It can be a major problem if your USB drive is not recognized by the BIOS when you want to format your computer, install an operating system, or run some system tools. In this article, we explain step by step all the possible reasons for the "BIOS not seeing USB" issue and solutions specific to each computer brand.

Possible Causes of the Problem

USB boot support may be disabled
UEFI/Legacy Boot incompatibility
The USB may not be prepared as bootable correctly
Physical failure of the USB port
The boot order may be incorrect

️ General Solutions

✅ 1. Prepare the USB Correctly

When preparing USB with Rufus:
- MBR + BIOS/UEFI → Older systems
- GPT + UEFI → Newer systems
Make sure the ISO file is intact (Windows, Ubuntu, etc.)

✅ 2. Try a Different USB Port

Especially USB 3.0 ports are sometimes not recognized in older BIOS versions → Use a USB 2.0 port

✅ 3. Enter BIOS Settings

Enter the BIOS by pressing these keys while turning on the computer:
- ASUS: Del or F2
- HP: Esc then F10
- Lenovo: F1 or F2
- Dell: F2
- Acer: F2 or Del
- MSI: Del

✅ 4. Check the Necessary Settings

Boot Mode: Try changing it to UEFI or Legacy
Secure Boot: Turn OFF
Fast Boot: Turn OFF
USB Boot: Should be set to ENABLED
Boot Priority (Boot Order): USB should be first

Brand-Based Solution Steps

For HP Computers

BIOS Key: Esc > F10
In the "Boot Options" menu:
- "Legacy Support" → Enabled
- "Secure Boot" → Disabled
- "USB Boot" → Enabled

ASUS Motherboard Systems

BIOS Key: Del or F2
"Advanced Mode" (F7) > Boot tab:
- CSM (Compatibility Support Module) → Enabled
- Secure Boot → Other OS

Lenovo Devices

BIOS Key: F2 or Novo Button
Change the UEFI/Legacy option
Make sure USB HDD is first in the boot order

Dell Computers

BIOS Key: F2
Boot Sequence > Change to Legacy if not UEFI
Legacy Option ROMs → Enabled
Boot List Options > Select Legacy

Acer Devices

BIOS Key: F2
Create a Supervisor Password from the Security tab and disable Secure Boot
Boot Mode: Legacy instead of UEFI

MSI Motherboards

BIOS Key: Del
Boot Mode in BIOS > Legacy + UEFI
Check your USB drive under "Hard Disk Drive BBS Priorities"

Advanced Checks

Test the USB drive on another computer
Reformat the USB drive as NTFS instead of FAT32 and try again
Create a new USB with a different ISO file

✅ Conclusion

The BIOS not recognizing the USB drive is often related to settings or how the boot drive is prepared. Brand-independent solutions usually work. If the USB is still not recognized despite all methods, you can try preparing the USB media with another tool (Ventoy, Etcher) or choose an alternative USB port.