How to Boot a Samsung Laptop from USB on Windows 10/11

Updated by

Tracy King 

Written by

Sherly 

Last updated on April 22, 2024

If your Samsung laptop isn't turning on, or if you want to boot your Samsung laptop from a USB for security reasons, then you'll be glad to know that it's possible.

Setting a USB drive to boot on a Samsung laptop is very straightforward.

Continue reading this article and the software tool will show you how to boot Samsung laptop from USB and more!

Phase 1: Preparations for Booting a Samsung Laptop from USB Before attempting to boot your Samsung laptop from a USB drive, you need to take a few preparatory steps: 1. **Create a Bootable USB**: - Get a USB flash drive with at least 8GB of capacity. - Use software like Rufus, Etcher, or the built-in Media Creation Tool in Windows to write the ISO image file (usually an operating system installer) onto the USB drive. 2. **Download the ISO Image**: - Download the appropriate operating system ISO image file based on your needs. This could be Windows, Linux, or any other system you wish to install. 3. **Access BIOS Settings**: - Turn off your laptop and wait for it to completely power down. - Press the power button to start the laptop and quickly press the designated key (usually F2, F10, or F12) while the Samsung logo is displayed to enter BIOS settings. 4. **Identify the USB Boot Key**: - Different Samsung laptop models may have different keys to select the USB device as the boot source. Commonly, it's F12, but it could also be F9 or F11. Refer to your laptop's user manual for the exact information. 5. **Insert the USB Drive**: - Plug in the bootable USB drive into your laptop's USB port before entering the BIOS settings. 6. **Change the Boot Order**: - In the BIOS settings, locate the "Boot" or "Startup" section. - Set the "Boot Priority" or "Boot Order" to boot from the USB device, typically moving it to the top of the list. 7. **Save and Exit**: - Save your changes and exit the BIOS settings (usually by pressing F10 and confirming the save). - Your laptop will automatically restart and attempt to boot from the USB drive. After completing these steps, your Samsung laptop should boot from the USB drive, and you can follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the operating system installation process.

Before you can install Windows on a USB drive, you'll need to prepare it first.

?Prepare the USB drive:

First, you'll need a USB drive with at least 32 GB of storage, formatted with the NTFS or exFAT file system.

And then you clone the system onto your USB device.

?Clone Tool:

With the Partition Master tool, you can easily clone your operating system to a USB drive, as well as effortlessly convert the file system of the USB drive. It allows you to clone an operating system disk to a USB drive without damaging the OS.

Please read:

What is Sony VAIO Boot Menu? How to Boot Sony VAIO from USB?

Got a Sony laptop? This guide will introduce the Sony VAIO boot menu and Sony BIOS key. Then, you can easily boot Sony VAIO from USB drive.

Step 2: Clone Samsung laptop to USB drive

The Partition Manager tool features a "Clone" function that can quickly clone all data, including the operating system and related boot files, from your Samsung laptop to a USB drive. It has a user-friendly interface and is compatible with Windows systems from XP to Windows 11.

Download the tool and start cloning your operating system disk:

Step 1: Select the source disk.

Click “Clone” from the left menu. Choose “Clone System Disk” or “Clone Data Disk,” then click “Next.” Select the source disk, then click “Next.”

Step 2: Select the target disk.

Select the HDD/SSD you want as the target disk, and then 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 if needed.

When prompted that all data on the target disk will be erased, click Continue (back up any important data on the target drive first).

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

Step 4: Click “Start” to begin the hard drive cloning process.

Copying them one by one would be incredibly time-consuming, and manual handling might damage the boot sector. So, why not download Partition Master today and get the job done in seconds!

Step 3: Three Ways to Boot Samsung Laptop from USB

You cannot boot Windows from a USB on a Samsung laptop unless you change the boot order. Don't worry if you don't know how to do it – we'll show you how:

Guideline 1: Boot Samsung Laptop from USB using Windows Settings

Yes, you can change the boot order on a Samsung laptop to start from a USB device using Windows. Here's how: 1. **Restart your Samsung laptop**: First, turn off your laptop and then restart it. As it boots up, press the `F2` key repeatedly to enter the BIOS setup. The key to enter BIOS may vary; sometimes it's `F10`, `F12`, or `Esc`, so if `F2` doesn't work, try the others. 2. **Enter BIOS Setup**: You'll see a screen with different options. Use the arrow keys to navigate and select the `Boot` or `Startup` tab. 3. **Change Boot Order**: In the Boot menu, look for an option called `Boot Priority` or `Boot Order`. Select it using the arrow keys, and then press `Enter`. 4. **Move USB to the Top**: Locate your USB drive in the list, which might be labeled as `USB HDD`, `USB Flash Drive`, or something similar. Use the `+` key to move the USB device to the top of the list. This will make the laptop prioritize booting from the USB. 5. **Save and Exit**: After making the changes, navigate to the `Exit` tab, and choose `Exit Saving Changes` or `Save & Exit Setup`. Press `Enter` to confirm. Your laptop will now restart and attempt to boot from the USB device. 6. **If Needed, Create a Bootable USB**: If you haven't already, you'll need to create a bootable USB drive with software like Rufus or balenaEtcher. Insert this USB into your laptop before following steps 1-5. Remember that the exact steps and terminology may differ slightly depending on your laptop model and BIOS version.

