Creating a bootable USB drive for Windows 10 is a practical solution for installing or reinstalling the operating system on your PC. This method is not only faster than using a DVD but also more convenient for devices without an optical drive.

Requirements

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

  • A USB Flash Drive: At least 8GB of storage capacity.
  • A Windows 10 ISO File: You can download this from the official Microsoft website.
  • A Tool to Create the Bootable USB: Windows Media Creation Tool or third-party tools like Rufus.

Step 1: Prepare the USB Flash Drive

  1. Insert the USB Drive: Plug the USB flash drive into an available USB port on your computer.
  2. Backup Important Files: Ensure you have backed up any important data on the USB drive, as the process will erase everything on it.
  3. Format the USB Drive (Optional): For a clean setup, you can format the USB drive. Right-click on the USB drive in File Explorer, select “Format,” choose “FAT32” as the file system, and click “Start.”

Step 2: Use the Windows Media Creation Tool

  1. Download the Windows Media Creation Tool: Visit the official Microsoft page and download the tool for Windows 10. (Or for Windows 11, follow this link)
  2. Run the Tool: Open the downloaded Media Creation Tool.
  3. Accept the License Terms: Follow the on-screen instructions to accept the license terms.
  4. Choose “Create Installation Media”: Select the option to create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC and click “Next.”
  5. Select Language, Edition, and Architecture: Choose the correct language, edition, and architecture for your Windows 10 installation.
  6. Choose USB Flash Drive: When prompted, select “USB flash drive” as your media, and click “Next.”
  7. Select Your USB Drive: The tool will automatically detect your USB drive. Select it from the list and click “Next.”
  8. Download and Create: The tool will download the necessary files and create a bootable USB drive. This process might take some time, depending on your internet speed.

Step 3: Boot from the USB Drive

  1. Insert the Bootable USB Drive into the Target PC: Plug the USB drive into the PC where you want to install or reinstall Windows 10.
  2. Restart the PC and Enter the Boot Menu: Restart the computer and enter the boot menu by pressing the appropriate key (usually F2, F12, DEL, or ESC) during startup.
  3. Select the USB Drive as the Boot Device: In the boot menu, select the USB drive as the primary boot device.
  4. Begin Windows 10 Installation: The PC will boot from the USB drive, and the Windows 10 installation process will begin. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Step 4: Finalize the Installation

  1. Follow the Installation Wizard: After booting from the USB, the Windows Setup will start. Follow the prompts to select your language, time, and keyboard preferences.
  2. Enter Your Product Key: If prompted, enter your Windows 10 product key. You can skip this step if you want to activate Windows later.
  3. Choose the Installation Type: Select “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)” to perform a clean installation.
  4. Select the Drive: Choose the partition where you want to install Windows 10 and follow the prompts to start the installation.
  5. Complete the Setup: The installation will take some time. Your PC will restart several times during the process. Once completed, you’ll need to configure your user settings, privacy preferences, and network settings.

Why Create a Bootable USB for Windows 10?

Before diving into the steps, let’s quickly understand why you might need a bootable USB for Windows 10:

  • Reinstalling Windows: If your system is experiencing issues, a clean installation can often resolve them.
  • Installing Windows on a New Device: A bootable USB allows you to install Windows on a new or upgraded system.
  • Portable Installation Media: You can carry the USB drive anywhere and use it on different PCs as needed.

Conclusion

Putting Windows 10 on a USB is a straightforward process that can be accomplished with the right tools and steps. Whether you’re reinstalling Windows, setting up a new PC, or needing portable installation media, this guide ensures you can create a bootable USB drive with ease. Always remember to back up your data before proceeding and ensure that your USB drive meets the necessary requirements.

Avatar for Marlo Strydom

Marlo, the founder of Computer Info Bits, has over 20 years of IT expertise. He's passionate about technology and aims to demystify it. Since 2019, he's been writing articles covering essential computer tips to complex hardware discussions, helping readers better understand and use their technology. Marlo stays up-to-date with the latest tech developments through extensive research and interaction.