Boot Windows 10 Installation USB on Gigabyte H61MS Motherboard in Legacy Mode

If you are attempting to boot into a Windows 10 installation USB on your Gigabyte H61MS motherboard but are unable to do so in legacy mode, you can follow these detailed steps to resolve the issue.

Preparation: Creating a Bootable USB Drive

Step 1: Prepare the USB Drive

To successfully boot from a USB drive, you need to create a bootable USB drive with the Windows 10 installation media. Use tools like Rufus or the Windows Media Creation Tool. Remember to choose the MBR partition scheme for BIOS or UEFI. This step is crucial for compatibility with your Gigabyte H61MS motherboard.

Access BIOS Setup

Step 2: Access BIOS Setup

Restart Your Computer and begin entering the BIOS setup by repeatedly pressing the Delete key or F2 on some models. Navigate through the BIOS settings to ensure compatibility and correct boot settings.

Adjust BIOS Settings

Step 3: Adjust BIOS Settings

In the BIOS menu, look for and navigate to the Set Boot Mode option. Ensure that the Boot Priority is set correctly for legacy boot. If there is an option for Secure Boot, make sure it is disabled. These settings are critical for booting from a USB drive in legacy mode.

Save Changes and Exit BIOS Setup

Step 4: Save Changes and Exit

After making your necessary changes, press F10 to save and exit the BIOS setup. The computer will prompt you to confirm the changes.

Boot from USB Drive

Step 5: Boot from USB

Once you are back at the BIOS screen, remove the USB drive and restart the computer. Your computer should now attempt to boot from the USB drive, starting the Windows 10 installation process.

Troubleshooting Tips

Correct USB Format: Ensure the USB drive is formatted correctly. FAT32 is the recommended format for maximum compatibility. Try Different USB Ports: Experiment with different USB ports, preferably USB 2.0, as some motherboards may have issues with USB 3.0 ports during the boot process. Update BIOS: If you still face issues, consider checking for a BIOS update on the Gigabyte website. Newer BIOS versions may improve compatibility and resolve booting issues.

By following these steps, you should be able to boot into a Windows 10 installation USB in legacy mode on your Gigabyte H61MS motherboard. If you encounter specific error messages or issues, please provide those details for further assistance.

Note: If you find that booting in legacy mode is unsuccessful, you might also try using F12 to access the boot menu and select the USB drive directly. This modern approach often bypasses many of the traditional BIOS settings and can provide a more straightforward path to booting your installation media.