When you have multiple operating systems installed on your computer, you may want to change the default operating system that runs at startup. Changing the default operating system can save you time and improve your user experience. In this article, How to change the default operating system to run at startup in Windows 11.
This article will cover five methods for changing the default operating system, including using the System Configuration tool, the Command Prompt, the Settings app, accessing the Advanced Startup Options menu, and editing the Boot.ini file.
Method 1: Using the System Configuration Tool
The System Configuration tool is a built-in utility in Windows 11 that allows you to manage system settings, including the default operating system at startup. Here are the steps to change the default operating system using the System Configuration tool:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type "msconfig" and press Enter.
- In the System Configuration window, click on the Boot tab.
- Under the "Boot options" section, you will see a list of operating systems installed on your computer. Select the operating system you want to set as default and click the "Set as default" button.
- Click on the "Apply" button and then "OK".
- Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Method 2: Using the Command Prompt
The Command Prompt is a powerful tool in Windows 11 that allows you to execute various commands to manage your system settings. Here's how to change the default operating system using the Command Prompt:
- Press the Windows key + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" from the menu.
- Type "bcdedit /default {identifier}" in the Command Prompt window and press Enter. Replace "{identifier}" with the identifier of the operating system that you want to set as default. You can find the identifier for each operating system in the "Windows Boot Loader" section of the "bcdedit" command output.
- Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Method 3: Using the Settings App
The Settings app is a user-friendly interface in Windows 11 that allows you to manage system settings, including the default operating system, at startup. Here's how to change the default operating system using the Settings app:
- Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
- Click on "System" and then click on "Recovery" in the left pane.
- Under the "Advanced startup" section, click the "Restart now" button.
- After your computer restarts, you will see the Advanced Startup Options menu. Click on "Troubleshoot" and then click on "Advanced options".
- Click "Startup settings" and then the "Restart" button.
- After your computer restarts again, you will see the Startup Settings menu. Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to select the operating system you want to set as default and press Enter.
- Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Method 4: Using the Advanced Startup Options
The Advanced Startup Options menu is a powerful feature in Windows 11 that allows you to access various system settings, including the default operating system at startup. Here's how to change the default operating system using the Advanced Startup Options menu:
- Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
- Click on "System" and then click on "Recovery" in the left pane.
- Under the "Advanced startup" section, click the "Restart now" button.
- After your computer restarts, you will see the Advanced Startup Options menu.
- Click on "Troubleshoot" and then click on "Advanced options".
- Click on "Command Prompt".
- Type "bcdedit /default {identifier}" in the Command Prompt window and press Enter. Replace "{identifier}" with the identifier of the operating system that you want to set as default. You can find the identifier for each operating system in the "Windows Boot Loader" section of the "bcdedit" command output.
- Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Method 5: Editing the Boot.ini File
The Boot.ini file is a configuration file in Windows 11 that controls the startup process of the operating system. Here's how to change the default operating system by editing the Boot.ini file:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type "sysdm.cpl" and press Enter.
- In the System Properties window, click on the "Advanced" tab.
- Under the "Startup and Recovery" section, click on the "Settings" button.
- In the Startup and Recovery window, click the "Edit" button next to the "Default operating system" option.
- In the Boot.ini file, find the line starting with "default=" and change the value to the name of the operating system you want to set as default.
- Click on "File" and then click on "Save".
- Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Conclusion
In this article, we explored five different methods for changing the default operating system in Windows 11. We covered using the System Configuration tool, using the Command Prompt, using the Settings app, accessing the Advanced Startup Options menu, and editing the Boot.ini file. By following these methods, you can easily change the default operating system at startup and improve your overall user experience.
Additional Tips for Managing Multiple Operating Systems
If you have multiple operating systems installed on your computer, here are some additional tips for managing them:
Use a boot manager: A boot manager is a software utility that allows you to select which operating system to boot into at startup. Some popular boot managers include EasyBCD, GRUB, and rEFInd.
Use virtualization software: Virtualization software, such as VirtualBox or VMware, allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single computer without dual-booting.
Keep your operating systems updated: Keep your operating systems updated with the latest security patches and software updates to ensure optimal performance and security.
By following these additional tips, you can effectively manage multiple operating systems on your computer.