Open a search engine (e. g. , Google). Type in your computer’s manufacturer, model name, and the phrase “bios key”. Press ↵ Enter, then search for a result that matches your search and determine your BIOS key. You can also check your computer’s manual (or, if you don’t have the manual, the online documentation for your computer that you can find on the manufacturer’s website).
Open a search engine (e. g. , Google). Type in your computer’s manufacturer, model name, and the phrase “bios key”. Press ↵ Enter, then search for a result that matches your search and determine your BIOS key. You can also check your computer’s manual (or, if you don’t have the manual, the online documentation for your computer that you can find on the manufacturer’s website).
The external hard drive will usually have an indicator light that blinks slowly or stays constant when your drive is connected. On a Mac, you may need to buy a USB to Thunderbolt 3 adapter if you don’t have any USB 3. 0 (rectangular) ports.
When formatting the drive, you can choose exFAT at the file system to make the drive accessible to both Windows and Mac computers. Depending on the type of data you plan on putting on the drive, you may have to format it again later. For example, using the Live Linux tool to burn a Linux Disc Image to the external hard drive will automatically format it again. Formatting will erase any data that’s already on the drive.
When formatting the drive, you can choose exFAT at the file system to make the drive accessible to both Windows and Mac computers. Depending on the type of data you plan on putting on the drive, you may have to format it again later. For example, using the Live Linux tool to burn a Linux Disc Image to the external hard drive will automatically format it again. Formatting will erase any data that’s already on the drive.
When formatting the drive, you can choose exFAT at the file system to make the drive accessible to both Windows and Mac computers. Depending on the type of data you plan on putting on the drive, you may have to format it again later. For example, using the Live Linux tool to burn a Linux Disc Image to the external hard drive will automatically format it again. Formatting will erase any data that’s already on the drive.
Other examples of bootable images include a File History backup on Windows or a Time Machine backup on a Mac. Third-party services such as Clonezilla are also bootable.
If you’re using a program such as the Windows 10 installation tool or LiveLinux to create your bootable external drive, skip this step.
If you’re using a program such as LiveLinux to burn an ISO file onto the external hard drive, the hard drive will be made bootable in the process.
You may first need to select an Advanced tab to see the “Boot Order” menu. The BIOS menu varies from PC to PC, so don’t be afraid to look around for the “Boot Order” section.
In some cases, you’ll only be able to select USB devices (or similar) in this menu. If so, make sure that your external hard drive is the only USB storage attached to your computer when booting from it.
In some cases, you’ll only be able to select USB devices (or similar) in this menu. If so, make sure that your external hard drive is the only USB storage attached to your computer when booting from it.
In some cases, the key legend will be at the bottom of the screen instead.
In some cases, the key legend will be at the bottom of the screen instead.
You may need to confirm this step by pressing another key.
For example, if you’re installing Linux, you’ll be asked to select a language and country, enter your user information, and so on. If you already have an operating system installed and set up on the external hard drive, completing the BIOS setup will open the operating system.
For example, if you’re installing Linux, you’ll be asked to select a language and country, enter your user information, and so on. If you already have an operating system installed and set up on the external hard drive, confirming your hard drive selection will open the operating system.
