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

[TheBlindMan12v]

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

 

[Ztruker]

I don't understand what you want to do. As it is now, you use the cursor key to select the operating system you want to boot and press enter.

What do you want to do/happen?

 

[Erick Aguilar]

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.

 

[TheBlindMan12v]

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.

 

[derekimo]

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.

 

[DavidE]

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/b...ModPagespeed=noscript#Wait_for_user_selection

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

 

[TheBlindMan12v]

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/b...ModPagespeed=noscript#Wait_for_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!

 

[TheBlindMan12v]

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.

 

[Slartybart]

You could also set the delay to the maximum number of seconds (999) in
System properties -> Advanced tab -> Startup and Recovery [Settings] button -> Time to display list of operating systems

 

[DavidE]

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/b...ModPagespeed=noscript#Wait_for_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.

 

[TheBlindMan12v]

I do have the, "Wait for user selection radio button."

I thought I was going to be able to set Win 8.1 OS to start with a specific key and the same thing with the Win 7 OS. I was planning to have Win 7 to start by pressing the F7 key and the Win 8.1 OS with the F8 key. Seems like I have no choice but to have a timer to go off after xx seconds so I know when I'm on the window to select an OS.

 

[AddRAM]

If you did the dual boot correctly, you should have a screen during bootup and you can choose which operating system you want to boot into and use.

Don`t you have that ?

It will look something like this, but I`m not sure what the Windows 7 and 8 boot screen will look like.

 

[DavidE]

I do have the, "Wait for user selection radio button."

I thought I was going to be able to set Win 8.1 OS to start with a specific key and the same thing with the Win 7 OS. I was planning to have Win 7 to start by pressing the F7 key and the Win 8.1 OS with the F8 key. Seems like I have no choice but to have a timer to go off after xx seconds so I know when I'm on the window to select an OS.

Hello TheBlindMan12v,

That sounds like you want to be able to
1) Start up the PC by pushing the power button
2) Then tap the F7 or F8 key to choose which OS to run, before the OS selection screen is displayed

I don't know if that's possible, seems like it would require some special BIOS setting / ability.
I also don't know if it's possible to enable an audible beep when the OS selection screen is displayed so you don't have to use a timer to know it's displayed.
I don't know IF EasyBCD has an option for an audible beep alert.

If you're not aware of it, you might consider using a Virtual Machine (VM).
That way you could always have the PC boot up to your Primary (most used) OS, and run your secondary OS whenever you want to, within the Primary OS.
Then there is no need for a dual-boot / OS selection screen.

There are Pros and Cons to VMs and dual-booting, I'm just throwing this idea out as something to consider in case you're not aware of it.

 

[Layback Bear]

Another thought.
I would suggest using another key rather than F8.
Most system have other uses for the F8 key by default.

 

[TheBlindMan12v]

Appreciate the feedback. I was aware of the virtual machine, but didn't go with that option since I read that it can affect performance.Having the key to select an OS isn't as big of a deal then what I'm making it to be, it'd just be convenient if it were possible. I'll just stick with a Default OS at start up if I don't slect an OS when I'm prompted. Once again, thanks.

 

[Ztruker]

Give a virtual machine, like Oracle VirtualBox a try. You'd be surprised how well it runs.