How to Set Computer to Boot from CD ROM

David Darlington

Mar 26, 2025 • Filed to: Windows Computer Solutions • Proven solutions

If your computer has crashed or is malfunctioning, then you need to take some added measures. When there is a problem with the default booting of the system, users have to take the assistance of a bootable CD/DVD to load the needed programs. In this way, they can troubleshoot the issue and can even install Windows on the system as well. If you already have a bootable CD or a DVD, then you need to perform some basic steps to change the default booting source in your system. We will let you know how to set the computer to boot from CD-ROM in this quick tutorial.

BIOS Boot and Settings

To learn how to set the computer to boot from CD-ROM, you need to be familiar with the BIOS (Basic Input Output Subsystem). The component consists of essential programs and kernels that make the booting sequence. Before you proceed, you need to meet these prerequisites:

1. Make sure that you have a bootable CD or DVD ready. The CD-ROM drive in your system must be working properly.
2. You should know how to enter the BIOS settings on your system. This is done by pressing the BIOS enter key during the booting process.

Ideally, one of these keys will work as BIOS enter key. Though, it might change from one system to another. You can always try these combinations or read the manual of your system to confirm it.

How to Set Computer to Boot from CD-ROM

Now when you are aware of the BIOS enter keys, let's dive and learn how to set the computer to boot from CD-ROM right away.

1. To start with, you need to put the bootable CD or DVD in the optical disk drive of your computer.
2. Now, you can simply turn on your computer. If it is already on, then you can restart it.
3. As it would be booting, you need to press the BIOS key to enter its settings. You would have to press the key consecutively to make it work. In some systems, the BIOS key is also displayed during the booting operation.

4. Instead of booting your system the ideal way, it will display the BIOS settings like this. Simply let go of the BIOS enter key now. Since your mouse won't work, you need to navigate with the arrow keys and make selections with the Enter key. These shortcuts would be mentioned at the bottom bar of the screen.

5. Now, using the arrow keys you need to go to the Boot tab of the interface.

6. Here, you can change the priority source for booting. Use the + and – key to make sure the CD-ROM drive is at the top.

7. Once it is done, you can press the F10 key to save and exit the interface. Enter "Yes" to the pop-up message and exit successfully.

Instead of the system's hard drive, your computer would be booted from the CD-ROM. Afterward, you can perform a recovery operation, fix an issue with your Windows, or even reinstall it using the bootable CD/DVD. Go ahead and give it a try and let us know if you face any setbacks in between.

Related: How to fix "Setup was Unable to Create a New System Partition".