Boot order options unavailable in BIOS – How to boot on newly purchased SSD?

Optimizing Boot Options on Your Laptop: Transitioning to a New SSD and BIOS Configuration

Introduction

Upgrading your laptop’s storage is a significant step toward enhancing performance, especially when replacing an aging HDD with a modern NVMe SSD. However, this process can sometimes introduce challenges related to boot configuration and BIOS settings. If you’ve recently purchased a new SSD and are facing issues with boot options or BIOS recognition, this guide will help you navigate the process effectively.

Understanding the Challenge

Many users encounter difficulty when trying to boot from a newly installed SSD after cloning their existing OS. Common issues include:

• Absence of boot device options in BIOS/UEFI settings.
• Inability to boot after disconnecting the old drive.
• Confusion between legacy BIOS and UEFI modes.

Case Scenario

Imagine you’ve upgraded your Asus ROG G771J series laptop by installing a 2TB Samsung 990 Pro NVMe M.2 SSD. You cloned your existing Windows 10 system onto the new drive using Samsung’s cloning tools. Upon reboot, you find that the BIOS does not display an option to select your SSD as a boot device.

Troubleshooting Steps and Recommendations

1. Verify BIOS Mode: Legacy vs. UEFI

Most modern systems support UEFI mode, offering faster boot times and advanced features. However, if your BIOS is still set to legacy mode, your system might not recognize the NVMe SSD properly or display boot options.

• Access BIOS Settings: Typically by pressing F2, Del, or Esc during startup.
• Check Boot Mode: Locate the “Boot” or “Startup” menu and identify whether the system is set to Legacy BIOS or UEFI.

• Switch to UEFI (if suitable): If your hardware supports UEFI, consider switching from legacy to UEFI mode. Be cautious—switching modes on an existing Windows installation may require converting the drive from MBR to GPT.

• Confirm Boot Priority Settings

If the SSD is correctly recognized:

• Ensure the SSD appears in the boot device list.
• Set the SSD or the UEFI boot entry as the primary boot device.

• Save changes and restart.

• Update BIOS Firmware

Outdated BIOS firmware can limit your system’s compatibility with new hardware:

• Visit Asus’s support website to find your specific model’s latest BIOS version.
• Download and use the official utility (e.g., Asus WinFlash) to update your BIOS.
• Note: It’s advisable to follow manufacturer instructions carefully to prevent firmware corruption