The most reliable method to install Windows on your PC involves obtaining the software online. However, when you wish to install Windows on multiple devices, address operating system errors, or simply require a USB recovery tool, an offline installation method becomes a necessity. In this guide, we will take you through the process of creating your own bootable Windows USB drive for installing both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Essential Hardware Requirements
- Windows 11: Make sure your target device meets the following specifications:
- 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended)
- Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
- A high-definition display with a resolution of at least 720p
- DirectX 12 compatible graphics card
- Windows 10: The requirements are slightly more lenient; they include:
- 2 GB RAM (for 64-bit devices)
- A DirectX 9 or newer graphics card
- SVGA resolution of 800 x 600
- USB Drive: Ensure you have a USB drive with a minimum of 8 GB of available space (16 GB or more is highly recommended).
Acquiring the Boot Disk Installation Tool
The first step to creating a bootable Windows USB is to download the necessary installation tool. Depending on whether you’re preparing for Windows 11 or Windows 10, the source will change.
Downloading Windows 11
Navigate to the official Windows 11 download page. You can discover three methods for obtaining Windows 11.
- The first method is the Windows 11 Installation Assistant, a fully online process that does not require a USB drive.
- The other two methods—Windows 11 Installation Media and Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)—allow you to convert a USB drive to a bootable device. Click Download Now for either option.
- If your laptop or PC supports it, you also have the option to create a CD or DVD with the installation media.
For the ISO format, this is your one chance to select your desired product language. Make sure to verify your choice carefully before clicking Confirm. Your request will take a few moments to validate.
You can even check the integrity of your download using the PowerShell command with Get-FileHash, as described on the download page.
After selecting the 64-bit download, the ISO file will begin downloading. Given its large size, ensure you have a fast and stable Internet connection.
The Windows 11 Media Creation Tool itself is a small file and should download swiftly.
Downloading Windows 10
The procedure for obtaining Windows 10 is relatively similar. Go to Microsoft’s page for Windows 10 by clicking this link.
For Windows 10, there is a single download for the Media Creation Tool, which can also be converted into an ISO format.
Once the tool is downloaded for your target operating system, you can proceed to install Windows on your USB flash drive.
Creating a Bootable Windows USB Drive
Create a bootable USB drive for Windows installation varies slightly based on the system you plan to install. Here’s how you can proceed:
Using the Media Creation Tool for Windows 11
Activate the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool by double-clicking it. Ensure your USB drive is ready; note that all data on this drive will be deleted. Backup any important files beforehand!
Accept the license agreement by clicking Accept on the prompt window. You will see a message stating, “Getting a few things ready, ” which may take a few seconds.
The subsequent screen lets you select the language and version of Windows 11. If you want to alter the default selections, uncheck Use the recommended options for this PC and make your choice. Click Next to proceed.
On the next screen, choose USB flash drive and click Next. Insert a USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of space, and the software will prompt you to select the drive. Confirm your selection by clicking Next.
Now, the tool will begin downloading Windows 11 to your USB drive. You can track the progress as it fills up your drive.
Once the download finishes, the tool will automatically transition to creating the Windows media—this might take several minutes depending on your system performance.
On the final screen, you’ll see a confirmation that your USB drive is ready. Click Finish to close the tool and complete the process.
When connecting the bootable USB drive to any compatible Windows 11 device, you will notice a drive letter assigned (e.g., F:), and double-clicking on the setup file initiates the Windows installation process. This USB can also act as a portable recovery tool for your Windows 11 system.
Using the ISO Method for Windows 11
After downloading the Windows 11 ISO, locate it on your PC. Right-click the file and select Mount to open it as a drive.
This will display the setup file we identified in the previous section. Although you can double-click this to reinstall Windows, our aim here is to transfer the ISO onto a bootable USB drive.
You will need a program like Rufus to perform the USB setup. Download it from its official site, where both portable and full versions are available.
After downloading Rufus, insert your USB drive. It should be recognized automatically. In the Device section, you’ll see it designated (e.g., G:).Click Select to attach the Windows 11 ISO file from its saved location.
The ISO will appear under Boot selection. Clicking Start gives you a choice for a custom Windows 11 installation which allows you to bypass certain requirements. This can be particularly useful if your machine does not meet the standard specifications.
If a standard installation is preferred, uncheck the options above. Be aware that all data on the selected USB drive will be erased. The transfer of the ISO files might take a bit of time—track the status in the Rufus interface.
Once done, the installer files should appear within the USB drive folder on your PC. This differs from the Media Creation Tool method, where folder paths begin differently, indicating a successful load.
For Windows 10
To create a bootable USB drive for Windows 10, double-click on the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool. Read and agree to the license terms. The initial screen will prompt you with two options: either “Upgrade this PC now” or “Create installation media for another PC.”
For our goal of creating a bootable USB drive, select the latter option.
Next, you will customize language, architecture, and edition. Just like in the previous steps for Windows 11, you can modify these by unchecking Use the recommended options for this PC.
After selecting your USB drive, the latest version of Windows 10 downloads to it, effectively turning it into a portable installation tool.
This guide encompassed multiple methods of creating a bootable Windows USB installer for both Windows 10 and Windows 11. Should you encounter issues while copying Windows files to your USB drive, our tutorial will also help you in formatting it for use. Additionally, formatting the USB drive post OS installation may be necessary.
Image Credit: DALL-E 3. All screenshots by Sayak Boral.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use any USB drive to create a bootable Windows USB?
No, it’s essential to use a USB drive with at least 8 GB of available space. Using a higher capacity USB drive is advisable for better performance and stability.
2. Is it necessary to erase all data on the USB drive before creating a bootable USB?
Yes, creating a bootable Windows USB will format the drive and erase all existing data. Be sure to back up any important files prior to the process.
3. What if I encounter errors during the Windows installation process?
If you experience any installation errors, consult Microsoft’s support pages for troubleshooting tips or consider creating a new bootable USB drive to resolve potential issues with corrupted installation files.
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