Is there a way I can set a key to choose which OS I want to run?

Hello friends, I recently did a dual boot configuration with Win 7 and Win 8. I was wondering if there was a way to set a key to choose a OS to run. I have Win 7 to boot by default, it would be nice to keep tapping a key to boot from Win 8. If there isn't a way, I'm going to have to have a timer go off when the "choose a operating system windows loads. I did extend the time to 60 seconds, but... a key would be nice. :) Thanks

I believe he wants to know what key will allow him to switch from one Operating System to another, while one is running already without having to restart the computer.

I am blind. I do not know when this window pops up hence the reason why I mentioned tapping on a key. This would be from start up.

Not exactly what you requested but a neat little tool,

How To Switch Windows To Another Without Rebooting In Multi Boot | geekOmad - Technology Blog

I was using something like this when I was dual booting with Vista.

Would you consider using a third party Boot Manager?
Looking in the documentation for EasyBCD, it looks like you can configure it to wait indefinitely for you to select the OS.

Wait for user selection

EasyBCD will instruct the bootloader to hang completely until a selection is made manually by the user starting the PC. There is no longer a “default” entry, and your PC will not boot into anything unless explicitly instructed to do so at boot time. Use this instead of option 2 with a longer timeout when it’s of the utmost importance that you boot into the correct operating system.

Source: https://neosmart.net/wiki/easybcd/ba...user_selection

I've never used EasyBCD, but I've read a lot of recommendations for it.

DavidW7ncus said:

Would you consider using a third party Boot Manager?
Looking in the documentation for EasyBCD, it looks like you can configure it to wait indefinitely for you to select the OS.

Wait for user selection

EasyBCD will instruct the bootloader to hang completely until a selection is made manually by the user starting the PC. There is no longer a “default” entry, and your PC will not boot into anything unless explicitly instructed to do so at boot time. Use this instead of option 2 with a longer timeout when it’s of the utmost importance that you boot into the correct operating system.

Source: https://neosmart.net/wiki/easybcd/ba...user_selection

I've never used EasyBCD, but I've read a lot of recommendations for it.

I will have to look into this. You guys rock thanks!

I downloaded and installed EasyBCD. I've navigated through some of the options. I went into the edit boot menu and saw that the current OS to start from default is set to yes. Also noticed that I can adjust the timer. Can't find the option where I can set the computer to hang 'til a OS is selected with a key. I will have to wait for some sighted assistance because it may be something that my screen reader isn't catching. Just thought I'd update.

If Bill's (Slartybart) suggestion works that might be your best option.

If not, the image I inserted is a snip from the EasyBCD documentation at:
https://neosmart.net/wiki/easybcd/ba...user_selection

Do you have the Wait for user selection radio button ?
If not, can you uncheck the Default OS checkbox ?




If you don't have those options, the documentation may not match the current version of the program.
The screen print shows EasyBCD 2.1 and the download shows 2.2
Let us know.