Find the boot-menu key
Use the likely control below. The exact key may vary by model.
| PC manufacturer | Likely control |
|---|---|
| Dell | F12 |
| HP | Esc, then F9 |
| Lenovo | F12 or Fn+F12; some models have a Novo button |
| ASUS notebook or all-in-one | From power off, hold Esc while pressing Power |
| Acer | F12 |
| MSI | F11 |
| Microsoft Surface | Hold Volume Down, press and release Power, then release Volume Down when spinning dots appear |
Start Ashington OS
- Plug in the Ashington OS USB drive.
- Restart the PC, or turn it off and then on.
- Immediately and repeatedly press the boot-menu key. Watch the manufacturer logo for “Boot Menu” or “Boot Options.” For ASUS and Surface, use the hold-and-Power sequence above.
- Choose the USB drive entry, such as PNY 32GB. If the PC offers a UEFI entry for that USB, choose it.
- Press Enter. If another menu appears, choose Start Ashington OS.
Choose only the USB drive. Do not choose the internal Windows drive, an installer, or a format option. If the key does not work, fully turn off the PC and try again, or check its manual.
Troubleshooting
USB missing from the boot menu: Fully turn off the PC, try another USB port, and open the boot menu again.
Windows asks to format the USB: Cancel the prompt. Do not format the drive.
Windows will not start: You can still follow this guide from another phone or computer. The boot-menu steps do not require Windows.
Share this phone guide
The QR code below opens this page at ashingtonos.com/boot. Print it with the USB instructions so a user can scan it before restarting.
