How to Create a Windows 10 Installation USB (Easy Tutorial)

Creating a Windows 10 installation USB is a straightforward process that can be incredibly useful for reinstalling Windows or setting it up on a new computer. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the steps to make this USB drive, including some tips and a bonus method that allows you to use your USB drive for regular storage even after making it bootable.

Key Takeaways

• Use the Media Creation Tool: Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from the official Microsoft website to get started.
• Rufus for More Control: Use Rufus to create a bootable USB drive and customize installation settings, like disabling data collection.
• Ventoy for Flexibility: Ventoy lets you store multiple ISO files on the same USB drive, allowing both regular and bootable usage.

Step 1: Download the Windows Installation Media Creation Tool

The first step to creating a Windows 10 installation USB is to download the Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website. You can also find it by searching for “Download Windows 10” on Google.

1. Once on the Microsoft page, scroll down to find the Media Creation Tool.
2. Download the tool and run it on your computer.

Step 2: Create Installation Media

After running the Media Creation Tool:

1. Accept the terms and select the option Create installation media for another PC.
2. Choose your preferred language and make sure to select the correct architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) based on your computer’s specifications.

Step 3: Choose Media Type

Next, the tool will ask you to select the type of media to use. You have two options:

• Direct USB Installation: This installs Windows directly to the USB drive.
• Download ISO File: This option downloads an ISO file, which is recommended.

Why Choose ISO?

Downloading the ISO file gives you more flexibility. You can write the ISO to your USB drive using a third-party tool like Rufus, which provides additional options and control during the creation process.

Step 4: Use Rufus to Create the Bootable USB Drive

Now that you’ve downloaded the ISO file, it’s time to make your USB drive bootable using Rufus. Rufus is a free tool that helps write ISO files to USB drives efficiently.

1. Download and install Rufus.
2. Insert a USB drive into your PC and launch Rufus.
3. Backup any important information from the USB drive, as it will be formatted during this process.
4. In Rufus, select your USB drive at the top, click on Select, and navigate to the path where you stored the ISO file.
5. Leave all the settings on default and click Start.

Benefits of Using Rufus

Rufus allows you to customize the setup by offering options such as:

• Create a Local Account: You can create a local account and set regional settings.
• Disable Data Collection: Skip privacy questions during the installation, saving time.

Step 5: Finalize and Verify

Once Rufus completes the process, you should see a drive named ESD-ISO with the Windows installation files. If you see this, congratulations! You’ve successfully created a Windows 10 installation USB.

Bonus Tip: Make Your USB Drive Usable for Both Booting and Storage

If you want to make your USB drive bootable and still be able to use it for regular storage, you can use a tool called Ventoy. Here’s how:

1. Download and run Ventoy.
2. Insert your USB drive and make sure it’s selected in Ventoy.
3. Click Install, which will format the drive, so be sure to backup any important files.
4. Once Ventoy is done, create a folder called ISO on your USB drive.
5. Copy any bootable ISO files, including the Windows 10 ISO, into this folder.

Now, your USB drive will function as a bootable device and a regular storage device, giving you flexibility in how you use it.

Conclusion

Creating a Windows 10 installation USB is a handy skill, whether you’re reinstalling Windows or setting it up on a new machine. By following this guide, you’ll have a reliable bootable USB drive, with added options for flexibility using tools like Rufus and Ventoy. If you found this tutorial helpful, feel free to leave a comment below. For more free software tutorials, check out the video suggested at the end of this post.

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FAQs

1. Can I use the same USB drive for both Windows 10 and 11?

Yes, by using Ventoy, you can store both Windows 10 and 11 ISO files on the same USB drive.

2. How much space do I need on my USB drive?

A minimum of 8 GB is recommended for the installation media, but more space may be needed if you’re storing multiple ISO files.

3. What if Rufus doesn’t recognize my USB drive?

Ensure your USB drive is properly inserted and try using a different USB port or restarting Rufus.

4. Can I still use the USB drive for regular file storage after making it bootable?

Yes, if you use Ventoy, you can store regular files alongside your bootable ISO files.

5. Do I need to format my USB drive before using it with Rufus?

Rufus will automatically format the drive during the creation process, so pre-formatting isn’t necessary.