Start Windows from CD - how it works

If you want to start Windows from a CD or DVD, this usually does not work the first time and not without changing the settings of your computer. We'll show you how it's done.

Boot Windows from CD or DVD

1. Start your computer, you will mostly see a start screen on which you will learn which key to press to enter the BIOS menu. Depending on the manufacturer, you usually have to press the "F2", "F8", "F10", or "DEL" keys.
2. Once you have reached the BIOS, you will find the "Boot" tab above.
3. Navigate here to the "Boot Device Priority" item.
4. There you specify that the "CD-ROM" is started before the "Hard Drive".
5. You can then exit the BIOS by pressing "Esc" twice and then saving your settings with "Enter".
6. Your computer then reboots and boots from the CD so that you can use the Windows CD or a recovery CD, for example.

If you need individual help to solve your problem, please contact the experts in the CHIP forum.