Creating a Windows 10 bootable USB flash drive is an essential task if you want to install or reinstall Windows on your computer. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating a bootable USB using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool. This process is straightforward, and by the end, you’ll have a USB ready to install Windows 10.
Key Takeaways
- You’ll need a USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of space.
- The Microsoft Media Creation Tool simplifies the process of creating a bootable drive.
- You can use either the UEFI or legacy BIOS option, depending on your computer.
Requirements
- USB flash drive (at least 8 GB, preferably blank).
- Internet connection to download the Media Creation Tool.
- A PC to run the Media Creation Tool.
Why Create a Windows 10 Bootable USB Flash Drive?
If you need to reinstall Windows or troubleshoot a PC, having a bootable USB flash drive is a lifesaver. This USB drive will allow you to boot directly into the Windows installation process, making it ideal for new installations, repairs, or upgrades.
Steps to Create a Windows 10 Bootable USB Flash Drive
Download the Media Creation Tool
First, you’ll need to download the official Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website. Here’s how:
- Open a browser on your computer.
- Search for “Download Windows 10.”
- Click on the result that leads to Microsoft’s official webpage.
- Scroll down to find the section titled “Create Windows 10 Installation Media.”
- Click on the Download tool now button to download the Media Creation Tool.
Run the Media Creation Tool
Once the Media Creation Tool is downloaded, follow these steps:
- Open the downloaded file to launch the Windows 10 setup wizard.
- Accept the terms and conditions to proceed.
Choose to Create Installation Media
You’ll now be given two options:
- Upgrade this PC now.
- Create installation media for another PC.
Select Create installation media, and then click Next.
Select the Windows Version and Language
Next, you’ll need to configure the language, edition, and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) for your installation:
- Uncheck the Use recommended options box if you want to change the default settings.
- Choose the appropriate language and architecture (most users will want 64-bit).
Create the USB Flash Drive
Now, select the option to create a USB flash drive:
- Choose USB flash drive and click Next.
- Select the USB flash drive you want to use from the list (make sure it’s at least 8 GB).
The tool will now download the Windows 10 ISO file and write it to your USB flash drive. This process could take between 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your internet speed.
Check the USB Drive
Once the tool finishes, you should see a confirmation message that your USB flash drive is ready. You can confirm by:
- Opening File Explorer.
- Navigating to This PC.
- You should see the USB drive labeled as ESD-USB.
Booting from the USB Flash Drive
To install Windows from the USB drive, restart your computer and select the USB flash drive as the boot device:
- You’ll see two boot options: Legacy BIOS or UEFI.
- If you’re installing Windows on a newer PC, select the UEFI option.
- Older PCs should use the legacy BIOS option.
It’s important to note that the partition scheme will depend on the boot mode you choose. For UEFI, use the GPT partition scheme. For legacy BIOS, use MBR.
Conclusion
And that’s how you create a Windows 10 bootable USB flash drive! With your bootable USB ready, you can now install or repair Windows 10 on any compatible PC. Remember to choose the correct boot option based on your system’s configuration. If you have any trouble during the installation, feel free to check out my Ultimate guide on installing Windows 10.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a bootable USB flash drive?
A bootable USB is a flash drive that contains the necessary files to boot and install an operating system, like Windows 10.
How much space do I need on my USB flash drive?
You’ll need at least 8 GB of free space, but it’s best to use a flash drive with no important data as it will be formatted.
Can I use this method for other versions of Windows?
Yes, Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool can be used for both Windows 10 and Windows 11 installations.
What if my PC doesn’t recognize the USB flash drive during boot?
Make sure your BIOS settings are configured to boot from USB. You may also need to enable UEFI or legacy BIOS boot depending on your system.
Can I use this USB flash drive on multiple PCs?
Yes, as long as the PCs meet the system requirements for Windows 10.