How to Boot from NVMe [A Simple Guide for 2024]

Updated by

Linda 

Authored by

Sherly 

Last updated on April 22, 2024

Overview of How to Boot from an NVMe SSD:

NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory express) SSDs have become increasingly popular in modern computers. They offer exceptional speed and high performance, and they are much smaller compared to traditional hard drives. As a result, you can enjoy incredibly fast game loading times, super quick boot-ups, and increased productivity.

NAND flash and NVMe SSDs have also become much cheaper, so there's no reason not to use them in your computer. Such drives will future-proof your machine and allow it to perform at its best.

This detailed tutorial from tool will help you learn how to boot from an NVMe SSD. Setting the NVMe SSD as the primary drive ensures that you can make the most of all its benefits. So, let's not waste any more time and get started.

Is it possible to boot from an NVMe SSD?

Yes, it is possible to boot from an NVMe SSD. In fact, it's the best and fastest way to achieve the quickest boot times for your Windows or Mac computer. NVMe drives are relatively affordable and can be integrated into your system via an M.2 interface.

At first glance, the transition to using NVMe SSDs might seem daunting. But it's actually quite straightforward. Booting from an SSD is easy, and it pays off in many ways, such as:

• High data transfer rate
• Improved performance
• Enhanced gaming experience
• Reduced loading times
• Increased productivity
• Faster boot-up times

Without further ado, let's take a look at the steps to boot from an NVMe SSD.

How to Boot from an NVMe SSD - 3 Stages

Boot from an NVMe SSD isn't difficult if you follow the right steps. The entire process of booting from an NVMe SSD involves three simple stages, so make sure to go through them in order.

Phase 1: Install the NVMe SSD in your computer

< strong >Step 1.</strong> Unplug the computer and open up the case. This may involve removing thumb screws from the back of the case.

Step 2: Locate the M.2 slot on your motherboard. It's usually directly beneath the PCI-E slot. If you have a mini-ITX motherboard, the M.2 slot will be on the backside of the board.

Step 3: Insert the NVMe SSD into the slot at an angle, and then secure it with the installation screw.

If your SSD is new, you need to learn how to initialize SSD.

Phase 2: Install the operating system on the NVMe drive

This is the most complicated part of the process, and if you install the drive using the standard procedure, you'll lose your data. So it's best to clone or migrate your old boot drive to the new NVMe SSD.

Tip 1: Migrate Your Operating System to an NVMe SSD

Migrating your current OS to an NVMe SSD is the best way to get a clean Windows installation on the new drive. The best method is by using the Partition Master tool. This application helps streamline the entire migration process, and you can download it by clicking the button below.

Please follow these steps to migrate your Windows operating system to a new NVMe SSD:

Note: If there isn't enough unallocated space on the target disk, migrating the operating system to an SSD or HDD will delete existing partitions and data on the target disk. Back up any important data on it to an external hard drive beforehand.

Step 1. From the left-hand menu, choose “Clone.” Select “Migrate the operating system,” and click “Next” to proceed.

Step 2. Select the target disk to which you want to clone. Click “Next.”

Step 3: Check the warning message and click “OK”. All data and partitions on the target disk will be erased. Make sure you have backed up important data in advance. If not, please do it now.

Step 4: Preview the layout of the target disk. You can also click on "Disk Layout" to customize the layout of the target disk as needed. Then, click "Start" to begin migrating the operating system to the new disk.

5. When you see the confirmation message, “Do you want to boot from the cloned disk?” check the box for “Adjust the boot order to boot from the cloned disk,” and click the appropriate button to proceed, as needed.

• Restart Now: Restarts the computer immediately and boots the operating system from the new disk.
• Finish: Completes the changes at a later time.

Guide 2: Clone Your Old Boot Drive to an NVMe SSD

Cloning your old boot drive is also an excellent way to get an NVMe SSD up and running. This process ensures that none of your data is lost, and everything remains exactly as it was. It means that your new NVMe drive will have an exact copy of the files, apps, and media on your old drive.

To clone your old boot drive to an NVMe SSD using the Partition Master tool, follow these steps:

Step 1: Select the source disk.

Click "Clone" on the left menu. Choose "Clone System Disk" or "Clone Data Disk," then click "Next." Select the source disk and click "Next."

Step 2: Select the target disk.

Select the target HDD/SSD you want and click “Next” to continue. Read the warning message and confirm by clicking the “Yes” button.

Step 3: Review the disk layout and edit the target disk partition sizes as required.

When prompted that all data on the target drive will be erased, click Continue (make sure to back up any important data on the target drive beforehand).

Here you can choose to “Auto adjust disk size”, “Clone source disk”, or “Edit disk layout”. (Choose the last option if you want to reserve more space for the C drive.)

Step 4: Click Start to begin the disk cloning process.

In addition to the advantages mentioned above, Partition Master offers even more features to help you optimize and manage your storage drives. Here are some other key functions you can utilize with this application:

• Upgrade to the latest version of Windows 11. You can also use this to upgrade your version of Windows 10.
• Boost performance by addressing low disk space and other disk partition issues. This will also ensure you have more storage space for other files.
• Format your storage drive. This helps to format new and old drives with the latest formatting.
• Create a bootable partition manager. This enables the default Windows bootable partition manager option.
• SSD 4K Alignment. Align your SSD to the 4K format for optimal performance. This helps keep your computer running smoothly and extends the lifespan of your storage drive.

Feel free to install it on your computer. The final step is to set the SSD as the boot drive.

Step 3: Set the NVMe SSD as the boot drive

After completing the first two steps, you'll need to set the NVMe SSD as the new boot drive. Here's how:

Step 1: Restart your computer and press F2, F10, or Delete to enter BIOS.

Note: The key to enter BIOS will vary from computer to computer, so look up the correct key for your model online before attempting to enter BIOS.

Step 2. Next, look for the boot order settings in the BIOS interface.

Step 3: Set the NVMe SSD as the primary boot device, then click Save to apply the changes.

Step 4: Finally, exit the BIOS screen and restart your computer.

There you go. You've now changed the boot drive to the new NVMe SSD.

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Conclusions

This guide offers a simple, three-step method to set up your NVMe SSD as the primary boot drive for optimal performance of your games and productivity apps, along with the fastest boot times.

Whether you're new to NVMe SSDs or looking to optimize your current setup, we hope this guide has been informative and useful. Without further ado, download the Partition Master tool and set your NVMe SSD as the primary boot drive. Don't hesitate to share this article with others who need to boot from an NVMe SSD.

Frequently Asked Questions About Booting from an NVMe SSD

If you have more questions about booting from an NVMe SSD or setting it as the primary drive, our FAQ section might have the answers you need.

Why doesn't the BIOS recognize an NVMe SSD as a boot drive?

There can be several reasons for this issue. The most common causes for a BIOS not recognizing an NVMe SSD as a boot drive include:

• Outdated BIOS version
• Incorrect BIOS settings
• Faulty NVMe SSD

Updating the BIOS version and ensuring that the NVMe SSD is seated properly in its slot can resolve this issue.

2. How do I boot from an NVMe SSD with legacy BIOS?

You can boot from an NVMe SSD using legacy BIOS by enabling the "Legacy Boot" option and setting your drive as the primary boot option. Make sure to save your settings and then restart your computer to boot from the NVMe SSD drive.

3. Why can't I boot from an M.2 NVMe SSD?

The inability to boot from an M.2 NVMe SSD might be due to:

• M.2 slot not functioning properly
• Incorrect BIOS settings
• Incorrect drive formatting

Also, make sure your motherboard supports the NVMe standard and that the M.2 port isn't limited to SATA speeds.