"Windows 10 Booting From Incorrect Drive - Easy Fix"

Why is Windows 10 booting from the wrong drive? This issue can occur due to several reasons, such as errors with the Boot Configuration Data (BCD), modifications made to the computer settings, failing to alter the boot order before starting up, SATA cable connection issues, boot mode errors, and so on.

Alright, don't worry! You'll discover several efficient solutions to rectify the issue of Windows 10 booting from the wrong drive. This article contains straightforward troubleshooting steps and remedies to guide you through.

We understand that dealing with technical issues can be intimidating, especially for beginners and non-technical users. If you're not comfortable with performing manual troubleshooting steps that demand technical knowledge, we suggest utilizing a user-friendly third-party software tool like Partition Master. It provides an intuitive interface and automated processes to help you resolve the issue promptly and securely.

Fix Windows 10 Booting from the Wrong Drive Using Third-Party Software

This method is particularly useful and convenient for beginners and non-technical individuals to resolve the issue and ensure that their Windows 10 boots from the correct drive. However, experts can also employ this method to save time and minimize frustration by swiftly addressing the problem using tools like Partition Master.

Partition Master Professional is a potent tool equipped with numerous useful features. Its (Change Boot Order) function simplifies the process of altering the boot sequence without manually delving into BIOS settings. Additionally, this tool offers the ability to rebuild the MBR (Master Boot Record) with its dedicated (Rebuild MBR) feature.

Follow the steps to change the original wrong boot order using tools Partition Master:

Step 1. Launch tools Partition Master on your computer and navigate to the "Boot Repair" section in "Toolkit."

Step 2. Go to the "UEFI items" tab and change the boot order by dragging the drive to the first position.

Step 3. Click "Save" to apply the changes.  Your OS should now be set to boot from the new hard drive.

Important: If you click on the "Reboot" button after the drive, the OS can boot from this disk one time after the restart.

Follow the steps to rebuild MBR:

Step 1. Create a WinPE bootable disk

Translate the following text into English: < li > Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant, and click "Bootable Media" on the toolbar. Select "Create bootable media". < /li > < li > Click "Next" to complete the process. < /li >

Step 2. Boot the Tools Partition Master Bootable USB

Connect the bootable USB or CD/DVD to your PC. When you restart the computer, press F2 or Del to enter the BIOS screen. Set your computer to boot from "Removable Devices" or "CD-ROM Drive". The Partition Master tool will run automatically.

Step 3. Rebuild MBR

Click "Toolkit" and choose "Rebuild MBR".

Rebuild MBR

Select the disk and the type of MBR, then click "Rebuild".

After that, you can see "MBR has been successfully rebuilt on Disk X".

You can easily rectify the issue of Windows 10 booting from the wrong drive, and have your computer functioning smoothly in no time. Don't forget to download the utility Partition Master – it's your ideal companion for all your computing needs!

How to Manually Fix Windows 10 Booting from the Wrong Drive

If you'd like to attempt alternative approaches, we'll guide you through the process step-by-step using our guide to rectify the issue of Windows 10 booting from the incorrect drive. Carefully follow and comprehend these solutions and steps, and select the appropriate method based on your specific circumstances.

Fix 1: Disable UEFI

Sometimes, disabling UEFI can fix the issue. According to some users' feedback, they've tried this.  Follow the steps:

< strong >Step 1. Press the Windows+I keys simultaneously to go to Windows settings.

Step 2. Click on “Update & Security” and choose “Recovery” from the left-hand menu.

Step 3. Under the "Advanced startup" section, click "Restart now." Your PC will be rebooted to the Windows Recovery Environment.

Step 4. Go to Troubleshoot > Click Advanced options > Choose UEFI Firmware Settings, and click the "Restart." Your PC will be restarted and directly go to the UEFI BIOS.

