Step-by-Step Guide: How to Open Boot Menu on Asus Vivobook

Are you looking to troubleshoot a booting issue, install a new operating system, or simply explore your boot options on your ASUS VivoBook? Knowing how to access the boot menu is crucial for these tasks. This guide provides a comprehensive and easy-to-follow walkthrough on how to open the boot menu on your ASUS VivoBook, covering various scenarios and troubleshooting tips.

The Importance of the Boot Menu

The boot menu, also known as the boot order or BIOS setup menu, is a crucial part of your computer’s operating system. It allows you to:

• Change the boot order: This determines which device your computer boots from first, such as your hard drive, USB drive, or optical drive.
• Access BIOS settings: The BIOS, or Basic Input/Output System, is a low-level software that controls the basic functions of your computer. You can use the BIOS to adjust settings like boot order, system time, and hardware configurations.
• Troubleshoot boot issues: If your computer is unable to boot properly, accessing the boot menu can help you identify and resolve the problem.
• Install a new operating system: You can use the boot menu to boot from a USB drive or DVD containing the operating system installation files.

Accessing the Boot Menu: The Most Common Method

The most common method to access the boot menu is by pressing a specific key during the startup process. This key varies depending on your ASUS VivoBook model, but the most common ones are:

• F2: This is the most common key used by ASUS for accessing the BIOS setup menu.
• F8: This key is often used to access the boot menu itself, allowing you to select a different boot device.
• ESC: Some models use the ESC key to bring up a boot menu.

Here’s how to access the boot menu using the F2 or F8 key:
1. Power on your ASUS VivoBook: As the computer starts up, you’ll usually see the ASUS logo on the screen.
2. Press the F2 or F8 key repeatedly: You need to press the key rapidly and continuously as soon as the logo appears. This is crucial, as the boot menu window appears very briefly.
3. Enter the BIOS or Boot Menu: The F2 key will lead you to the BIOS setup menu, while the F8 key will directly take you to the boot menu.

Alternative Methods to Access the Boot Menu

If the F2 or F8 key doesn‘t work, you can try these alternative methods:
1. Using the BIOS Setup Utility:

• Access the BIOS setup: If you manage to enter the BIOS setup menu using the F2 key, look for an option called “Boot” or “Boot Order.”
• Change the boot order: Navigate to the boot order settings and select the device you want to boot from first.
• Save and Exit: Press F10 to save the changes and exit the BIOS setup.

2. Using the Boot Menu Options:

• Look for the boot menu: Some ASUS VivoBooks might display a boot menu directly after the logo, offering options like “Boot from USB,” “Boot from CD/DVD,” or “Boot from Hard Disk.”
• Select your desired boot device: Use the arrow keys to navigate and select the desired boot option.

3. Using the ASUS UEFI BIOS:

• Access the UEFI BIOS: Some newer ASUS VivoBooks use UEFI BIOS. You might need to press the F2 or F10 key to access it.
• Navigate to the Boot Menu: Look for an option called “Boot” or “Boot Options.”
• Change the boot order: Select the desired boot device and save the changes.

Troubleshooting Tips for Accessing the Boot Menu

If you’re still unable to access the boot menu, try these troubleshooting tips:

• Disable fast boot: Fast boot can sometimes interfere with accessing the boot menu. You can disable fast boot in the BIOS settings.
• Try a different key: If one key doesn’t work, try another key like F2, F8, or ESC.
• Check the keyboard: Ensure that your keyboard is properly connected and functioning correctly.
• Update your BIOS: An outdated BIOS could cause issues with accessing the boot menu. Check for BIOS updates on the ASUS website.
• Contact ASUS support: If you’re still having trouble, contact ASUS support for further assistance.

Understanding the Boot Menu

Once you’ve successfully accessed the boot menu, you’ll see a list of devices that your computer can boot from. The order of these devices determines the boot priority. For example, if your hard drive is listed first, your computer will attempt to boot from the hard drive. If the hard drive fails, it will then try to boot from the next device on the list.

Changing the Boot Order

To change the boot order, you’ll need to use the arrow keys to highlight the device you want to boot from first. Then, use the up or down arrow keys to move it to the top of the list. Once you’ve made the changes, save your settings and exit the boot menu.

Exiting the Boot Menu

To exit the boot menu, you’ll usually need to press the Esc key or select the option to “Exit” or “Save & Exit.”

When to Access the Boot Menu

You might need to access the boot menu in several situations:

• Troubleshooting boot problems: If your computer is unable to boot properly, accessing the boot menu can help you identify the issue.
• Installing a new operating system: You can use the boot menu to boot from a USB drive or DVD containing the operating system installation files.
• Accessing the BIOS: You can use the BIOS to adjust settings like boot order, system time, and hardware configurations.
• Running a diagnostic test: Some computers have built-in diagnostic tools that can be accessed from the boot menu.

Final Thoughts: Mastering Your Boot Menu

Accessing the boot menu on your ASUS VivoBook is a valuable skill that can help you troubleshoot problems, install new software, and customize your computer’s settings. By following the steps outlined in this guide and understanding the different methods and troubleshooting tips, you can confidently navigate the boot menu and utilize its full potential.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q1: What if I can’t access the boot menu on my ASUS VivoBook?
A1: If you’re unable to access the boot menu, try the troubleshooting tips mentioned in the blog post. These include disabling fast boot, trying a different key, checking your keyboard, updating your BIOS, and contacting ASUS support.
Q2: Can I change the boot order permanently?
A2: Yes, you can permanently change the boot order by accessing the BIOS setup menu and selecting the desired device as the primary boot option. Save the changes and exit the BIOS.
Q3: What happens if I change the boot order and my computer doesn‘t boot properly?
A3: If you change the boot order and your computer doesn‘t boot properly, you can always access the boot menu again and revert to the original boot order.
Q4: Is it safe to change the boot order?
A4: If you follow the instructions carefully and only change the boot order to boot from a trusted source, it’s generally safe. However, it’s always a good idea to back up your important data before making any changes to your computer’s settings.
Q5: Can I access the boot menu without restarting my computer?
A5: No, you need to restart your computer to access the boot menu. This is because the boot menu is accessed during the initial startup process.