAM0D32
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    NVMe WDC WDS100T2B0C-00PXH0 1TB
    Samsung SSD 860 EVO 1TB
    PSU
    750 Watts (62.5A)
    Case
    PowerSpec/Lian Li ATX 205
    Keyboard
    Logitech K270
    Mouse
    Logitech M185
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge and Firefox
    Antivirus
    ESET Internet Security
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec G156
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8400 CPU @ 2.80GHz
    Motherboard
    AsusTeK Prime B360M-S
    Memory
    16 MB DDR 4-2666
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Speptre HDMI 75Hz
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 EVO 500GB NVMe
    Mouse
    Logitek M185
    Keyboard
    Logitek K270
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge and Edge Canary
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
How can I start the machine from USB like I am able in Windows 10?
FWIW-
I've a new XPS 8940 and would need to do the following to boot from a REPAIR DISC
1. Set disc in drive
2. restrart PC
3. start pressing F12
A boot screen will appear--- now select the boot path you wish to use.
I've tested this on my desktop to insure I can use the REPAIR DISC I made in the event I need to reload the drive IMAGE (WindowsImageBackup ) file.
Hope this helps
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    WIN11 HOME Version 23H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    DELL XPS 8940
    CPU
    11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-11700 @ 2.50GHz 2.50 GH
    Motherboard
    Dell OE
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 SUPER
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio (on board)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    (2) DELL 2007FP
    Screen Resolution
    1600 X 1200
    Hard Drives
    C: (OS and APPS) 512GB SSD
    D: (data) 1TB SATA
    PSU
    360W
    Case
    DELL OE
    Cooling
    Noctua NF-A9 PWM 92mm case fan and NH-D9L CPU Cooler with 92mm fan
    Keyboard
    Dell
    Mouse
    Logitech M705
    Internet Speed
    500Mbps DWN 120Mbps UP
    Browser
    FIREFOX once in a while will use EDGE
    Antivirus
    MS
    Other Info
    The case fan and CPU cooler were after purchase upgrades...the i7 cpu runs hot and the OE solution can best be described as marginal when CPU intensive apps are used.
    ALSO added a VRM and SSD passive heatsinks.
Does the BIOS show the USB drive as being bootable?
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec B746
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-10700K
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4/ax
    Memory
    16GB (8GB PC4-19200 DDR4 SDRAM x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 TI
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SAM0A87 Samsung SAM0D32
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    NVMe WDC WDS100T2B0C-00PXH0 1TB
    Samsung SSD 860 EVO 1TB
    PSU
    750 Watts (62.5A)
    Case
    PowerSpec/Lian Li ATX 205
    Keyboard
    Logitech K270
    Mouse
    Logitech M185
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge and Firefox
    Antivirus
    ESET Internet Security
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec G156
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8400 CPU @ 2.80GHz
    Motherboard
    AsusTeK Prime B360M-S
    Memory
    16 MB DDR 4-2666
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Speptre HDMI 75Hz
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 EVO 500GB NVMe
    Mouse
    Logitek M185
    Keyboard
    Logitek K270
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge and Edge Canary
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
I've not tested this with a USB drive but when I use my disc that drive is listed.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    WIN11 HOME Version 23H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    DELL XPS 8940
    CPU
    11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-11700 @ 2.50GHz 2.50 GH
    Motherboard
    Dell OE
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 SUPER
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio (on board)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    (2) DELL 2007FP
    Screen Resolution
    1600 X 1200
    Hard Drives
    C: (OS and APPS) 512GB SSD
    D: (data) 1TB SATA
    PSU
    360W
    Case
    DELL OE
    Cooling
    Noctua NF-A9 PWM 92mm case fan and NH-D9L CPU Cooler with 92mm fan
    Keyboard
    Dell
    Mouse
    Logitech M705
    Internet Speed
    500Mbps DWN 120Mbps UP
    Browser
    FIREFOX once in a while will use EDGE
    Antivirus
    MS
    Other Info
    The case fan and CPU cooler were after purchase upgrades...the i7 cpu runs hot and the OE solution can best be described as marginal when CPU intensive apps are used.
    ALSO added a VRM and SSD passive heatsinks.
Does the BIOS show the USB drive as being bootable?
Most BIOS's would only show if a usb drive is attached or not, and what the boot order is. I have never (personally) seen one that tells if the drive is bootable or not. I accept some bios's may be able to identify if drive has a bcd.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro + others in VHDs
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS Vivobook 14
    CPU
    I7
    Motherboard
    Yep, Laptop has one.
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated Intel Iris XE
    Sound Card
    Realtek built in
    Monitor(s) Displays
    N/A
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Optane NVME SSD, 1 TB NVME SSD
    PSU
    Yep, got one
    Case
    Yep, got one
    Cooling
    Stella Artois
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Bluetooth , wired
    Internet Speed
    72 Mb/s :-(
    Browser
    Edge mostly
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    TPM 2.0

