Windows – Missing “Use a device” option to boot a live distro from usb on a Windows 8 (UEFI) notebook

bootusbwindows 8

I have a new notebook with Windows 8.
I need to boot a Linux live distro from USB disk. However, when I access the boot menu which I expect to be like the following: enter image description here

in Windows 8, the entry "use a device" is missing enter link description here

(please disregard the red frames, these are only screenshots I found on the web to show what appears on my monitor).

So, I have to edit UEFI settings, reboot the notebook, disable the UEFI boot and enable legacy boot in order to boot the live distro from usb.

When I have finished, I have to edit the bios settings again, disable legacy boot and re-enable UEFI boot in order to make the notebook being able to load Windows 8 again.

Why am I missing the "Use a device" entry and how can I make it appear?

Best Answer

I had the same problem with my ASUS N56VJ-DH71 notebook. The solution I got from ASUS worked for me:

  • Enter the BIOS setup menu by pressing and holding F2 when powering on
  • Switch to "Boot" and set "Launch CSM" to Enabled
  • Switch to "Security" and set "Secure Boot Control" to Disabled
  • Press F10 to save and exit
  • Press and hold ESC to launch boot menu when the notebook restarts
    (or you can enter the PC setting menu in windows. You should see "use a device")
Related Question