Greetings to all readers!
In this article, we will guide you on how to make Windows 10 bootable USB. If you are planning to install or reinstall Windows 10 on your computer, then creating a bootable USB drive is an essential step. With a bootable USB, you can easily format and install a fresh copy of Windows 10 on your computer. Also, it comes in handy if your computer refuses to start, and you need to recover important files.
Creating a bootable USB drive is not a complicated task, but it requires following certain steps in the correct order. In this article, we will thoroughly guide you on how to make a Windows 10 bootable USB. The article consists of three main sections, including an introduction, step-by-step guide, and tips and tricks.
So, let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Windows 10 Bootable USB
Step 1: Download Windows 10 ISO file
The first step is to download the Windows 10 ISO file from the official website of Microsoft. Make sure to download the same version that is currently running on your computer. Also, make sure that you have a stable internet connection to avoid any errors during the download.
Step 2: Download Rufus
Rufus is a free and reliable tool that lets you create a bootable USB drive. You can download the latest version of Rufus from their official website.
Step 3: Insert USB Drive
Insert a USB drive with at least 8GB of free space into your computer’s USB port. Make sure that the USB is empty, or else all data will be erased during the process.
Step 4: Run Rufus
Run Rufus as an administrator. You can do this by right-clicking on the Rufus icon and selecting “Run as administrator.”
Step 5: Select USB Drive
In Rufus, select the USB drive that you want to make bootable in the device list.
Step 6: Choose Partition Scheme
Choose MBR if your computer system runs in BIOS mode and GPT for UEFI mode. However, if you are unsure, choose the default option.
Step 7: Select Windows 10 ISO
Click on the “Select” button and navigate to the downloaded Windows 10 ISO file.
Step 8: Select File System
Choose “NTFS” as the file system and click on “Start.”
Step 9: Wait for the Process to Complete
Rufus will now begin to create a bootable USB drive. Wait for the process to finish, which may take several minutes.
Step 10: Eject USB
Once the process is complete, safely eject the USB drive from your computer.
Step 11: Boot from USB
Insert the bootable USB drive into the computer where you want to install Windows 10. Restart your computer and press the appropriate keys to enter BIOS mode. Then, select the USB drive as the boot device.
Step 12: Install Windows 10
Follow the on-screen instructions to install or reinstall Windows 10 on your computer.
Tips and Tricks on Making a Windows 10 Bootable USB
Tip 1: Check System Information
Before creating a bootable USB drive, check the BIOS mode of your computer system. You can verify this information in the System Information section in the settings menu.
Tip 2: Use a High-Speed USB Drive
Using a high-speed USB drive will speed up the process and avoid any errors.
Tip 3: Download Windows 10 ISO from Official Website
Make sure to download the Windows 10 ISO file from the official website of Microsoft to avoid any viruses or errors during the installation.
Tip 4: Run Rufus as Administrator
To avoid any errors during the process, make sure to run Rufus as an administrator.
Tip 5: Select Partition Scheme Accordingly
Choose the partition scheme accordingly, depending on your computer BIOS mode.
Tip 6: Don’t Disconnect USB During Process
Do not remove the USB drive from your computer during the process. Doing so may result in an error.
Tip 7: Format USB Drive
Format the USB drive before creating a bootable USB drive for better results.
Tip 8: Label the USB Drive
Label the USB drive with its respective OS name to avoid confusion in the future.
Tip 9: Check for Compatibility
Before installing or reinstalling Windows 10, make sure that your computer hardware and drivers support it.
Tip 10: Keep the Windows 10 ISO Safe
Keep the Windows 10 ISO file safe for future reinstallation or repair purposes.
In conclusion, creating a bootable USB drive is a crucial step in reinstalling or installing Windows 10 on your computer. Follow the above mentioned step-by-step guide and tips to create a bootable USB drive without any errors and with ease.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Creating a Windows 10 Bootable USB
Advantages
1. Portability: A bootable USB allows you to easily carry the operating system with you wherever you go.
2. Saves time: Creating a bootable USB is faster than burning a DVD, and installing Windows 10 from a USB is usually faster than from a DVD.
3. Reusability: Once you have a bootable USB, you can use it to install Windows on multiple computers without the need for additional DVDs.
4. No need for an optical drive: Many modern laptops and desktops don’t have a DVD drive, so creating a bootable USB is often the most convenient option.
5. Widely supported: Bootable USBs are supported by most modern computers and come in handy when dealing with legacy hardware or when installing an OS on a new system build.
6. Easy to create: With the right tools and a little bit of knowledge, creating a bootable USB is a simple process.
7. Configurable: You can customize the operating system by disabling certain features or adding other software before you install it.
