RTFM – How to Boot a USB Flash Drive by Disabling Secure Boot

Step 1: Insert Your Bootable USB

  • Plug the bootable USB flash drive into a USB port on your computer.

  • For data recovery work disconnect all other drives including our drives.

Step 2: Enter BIOS/UEFI Setup

  • Restart your computer.

  • While it’s starting, repeatedly press the setup key (usually F2, DEL, or ESC; sometimes F10 or F12 depending on brand).

  • You’ll know you’re in BIOS/UEFI when you see a settings menu instead of the normal OS boot screen.

Step 3: Disable Secure Boot

  • Navigate to the Boot or Security tab.

  • Find the option called Secure Boot.

  • Set it to Disabled.

  • (On some systems, you may need to enable CSM / Legacy Boot to unlock this option.)

Step 4: Change Boot Order

  • Still in BIOS/UEFI, go to Boot Order or Boot Priority.

  • Move USB Drive to the top of the list.

  • Save changes (usually F10) and exit.

Step 5: Boot from USB

  • Your computer should now reboot directly from the USB flash drive.

  • Install the patient drive.

  • If not, press the Boot Menu key at startup (F12, ESC, or F8 depending on system) and select the USB manually.

Hot Tip for Data Recovery Work

ONLY CONNECT THE BOOTABLE USB AND PATIENT DRIVE. DISCONNECT ALL OTHER DRIVES INCLUDING OUR DRIVES. This minimizes risk.