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4800MQ CPU @ 2.70GHz
    Motherboard
    Product : 190A Version : KBC Version 94.56
    Memory
    16 GB Total: Manufacturer : Samsung MemoryType : DDR3 FormFactor : SODIMM Capacity : 8GB Speed : 1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Quadro K3100M; Intel(R) HD Graphics 4600
    Sound Card
    IDT High Definition Audio CODEC; PNP Device ID HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_76E0
    Hard Drives
    Model Hitachi HTS727575A9E364
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
    Other Info
    Mobile Workstation
Most BIOS's would only show if a usb drive is attached or not, and what the boot order is. I have never (personally) seen one that tells if the drive is bootable or not. I accept some bios's may be able to identify if drive has a bcd.
It might just be my computers, but I have always seen any bootable drive listed a boot source.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec B746
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-10700K
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4/ax
    Memory
    16GB (8GB PC4-19200 DDR4 SDRAM x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 TI
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SAM0A87 Samsung SAM0D32
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    NVMe WDC WDS100T2B0C-00PXH0 1TB
    Samsung SSD 860 EVO 1TB
    PSU
    750 Watts (62.5A)
    Case
    PowerSpec/Lian Li ATX 205
    Keyboard
    Logitech K270
    Mouse
    Logitech M185
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge and Firefox
    Antivirus
    ESET Internet Security
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec G156
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8400 CPU @ 2.80GHz
    Motherboard
    AsusTeK Prime B360M-S
    Memory
    16 MB DDR 4-2666
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Speptre HDMI 75Hz
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 EVO 500GB NVMe
    Mouse
    Logitek M185
    Keyboard
    Logitek K270
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge and Edge Canary
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
It might just be my computers, but I have always seen any bootable drive listed a boot source.
My point is most will also show non bootable drives, so you cannot tell. I just tested it on my new uefi only laptop, and drive shows in boot menu regardless if drive is bootable or not.

I click on the boot menu item and it just jumps back to bios if drives is not bootable as you would expect.

Is it possible, you only ever looked in bios when you knew usb drive was bootable (pointless otherwise)?
Try it?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro + others in VHDs
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS Vivobook 14
    CPU
    I7
    Motherboard
    Yep, Laptop has one.
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated Intel Iris XE
    Sound Card
    Realtek built in
    Monitor(s) Displays
    N/A
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Optane NVME SSD, 1 TB NVME SSD
    PSU
    Yep, got one
    Case
    Yep, got one
    Cooling
    Stella Artois
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Bluetooth , wired
    Internet Speed
    72 Mb/s :-(
    Browser
    Edge mostly
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    TPM 2.0
Is it possible, you only ever looked in bios when you knew usb drive was bootable
I know because that's how I use to choose the boot drive source. If the drive wasn't bootable, I couldn't select it as the source.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec B746
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-10700K
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4/ax
    Memory
    16GB (8GB PC4-19200 DDR4 SDRAM x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 TI
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SAM0A87 Samsung SAM0D32
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    NVMe WDC WDS100T2B0C-00PXH0 1TB
    Samsung SSD 860 EVO 1TB
    PSU
    750 Watts (62.5A)
    Case
    PowerSpec/Lian Li ATX 205
    Keyboard
    Logitech K270
    Mouse
    Logitech M185
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge and Firefox
    Antivirus
    ESET Internet Security
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec G156
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8400 CPU @ 2.80GHz
    Motherboard
    AsusTeK Prime B360M-S
    Memory
    16 MB DDR 4-2666
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Speptre HDMI 75Hz
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 EVO 500GB NVMe
    Mouse
    Logitek M185
    Keyboard
    Logitek K270
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge and Edge Canary
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
My point is most will also show non bootable drives, so you cannot tell. I just tested it on my new uefi only laptop, and drive shows in boot menu regardless if drive is bootable or not.

I click on the boot menu item and it just jumps back to bios if drives is not bootable as you would expect.

Is it possible, you only ever looked in bios when you knew usb drive was bootable (pointless otherwise)?
Try it?
I just took a photo of the BIOS boot priority on my old desktop with two external USB drives connected to it. Only one of the USB drives was bootable.

Bios Boot.jpg
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec B746
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-10700K
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4/ax
    Memory
    16GB (8GB PC4-19200 DDR4 SDRAM x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 TI
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SAM0A87 Samsung SAM0D32
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    NVMe WDC WDS100T2B0C-00PXH0 1TB
    Samsung SSD 860 EVO 1TB
    PSU
    750 Watts (62.5A)
    Case
    PowerSpec/Lian Li ATX 205
    Keyboard
    Logitech K270
    Mouse
    Logitech M185
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge and Firefox
    Antivirus
    ESET Internet Security
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec G156
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8400 CPU @ 2.80GHz
    Motherboard
    AsusTeK Prime B360M-S
    Memory
    16 MB DDR 4-2666
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Speptre HDMI 75Hz
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 EVO 500GB NVMe
    Mouse
    Logitek M185
    Keyboard
    Logitek K270
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge and Edge Canary
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Hi all, thanks so much for your swift and detailed replies. I fumbled around with it for a while but to no avail. This most certainly would be a solvable problem, as long as one keeps on searching.

But in the meantime I experienced very annoying sharp edges to the XPS 17's body where my wrists would rest. I decided that was reason for me to send the machine back. Apparently I am not the only one using this type of Dell ( ).

Thanks once more, I will revert to using the tenforums for a while. See you around! Regards, Kan
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11

Latest Support Threads

Back
Top Bottom