Step 1: Click the “Start” button, and then open “Settings.”

Step 2: Choose “Update & security.”

Step 3: Choose “Recover”

Step 4: In the left pane, select “Advanced startup,” and then click “Restart now” in the right pane.

Step 5. Your Samsung laptop will now restart, and you'll see the “Choose an option” window.

Step 6: Plug in your USB drive.

Step 7. In the Choose an option window, select Use device.

Step 8. In the Boot Device Priority window, select your USB drive to change the boot order and boot the Samsung laptop from the USB drive.

Guide 2: Boot Samsung Laptop from USB using Boot Menu

If you need to boot your Samsung laptop from a USB, using the Boot Menu to boot from USB is the way to go. Here's how.

Step 1: Turn off your Samsung laptop and insert the bootable USB flash drive into it.

Step 2: Reopen your laptop and repeatedly press the F10 key to enter the Boot Menu.

Step 3: In the Boot Menu, navigate to “Windows Boot Manager,” select the bootable USB device from the list, and your Samsung should boot any operating system or program from the USB.

Guide 3: Configuring BIOS to Boot from USB on a Samsung Laptop

Another way to change the boot order on a Samsung laptop is by configuring the BIOS. Here are the steps to access and modify the boot sequence through BIOS:

Step 1: Insert the USB drive into the Samsung laptop.

Step 2: Restart your computer.

Step 3: Press the key to open the BIOS menu. The key will vary by manufacturer, but most PCs use F8.

Step 4: Click the “Advanced” tab.

Step five: Find Fast Boot and disable it.

Step 6. Next, click on the “Boot” tab.

Step 7. Set the "Boot Device Priority" to prefer booting from USB.

Save the changes and exit the BIOS.

Here, I'll share the methods to help those who want to boot Samsung laptop from USB.

?More details on how to boot Samsung laptop from USB

Want to learn more about booting a Samsung laptop from a USB? This section will help you!

"Boot Samsung laptop from USB" means to start up a Samsung laptop using a USB drive as the bootable device.

Boot from USB means booting Windows from a USB drive. Normally, Windows would be installed on an HDD or SSD and set as the boot drive. Windows would then start from this boot drive. However, you can also install Windows on a USB and boot your Samsung laptop from it by changing the boot order.

Which Samsung laptop models can boot from USB?

All Samsung laptops support booting from a USB, and there are no limitations or special requirements for your computer to do so. However, you will need to change the boot order, and keep the USB device connected while booting into Windows. Removing the USB during the process can cause your computer to crash.

Why do we need to boot Samsung laptop from USB?

If you encounter issues with your Samsung laptop, you can boot from a USB drive for troubleshooting purposes. Here are some scenarios where booting from a USB drive can be useful for Samsung laptops: 1. **System Recovery**: When your computer fails to start normally or experiences a system crash, you can use Samsung Recovery Solution on a USB drive or Windows installation media to restore or reinstall the operating system. 2. **BIOS Update**: If you need to update your laptop's BIOS to address hardware compatibility or other issues, you can do so through a USB drive. 3. **Virus Scan**: If your computer is infected with malware or viruses, you can boot from an antivirus tool on a USB drive to perform a full system scan and removal. 4. **Testing Different Operating Systems**: If you want to try out or install an alternative OS like Linux, you can burn the ISO file to a USB drive and boot from it. 5. **Hardware Diagnosis**: Certain dedicated diagnostic tools can be booted from a USB drive to help identify hardware issues during testing or troubleshooting. 6. **Data Recovery**: In case of hard drive problems, you can use data recovery software booted from a USB drive to attempt salvaging important files from the faulty drive. 7. **System Installation without an Optical Drive**: For newer Samsung laptops without an internal CD/DVD drive, installing Windows or other operating systems via USB is a common method. 8. **Performance Testing**: Some benchmarking tools can run from a USB drive, allowing you to evaluate your computer's performance without impacting the current operating system. To boot your Samsung laptop from a USB drive, you typically need to access the BIOS settings (usually by pressing F2, F10, F12, or Esc during startup, depending on the model). Then, change the boot order to prioritize the USB device. Make sure your USB drive is correctly formatted as a bootable medium and connected to the laptop.

• Install Windows.
• Install drivers.
• Install antivirus software.
• Reset a Windows password.
• Scan for viruses.

