How to Boot from a CD or DVD on Windows

Booting from a CD or DVD lets you start your Windows computer from the disc instead of the hard drive. This is essential for installing or repairing Windows, running a live Linux environment, or using diagnostic tools. Before you begin, you’ll need a bootable disc (one with an operating system or utility on it) and access to your computer’s BIOS or UEFI firmware settings.

What You’ll Need

A bootable CD or DVD (Windows installation disc, system repair disc, or live Linux disc)
An optical drive on your computer (internal or external USB)
Your computer’s power cord plugged in (do not interrupt the boot process)

Step-by-Step

Insert the disc – Place the bootable CD or DVD into your optical drive. If you’re using an external USB drive, connect it before powering on the computer.
Restart your computer – Click Start, select Power, then Restart. If the computer is already off, just turn it on.
Enter the boot menu or BIOS/UEFI – As soon as the computer starts, watch for a message like “Press F12 for Boot Menu” or “Press DEL to enter Setup.” The exact key varies by manufacturer: common ones are F2, F10, F12, Esc, or Del. Press the key repeatedly until the menu appears.
Choose the boot device – If you opened the boot menu, select your optical drive (often labeled “CD/DVD,” “Optical Drive,” or the drive’s model name) and press Enter. If you’re in BIOS/UEFI, navigate to the Boot tab, find “Boot Order” or “Boot Priority,” and move the optical drive to the top of the list.
Save and exit – In BIOS/UEFI, press F10 (or select “Save & Exit”) and confirm when prompted. The computer will restart.
Press any key when prompted – Watch for a message like “Press any key to boot from CD or DVD…” and press a key within the few seconds it appears. If you miss it, the computer will boot to the hard drive, and you’ll need to restart and try again.
Wait for the disc to load – The computer will now load the software from the disc. This may take a minute or two. Follow the on-screen instructions for installation or repair.

Common Mistakes

Not pressing a key – Many discs require you to press any key immediately after the “Press any key” prompt. If you don’t, Windows boots normally.
Wrong boot key – Pressing the wrong key or missing the small window of time can land you in Windows instead of the boot options. Check your manual or the on-screen prompt.
Secure Boot blocking the disc – Modern PCs with UEFI often have Secure Boot enabled, which may prevent unsigned or older discs from booting.
Disc not bootable – Not every CD/DVD can boot a computer. Data discs, music CDs, or discs with just files on them will not start. Only discs created as bootable media will work.
Optical drive not recognized – If your BIOS/UEFI doesn’t list the optical drive, it may be disconnected, faulty, or an external drive that isn’t powered on.

Tips

Use the boot menu instead of changing BIOS order – The boot menu (often F12) is a one-time selection and doesn’t permanently change your boot order, so you can easily boot from the hard drive next time without reversing settings.
Check the disc for scratches – A scratched or dirty disc can fail to read. Hold it under a light and inspect the shiny side; clean with a soft, lint-free cloth from the center outward if needed.
Know your firmware type – Older computers use BIOS (blue or gray text screens), newer ones use UEFI (graphical interface). The steps are similar, but the keys and menu names differ slightly.
Disable Fast Startup – Windows Fast Startup can skip the boot device selection. In Windows, go to Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do, then uncheck “Turn on fast startup.”
Use a wired keyboard – Some BIOS/UEFI screens don’t recognize wireless keyboards until the OS loads. If your key presses do nothing, try a USB wired keyboard.

Troubleshooting

Computer boots to Windows instead of the disc: Restart and try again, but this time press the boot menu key earlier and more frequently. If you still can’t get in, check that the disc is actually bootable—try it on another computer. Also confirm the optical drive is listed first in the boot order.

“Press any key” prompt appears but pressing keys does nothing: This usually means your keyboard isn’t recognized yet. Try a different USB port (preferably one directly on the motherboard at the back), or use a PS/2 keyboard if available. Some systems require you to enable “Legacy USB Support” in BIOS/UEFI.

Secure Boot error or “Invalid signature” message: Enter BIOS/UEFI, find Secure Boot under the Security or Boot tab, and set it to Disabled. Also check if “CSM” or “Legacy Boot” is available and enable it. This allows older discs to boot.

Disc loads but then freezes or shows errors: The disc may be damaged or the drive may be failing. Try cleaning the disc, using a different optical drive, or burning a new disc at a slower speed (4x or 8x) for better readability.

External USB optical drive not detected: Ensure the drive has its own power supply if it requires one. Try a different USB cable or port. In BIOS/UEFI, look for “USB Storage” or “External Device” in the boot options and enable it.

Computer beeps or shows a black screen after selecting the disc: This can mean the disc isn’t bootable or the media is corrupt. Confirm the disc works on another machine. If it does, the issue may be your drive’s laser—try a different drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What key do I press to boot from CD on a Dell, HP, or Lenovo?
A: Common keys are F12 (Dell, Lenovo), F9 (HP), and F10 or Esc (many others). The exact key appears briefly on the screen during startup. If you miss it, restart and watch closely.

Q: Can I boot from a DVD on a laptop without an optical drive?
A: Yes, if you have a USB external DVD drive. Connect it before powering on, then enter the boot menu and select the USB optical drive. Some laptops require enabling “USB Boot” in BIOS/UEFI first.

Q: Why does my computer skip the disc and boot to Windows?
A: Either you didn’t press any key at the prompt, the disc isn’t bootable, or the boot order doesn’t include the optical drive first. Check each of these in order.

Q: Is booting from a CD the same as installing Windows from it?
A: Booting from the CD is the first step. Once the disc loads, you’ll see options to install Windows, repair your system, or run other tools. The disc must be a Windows installation or recovery disc for this to work.

Q: Will booting from a CD erase my files?
A: Booting alone does not erase anything. However, if you choose to install Windows, the installer will ask where to install and may format the drive. Always back up important data before installing an OS.

Q: What if my computer is too old to boot from USB but has a CD drive?
A: That’s fine—this guide is exactly for that situation. Insert the bootable CD, enter the boot menu, and select the optical drive. Older BIOS systems usually support CD booting without issues.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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