boot up

Meaning

To start or power on a computer or operating system, allowing it to load its files and programs so it is ready for use. It can be used transitively or intransitively.

Examples

• My old laptop takes ages to boot up in the morning.

  My old laptop takes ages to boot up in the morning.

• You need to boot up the system before you can log in.

  You need to boot up the system before you can log in.

• I installed a new SSD, and now my computer boots up in under ten seconds.

  I installed a new SSD, and now my computer boots up in under ten seconds.

• The server failed to boot up after the sudden power outage.

  The server failed to boot up after the sudden power outage.

• Let me boot up my PC so I can look at those files for you.

  Let me boot up my PC so I can look at those files for you.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I need to open up my computer to start working.

  ✓ I need to boot up my computer to start working.

  'Open up' means to physically open the laptop lid or open the computer casing. To start the operating system, use 'boot up' or 'turn on'.

• ✗ The computer is booting itself up.

  ✓ The computer is booting up.

  'Boot up' is usually used intransitively for the machine itself, so adding 'itself' is redundant and unnatural.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Give me a minute, my computer is still trying to ___.

  💡 Start the operating system.

  Show answer

  boot up

• You have to ___ the server before running the diagnostics.

  💡 Turn on the system.

  Show answer

  boot up