UEFI firmware settings

Step 5. On the UEFI screen, navigate to the Boot tab from the top menu, and then use the arrow keys on your keyboard to select the Secure Boot option. Change its value to Disable using the + or - keys.

注意: The Secure Boot option in the motherboard's BIOS/UEFI firmware varies depending on the specific model. You might find it under the Boot, Security, or Authentication tab, depending on the motherboard's design.

Share this article to let more people know about it! Translate this into English: Share this article to let more people know about it!

Fix 2: Rebuild BCD (Boot Configuration Data)

Occasionally, the Windows boot sector on the incorrect drive or unbootable computer issues can result from corrupted BCD files. The Boot Configuration Data (BCD) is a crucial component of Windows that stores boot configuration settings. It ensures proper booting of Windows PCs. In such situations, you can attempt to repair the BCD using the Windows installation media. Here's how: 1. Insert the Windows installation media (DVD or USB) into your computer and restart it. 2. Press the appropriate key (usually F2, F10, F12, or Del) during startup to enter the BIOS or UEFI settings. 3. Change the boot order to prioritize the CD/DVD drive or USB drive as the first boot device. 4. Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI, which will then boot from the installation media. 5. Select your language preferences and click "Next," then choose "Repair your computer" in the bottom-left corner. 6. Choose "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Command Prompt." 7. At the Command Prompt, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each: - `bootrec /fixmbr` - `bootrec /fixboot` - `bootrec /rebuildbcd` 8. After executing these commands, restart your computer without the installation media. 9. If the BCD repair was successful, your system should boot normally. If not, you might need to consider other troubleshooting steps or seek professional assistance. Remember that these steps apply to Windows 10 and may vary slightly for other versions of Windows.

Step 1. Insert the Windows bootable media (USB or disk) into your computer and set it as the first boot drive in BIOS.

Step 2. When your computer boots from the installation media, click on Repair your computer on the Install Now screen.

Step 3. Select Troubleshoot and then Advanced options; then select Command Prompt.

Step 4. Type the following command in the CMD prompt and press Enter to fix BCD:

Bootrec /RebuildBcd

Rebuild BCD via Command Prompt

Then, restart your computer and check if the Windows 10 boots from the wrong drive issue is resolved.

Fix 3: Run Bootrec.exe to Rebuild MBR

Running bootrec.exe can fix the issue because it repairs the BCD. Sometimes, Windows 10 boots from the wrong drive due to an error in the BCD. For this method, you'll need a Windows installation disc.

If you haven't got an installation disk yet, click the link to learn how to create a bootable USB on Windows 10.

Next, follow these steps:

Step 1. First, boot your PC from the Windows installation disc and navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.

Step 2. In the command prompt that appears, type the command bootrec.exe to launch the tool.

Step 3. Enter each of the following commands, pressing the Enter button after each one.

• bootrec.exe /fixmbr
• bootrec.exe /fixboot
• bootrec.exe /scanos
• bootrec.exe /rebuildbcd
These are actually commands for the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and not languages. Here's their translation in the context of a command prompt: 1. **bootrec.exe /fixmbr** - This command repairs or replaces the Master Boot Record (MBR) without affecting the boot sector. 2. **bootrec.exe /fixboot** - This command writes a new boot sector to the system partition. 3. **bootrec.exe /scanos** - This command scans all disks for valid Windows installations and lists them. 4. **bootrec.exe /rebuildbcd** - This command scans for all Windows installations and recreates the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) store. Remember, these are technical commands and should be used with caution, as incorrect usage can lead to issues with your operating system.

Rebuild MBR

Fix 4: Change Boot Order in BIOS

After cloning your HDD to an SSD, if you boot your computer directly, Windows 10 might boot from the wrong drive. Access the BIOS and set the first boot option to the cloned SSD to fix this issue.

Follow these steps:

Step 1. Restart your computer and repeatedly press the key (F2/F8/Del) to access the BIOS settings. (The key may vary depending on your specific computer model).

