Hello everyone! Today, I want to share with you my personal experience and step-by-step guide on how to make a bootable USB for Windows 10. This process is essential if you need to install or upgrade your Windows operating system. So, let’s jump right in and get started!
Why Create a Bootable USB for Windows 10?
Before we dive into the steps, let me explain why creating a bootable USB for Windows 10 is a great idea. Having a bootable USB allows you to easily install or upgrade your Windows operating system without the need for a physical DVD. It’s faster and more convenient, especially if you have multiple devices to install Windows on.
What You’ll Need
Before we begin, make sure you have the following:
- A USB drive with at least 8GB of storage space
- A working computer with Windows 10 installed
- An internet connection
- The Windows 10 ISO file
- A reliable USB bootable creation tool like Rufus or Windows USB/DVD Download Tool
Step 1: Download the Windows 10 ISO file
The first step is to download the Windows 10 ISO file from the official Microsoft website. Make sure to select the correct edition and language for your needs.
You can download the ISO file by visiting the following URL: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO
Step 2: Prepare the USB drive
Next, insert your USB drive into your computer and make sure there is no important data on it, as it will be formatted during the process. Keep in mind that all data on the USB drive will be erased, so backup any necessary files before proceeding.
Step 3: Use Rufus to Create a Bootable USB
Now, it’s time to use a USB bootable creation tool to make our USB drive bootable. For this guide, I’ll be using Rufus, which is a popular and reliable tool.
- Open Rufus and select your USB drive from the device dropdown menu.
- Under “Boot selection,” click the “Select” button and navigate to the location where you saved the Windows 10 ISO file. Select the ISO file and click “Open.”
- Leave all other settings as default, unless you have specific requirements.
- Click the “Start” button and Rufus will begin creating the bootable USB. This process may take some time, so be patient.
- Once Rufus has finished creating the bootable USB, you can close the program.
Step 4: Boot from the USB
With the bootable USB ready, we can now proceed to install or upgrade Windows 10 on our computer.
- Insert the bootable USB into the computer on which you want to install or upgrade Windows 10.
- Restart your computer and enter the BIOS or UEFI settings. This is usually done by pressing a specific key during the boot process, such as F2 or Delete. Consult your computer’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for instructions on how to enter the BIOS or UEFI settings.
- In the BIOS or UEFI settings, navigate to the “Boot” or “Boot Priority” section and set the USB drive as the first boot device.
- Save your changes and exit the BIOS or UEFI settings. The computer will now boot from the USB drive.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install or upgrade Windows 10. Make sure to select the correct options and customize the installation according to your preferences.
Conclusion
Creating a bootable USB for Windows 10 is a straightforward process that can save you time and effort when installing or upgrading the operating system. By following these steps and using a reliable USB bootable creation tool like Rufus, you’ll be able to create a bootable USB in no time. Remember to always download the ISO file from the official Microsoft website to ensure its authenticity. Happy installing!