Pros and Cons of Booting a Samsung Laptop from USB Booting a Samsung laptop from a USB drive is a common practice, especially when installing a new operating system, performing system recovery, or testing different software versions. Here are the advantages and disadvantages: Pros: 1. Flexibility: Booting from USB lets you work on any device that supports USB booting, not just Samsung laptops, making system recovery or testing across multiple computers convenient. 2. Portability: A USB drive is more compact to carry than CDs or external hard drives, simplifying system recovery and data migration processes. 3. Faster installation: USB booting is typically quicker than traditional CD/DVD booting due to the faster transfer speeds of USB 3.0 and higher versions. 4. Reusability: The same USB drive can serve multiple purposes, including storing data, installing different operating systems, and running other system tools. 5. Eco-friendly: USB drives consume less power compared to optical discs, aligning with modern environmentally conscious practices. Cons: 1. Performance limitations: USB drives generally have slower read/write speeds than internal hard disks or SSDs, potentially resulting in slower system performance when booting from them. 2. Compatibility issues: Not all Samsung laptops support USB booting, and some may require entering BIOS settings to change the boot order. 3. Security risks: USB drives can be lost or stolen, and if they contain sensitive information, this could lead to data breaches. 4. Additional steps for creating a bootable drive: You need to create a bootable USB drive first, usually requiring specific software, which might be challenging for beginners. 5. Instability: USB drives are more prone to damage than physical media like CDs, potentially causing boot failures or data loss. In summary, booting a Samsung laptop from USB offers convenience and flexibility but comes with potential performance and security concerns. Weighing these pros and cons is necessary based on your specific needs and circumstances.

Here are some pros and cons of booting a Samsung laptop from a USB drive: Pros: 1. **Flexibility**: Booting from a USB allows you to use different operating systems or recovery tools without altering the existing system on your laptop. 2. **Portability**: You can carry the USB drive with you, enabling you to work on various computers or troubleshoot issues on the go. 3. **Easy Installation**: Installing an operating system or software updates becomes straightforward when using a USB, as it provides a simple way to transfer files and execute setup processes. 4. **Safe Testing**: If you want to test a new OS or software without affecting your current setup, booting from a USB offers a safe environment. 5. **Data Recovery**: In case of a system crash, you can use a USB bootable drive to recover important data or perform system repairs. Cons: 1. **Performance**: Booting from a USB might be slower compared to a hard disk or SSD, as USB flash drives generally have lower read/write speeds. 2. **Limited Storage**: While USB drives have improved in capacity, they still may not offer as much storage as an internal hard drive for larger operating systems or applications. 3. **Reliability**: USB drives can be less durable than internal storage, and there's a risk of data loss if the drive fails. 4. **Compatibility Issues**: Not all laptops support booting from USB, and some may require specific BIOS/UEFI settings to enable this feature. 5. **Temporary Setup**: Booting from a USB is a temporary solution, and you'll need to switch back to your primary storage for regular use. Remember that these points may vary depending on the specific model of your Samsung laptop and the quality of the USB drive you're using.

Advantages:

• Most people already have a USB device, so there's no need to buy new DVDs or CDs.
• It's portable and lightweight.
• It's faster for reading and writing.
• It's easy to burn Windows using an ISO file.

Drawback:

• While some operating systems offer USB boot tools, a bootable CD has broader support.
• You'll need to change your boot order.

The bottom line is that Europe's leaders must recognize that the time for half-measures and kick-the-can-down-the-road approaches is over.

If you have a Samsung laptop and run into issues or want to boot Windows from a USB for security reasons, you can easily do so with our solutions above.

However, burning ISO files with traditional ways may take much time and you may encounter some common errors. So, we recommend using tools like Partition Master to burn ISO and change file system.

In addition to its partitioning tools, Partition Master can also change a file system in seconds, and it can write an ISO image to a USB drive faster than traditional methods.

Frequently Asked Questions about Booting a Samsung Laptop from USB

Do you have more questions about booting a Samsung laptop from USB? We'll answer all your queries here.

**1. What is the boot function key for Samsung laptops?** The boot function key for Samsung laptops typically varies depending on the model but is usually F2, F10, or F12. These keys are used to access the BIOS setup, boot menu, or system recovery options during startup. To use the boot function key, press it promptly after turning on the laptop. For further assistance, consult the laptop's user manual or visit Samsung's official website for detailed information.

The general boot key for most Samsung laptops is F2, F8, or F10. However, some Samsung laptops use F6 or F7. When you power on your Samsung laptop, you should see the boot key displayed. You can use it to access the boot settings on your Samsung laptop.

2. How do I boot from USB on a Samsung Chromebook?

Here's how to boot the Samsung Chromebook from a USB device:

After booting into Developer Mode on the Samsung Chromebook, enter the command at the prompt to switch the boot mode to boot from USB. With the "Developer Mode" startup window showing, enable booting from USB, and then press CTRL+D to boot from the USB drive.

How do I enter BIOS on a Samsung laptop?

To enter the BIOS menu on a Samsung laptop, press the ESC or F2, F6, F7, F8, or F10 key. The BIOS key can vary between Samsung laptops. Look for the BIOS key assigned to your laptop while it boots up, then press that key to access the BIOS menu.