Windows Computer Does Not Boot with an External USB Drive Connected

Description

Windows does not boot past the BIOS when an external USB drive is connected.

• Drive format is exFAT and not compatible with some computers.
  exFAT allows the drive to mount as read/write on Windows and macOS.
• Legacy USB Support and Boot from USB Drive is the first option set in the BIOS.
  
  Need more help?
  Answer ID 25242: Format a USB Flash, Memory Card or External Drive with the Original File System on Windows and macOS

Resolution

Format the Drive

Format the drive as NTFS.
NTFS will mount as Read-Only on macOS.

Need more help?

• Answer ID 8200: Steps to Format a Drive for Use with Windows or macOS
• Answer ID 50279: Format USB Flash and External Drive as NTFS using Windows Guided Assist

Disable Legacy USB Support in the BIOS

View the Use of Third-Party Software or Websites disclaimer.
Western Digital Support cannot help with third-party software or hardware.

• Disable Legacy USB Support in the BIOS.
• Boot from USB Drive cannot be the first boot option.

IMPORTANT:

DO NOT disable Legacy USB Support if the keyboard and mouse require it.
A PS/2 Keyboard and mouse do not require this feature.

1. Check the computer manual to see how to get the settings for the BIOS.


2. Boot or Restart the computer.


3. Look for a message that says which key to press in order to access the BIOS.
   Options and screens mill vary per BIOS.
   
   The most popular BIOS options are:
   
   • F1, F2, or F3 key
   • Esc key
   • Delete key
   
   
4. Fint and Disable Legacy USB Support.
   
   

   



5. Find and change from Boot order.
   Make sure Boot from USB is not the first option.
   
   

   



6. Save the changes per your computer manual.


7. Reboot.

Need more help?
Answer ID 5264: How to Access the System BIOS in Windows and macOS

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