Get MSI Motherboard to Boot from USB (A Complete Guide)

Booting from a USB drive on an MSI motherboard is essential when installing a new operating system, troubleshooting issues, or running a live OS. If you're struggling with this process, don't worry—this guide will walk you through every step to ensure a smooth boot from USB. And don’t miss today’s lightning deals—gone in hours

Why Boot from USB on an MSI Motherboard?

Booting from a USB drive allows you to:

• Install a fresh operating system.
• Run a live OS without modifying your internal storage.
• Troubleshoot system errors.
• Recover lost data using bootable recovery tools.

How to Get an MSI Motherboard to Boot from USB

Step 1: Prepare Your Bootable USB Drive

Before configuring your MSI motherboard, ensure your USB drive is properly set up:

1. Format the USB Drive – Use FAT32 or NTFS format.
2. Create a Bootable USB – Use tools like Rufus or the Windows Media Creation Tool.
3. Verify Bootability – Test the USB on another system to confirm it works.

Step 2: Access the MSI BIOS

To enter the BIOS:

1. Restart your PC.
2. Press Del or F2 repeatedly during startup until the BIOS screen appears.

Step 3: Change Boot Order in MSI BIOS

1. Navigate to Settings > Boot.
2. Locate Boot Option #1 and select your USB drive.
3. Save changes by pressing F10 and exiting BIOS.

Step 4: Use the Boot Device Menu

For a one-time boot from USB:

1. Restart your PC
2. Press F11 repeatedly to access the Boot Device Menu.
3. Select your USB drive and press Enter.

Troubleshooting: MSI Won't Boot from USB

If your MSI motherboard refuses to boot from USB, try these solutions:

• Check USB Port – Try a different port.
• Verify Boot Mode – Ensure compatibility with UEFI or Legacy mode.
• Recreate Bootable USB – Use a different tool or ISO file.
• Reset BIOS Settings – Restore default settings and retry.

MSI Boot from USB Windows 10

For Windows 10 installation:

1. Download the Windows 10 ISO.
2. Create a bootable USB using the Media Creation Tool.
3. Follow the BIOS boot steps above.

Advanced BIOS Settings for USB Boot

If your MSI motherboard still won’t boot from USB, tweaking advanced BIOS settings might help.

Enable Legacy Boot Mode

Some older USB drives require Legacy Boot Mode instead of UEFI:

1. Enter BIOS by pressing Del or F2.
2. Navigate to Settings > Boot.
3. Locate Boot Mode Select and switch to Legacy.
4. Save changes and restart.

Disable Secure Boot

Secure Boot can prevent unauthorized USB drives from booting:

1. Go to Settings > Security in BIOS.
2. Find Secure Boot and disable it.
3. Save and exit BIOS.

Adjust USB Configuration

Some MSI motherboards have USB-specific settings:

1. In BIOS, go to Advanced > USB Configuration.
2. Enable Legacy USB Support.
3. Ensure XHCI Hand-Off is enabled for USB 3.0 compatibility.

Creating a Bootable USB for MSI Motherboards

Using Rufus

Rufus is a popular tool for creating bootable USB drives:

1. Download and install Rufus.
2. Insert your USB drive and open Rufus.
3. Select the ISO file for your OS.
4. Choose GPT for UEFI or MBR for Legacy.
5. Click Start and wait for the process to complete.

Using the Windows Media Creation Tool

For Windows installations:

1. Download the Windows Media Creation Tool.
2. Select Create installation media.
3. Choose a USB flash drive and follow the prompts.

Common Errors and Fixes

USB Not Recognized in BIOS

• Try a different USB port.
• Use a USB 2.0 drive instead of a USB 3.0.
• Ensure the USB is properly formatted.

Stuck on Boot Screen

1. Reset BIOS settings to default.
2. Remove other connected storage devices.
3. Verify the bootable USB works on another PC.

Alternative Boot Methods

Network Boot (PXE)

If USB boot fails, you can boot via network:

1. Enable PXE Boot in BIOS.
2. Configure a network boot server.
3. Restart and select PXE Boot.

Boot from External SSD

If USB boot isn’t working, consider using an external SSD:

1. Connect the SSD via USB.
2. Set it as the primary boot device in BIOS.

Conclusion

Booting from a USB on an MSI motherboard is straightforward when following the correct steps. Whether installing a new OS or troubleshooting, this guide ensures a hassle-free experience.

FAQ

How do I enable USB boot in MSI BIOS?

Go to Settings > Boot, set the USB drive as Boot Option #1, and save changes.

Why is my MSI motherboard not detecting the USB?

Ensure the USB is bootable, formatted correctly, and connected to a working port.

Can I boot from USB without changing BIOS settings?

Yes, use the F11 Boot Device Menu for a temporary boot option.