My PC keeps starting in the BIOS instead of loading Windows automatically. Windows does boot successfully if I repeatedly press F11 and select it from the boot menu, but I want the system to start normally without needing the boot menu every time. I have already updated the BIOS, removed the other SSDs, checked the boot order, disabled Fast Boot, confirmed UEFI mode, changed the M.2 slot from Auto to Gen 4, wiped and recreated the partitions, and re-registered the Windows bootloader. The system has an Intel i9-13900K, MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi motherboard, 64GB of RAM, an RTX 4060 Ti, and a Samsung 990 Pro 2TB SSD. What else could cause this?
2 Answers
It would also help to determine whether the problem is specific to the Samsung M.2 drive or the motherboard's M.2 slot. Testing another known-good drive would narrow that down, although if you only have M.2 storage, trying a different slot or temporarily testing with another drive may be necessary.
A failing or weak CMOS battery could cause the BIOS to lose boot settings or behave inconsistently. Replacing the motherboard battery is inexpensive and worth testing, then set the Windows Boot Manager entry as the first boot option again.
I only have M.2 drives available, so I cannot test with a 2.5-inch SSD right now.