8. Recovery: A bootable USB can also be used to recover your system in case of malware or system failure.
9. Updating: You can use a bootable USB to update your Windows 10 installation to the latest version without an internet connection.
10. Free and Legal: You can obtain an official copy of Windows 10 ISO from Microsoft and create a bootable USB at no cost.
Disadvantages
1. Requires a USB drive: You will need a USB drive with at least 8GB of storage in order to create a bootable USB.
2. Lengthy creation process: The creation process is longer than simply installing Windows from a DVD.
3. Limited lifespan: USB drives have a limited lifespan, so there is a risk that the drive may fail or become corrupted over time.
4. Complex process for beginners: Creating a bootable USB requires knowledge of disk partitioning and command line commands which beginners may find difficult.
5. CD Legacy: Some older computers may not support booting from a USB, requiring the use of a CD or DVD instead.
6. Compatibility issues: Some computers have compatibility issues when booting from a USB drive, resulting in failed installation attempts.
7. Viruses and Malware: Malware or viruses can be accidentally downloaded during the creation process if the ISO is downloaded from an untrusted source.
8. Risks of data loss: Creating a bootable USB involves formatting the drive, causing loss of any data stored on it.
9. Cumbersome for one-time use: Creating a bootable USB requires time and effort, making it cumbersome if only needed for a one-time use.
10. Requires separate download of ISO: You have to separately download the Windows 10 ISO which can be time-consuming and take up bandwidth.
FAQ
Q1: What is a bootable USB?
A1: A bootable USB is a storage device that contains necessary files to start up your computer and install or repair its operating system.
Q2: Why do I need to create a bootable USB?
A2: You may need to create a bootable USB if your computer won’t start up properly or if you need to reinstall or repair your operating system.
Q3: What do I need to create a bootable USB for Windows 10?
A3: You need a USB drive (at least 8GB), a Windows 10 ISO file, and a software to create a bootable USB drive.
Q4: Where can I download a Windows 10 ISO file?
A4: You can download a Windows 10 ISO file from Microsoft’s website.
Q5: What software can I use to create a bootable USB drive?
A5: You can use third-party software like Rufus, UNetbootin, or Windows USB/DVD Download Tool.
Q6: How do I create a bootable USB using Rufus?
A6: Download and open Rufus, select your USB drive, choose the Windows 10 ISO file, and click “Start” to create a bootable USB.
Q7: How do I create a bootable USB using UNetbootin?
A7: Download and open UNetbootin, choose the Windows 10 ISO file, select your USB drive, and click “OK” to create a bootable USB.
Q8: How do I create a bootable USB using Windows USB/DVD Download Tool?
A8: Download and open Windows USB/DVD Download Tool, choose the Windows 10 ISO file, select your USB drive, and click “Begin copying” to create a bootable USB.
Q9: Can I use a Mac to create a bootable USB for Windows 10?
A9: Yes, you can use software like Boot Camp Assistant or UNetbootin for Mac to create a bootable USB drive.
Q10: How do I boot my computer from a bootable USB?
A10: Restart your computer and press the F2, F10, F12, or Del key (depending on your computer’s manufacturer) to enter the BIOS setup. Navigate to the “Boot” or “Startup” tab and set your USB drive as the first boot option. Save your changes and restart your computer.
Q11: What should I do if my computer doesn’t boot from the USB?
A11: Make sure your USB drive is properly connected and recognized by your computer. Try changing the boot order or USB port. You may also need to disable secure boot or change UEFI/BIOS mode settings.
Q12: Can I use a bootable USB to install or repair Windows on multiple computers?
A12: Yes, you can use a bootable USB to install or repair Windows on multiple computers, as long as the hardware requirements are met.
Q13: How do I remove the bootable USB after installing or repairing Windows?
A13: Remove the USB drive and restart your computer. Make sure to change the boot order back to your internal hard drive to avoid booting from the USB again.
How to Make a Windows 10 Bootable USB
Are you looking to reinstall Windows 10 on your computer? Or maybe you want to create a bootable USB drive to run Windows 10 on another device. In either case, creating a bootable USB drive is an easy and convenient way to get your hands on a fresh copy of the latest version of Windows. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps necessary to make a Windows 10 bootable USB drive.
Conclusion and Closing
Now that you know how to make a Windows 10 bootable USB drive, you can easily reinstall Windows 10 on your computer or run it on another device. By following the steps we’ve outlined in this article, you will be able to create a bootable USB drive quickly and easily. If you encounter any issues or have any questions, don’t hesitate to do some additional research or seek help from a tech-savvy friend or professional.
Thank you for reading, and good luck with your Windows 10 installation!