Changing the primary drive from which a computer starts involves configuring the system’s firmware (BIOS or UEFI) to prioritize a different storage device containing a bootable operating system. This process might involve physically installing a new drive, modifying boot settings within the system’s firmware interface, or using operating system tools to manage boot configurations. For example, one might replace a traditional hard disk drive with a solid-state drive to improve system performance.
Selecting a different startup drive offers several advantages, including improved system responsiveness with faster storage devices, increased storage capacity, dual-booting capabilities for accessing multiple operating systems, and disaster recovery through readily available backups. Historically, altering the boot order was a more involved process, sometimes requiring physical adjustments to jumpers on drives or within the computer itself. Modern systems provide streamlined interfaces within the firmware settings for greater ease and flexibility.