In order for a computer to "boot," or start up, it needs a boot disk, also known as a starting drive. Usually, a computer's internal hard drive or SSD serves as the primary start device. The operating system, which is installed at the conclusion of starting, as well as the data needed for the restart procedure are both located on this drive.

Although the main internal storage device is typically used to start a system, most computers enable you to load from other drives. These include USB thumb devices, Discs, DVDs, and portable hard drives. Run disk tools and tests on the main drive by booting from a backup start disk. If the computer cannot boot from the main disk, it might be required.

A storage device must meet the following four criteria in order to serve as a start disk:

• It must have a running system that the machine can use.
• It must be formatted correctly (e.g., NTFS for Windows or APFS for Mac), according to the system.
• The gear must be able to accommodate the media; for instance, a DVD starting file needs a CD/DVD player.
• The starting folders needed for launch must be present.

You can make a unique start disk using a number of disk tools and save it to a Disc or flash drive. A basic "utility" operating system that can perform tests and fixes on the main drive is included on these start CDs. This kind of launch disk's purpose is to restart a computer in the event of a drive malfunction and fix the main drive so it can once again be used as the starting disk.