Step 2. Navigate to the Boot tab and change the original boot order, selecting the cloned SSD as the primary boot option.

Change Boot Order

Step 3. Press F10 to save the changes and exit the BIOS. Restart your PC, and check if it boots from the correct drive.

Conclusion

Resolving the issue of Windows 10 booting from the wrong drive is essential for ensuring the proper functioning of your system. Choosing the correct approach based on your specific circumstances is even more critical. To simplify the process for you and empower you to fix this problem yourself, we have examined the causes and solutions for the Windows 10 booting from the wrong drive dilemma. We have offered user-friendly options involving third-party software like Partition Master, as well as manual troubleshooting steps for more experienced users.

By following the solutions outlined in this guide, you should be able to effectively resolve this issue and get your Windows 10 system booting from the appropriate drive.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Windows 10 Booting from the Wrong Drive

Windows 10 might boot from the wrong disk, which is a common problem. If you have further questions, you can find appropriate answers in these FAQs.

1. Why does Windows 10 keep booting from the wrong drive? Windows 10 might boot from the wrong drive due to several reasons, such as incorrect Boot Order settings in the BIOS, a damaged Master Boot Record (MBR), or having multiple operating systems installed. Here's how you can troubleshoot this issue: 1. **Check Boot Order in BIOS:** - Restart your computer and enter the BIOS by pressing the appropriate key (usually F2, F10, F12, or Del) during startup. - Navigate to the "Boot" or "Startup" section. - Ensure that the drive containing Windows 10 is set as the first boot device. - Save the changes and exit. 2. **Repair the Boot Configuration Data (BCD):** - Insert the Windows 10 installation media and restart your PC. - Press any key when prompted to boot from the CD/DVD or USB. - Choose your language and click "Next," then "Repair your computer." - Select "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Command Prompt." - In the Command Prompt, type `bootrec /fixmbr` and press Enter. - Type `bootrec /fixboot` and press Enter. - If needed, run `bootrec /rebuildbcd` to scan for all installed OSes and add them to the BCD. 3. **Disable Secure Boot and Enable Legacy Boot:** - In the BIOS, locate the "Security" or "UEFI" section. - Disable "Secure Boot" and enable "Legacy Boot" or "CSM (Compatibility Support Module)." - Save the changes and exit. 4. **Update or Reset BIOS:** - Check your motherboard manufacturer's website for the latest BIOS update. - Follow the provided instructions to update the BIOS. - Alternatively, you can reset the BIOS to its default settings. 5. **If none of the above work, consider reinstalling Windows 10 on the correct drive, ensuring you back up your important data beforehand.** Remember to consult your computer's user manual or manufacturer's website for specific instructions on accessing and navigating the BIOS.

Windows 10 might boot from the wrong drive due to issues such as an incorrect BIOS boot order, corrupted boot files, or the existence of multiple drives, with one potentially containing an older Windows installation that confuses the system, or misconfigurations in the UEFI firmware.

2. How do I boot Windows 10 from a different drive?

To boot Windows 10 from a different drive, follow these steps: 1. Restart your computer. 2. Access the BIOS settings by pressing the key indicated on the screen during startup (usually F2, F10, F12, or Del). 3. Navigate to the "Boot" section or tab in the BIOS menu. 4. Locate the boot order settings, which determine the sequence in which your computer attempts to start from various drives. 5. Change the boot order to place the desired drive at the top of the list. 6. Save the changes and exit the BIOS setup. The computer will automatically restart with the updated settings. Now, your system should boot from the selected drive.

3. How do I change my boot manager drive?

Follow these steps to change your boot manager drive:

Step 1. Restart your computer and press the key (F2/F8/Del) to access the BIOS settings.

Step 2. Navigate to the "Boot" or "Boot Order" section and set the desired drive as the primary boot option.

Step 3. Press F10 to save the changes and exit the BIOS. Restart your PC.