How To Create Bootable Usb Windows 10

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by

Vector Linux
in

Creating a bootable USB drive for Windows 10 can be a game-changer when it comes to installing or reinstalling the operating system. It provides a convenient and efficient way to install Windows 10 on a new computer or troubleshoot issues on an existing one. In this article, I will guide you step-by-step on how to create a bootable USB drive for Windows 10, sharing my personal experiences and tips along the way.

Gathering the Necessary Tools

Before we dive into the process, let’s gather the tools we need:

  1. A USB drive with at least 8 GB of storage space. Make sure it’s empty as all data will be erased during the process.
  2. A Windows 10 ISO file. You can download this from the official Microsoft website or obtain it through other legal means.
  3. A computer with a USB port.

Step 1: Formatting the USB Drive

The first step is to format the USB drive to ensure it is compatible with the Windows 10 installation files. To do this:

  1. Insert the USB drive into a USB port on your computer.
  2. Open File Explorer and right-click on the USB drive.
  3. Select “Format” from the menu.
  4. In the format window, choose the file system as “FAT32”.
  5. Click on “Start” to begin the format process. Note that this will erase all data on the USB drive, so make sure you have backed up any important files.

Step 2: Creating a Bootable USB Drive

Now that we have a properly formatted USB drive, we can proceed with creating a bootable USB for Windows 10:

  1. Download and install a reliable third-party tool such as “Rufus” or “Windows USB/DVD Download Tool”.
  2. Open the tool and select the Windows 10 ISO file you downloaded earlier.
  3. Choose the USB drive you formatted as the destination.
  4. Double-check that all settings are correct and click on “Start” or “Create” to begin the process.
  5. Wait for the tool to copy the Windows 10 installation files to the USB drive. This may take some time depending on the speed of your computer and the USB drive.

Step 3: Booting from the USB Drive

With the bootable USB drive ready, it’s time to boot your computer from it and install Windows 10:

  1. Insert the bootable USB drive into a USB port on your computer.
  2. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS or UEFI setup by pressing the respective key during startup (often F2, F10, Esc, or Del).
  3. Navigate to the “Boot” or “Boot Order” section in the BIOS/UEFI setup.
  4. Change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive. Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI setup.
  5. Your computer will now boot from the USB drive, and the Windows 10 installation process will begin.

Throughout the installation process, follow the on-screen instructions to set up Windows 10. Once the installation is complete, you’ll have a fresh copy of Windows 10 on your computer.

Conclusion

Creating a bootable USB drive for Windows 10 is a valuable skill to have, whether you’re setting up a new computer or troubleshooting existing ones. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily create a bootable USB drive and install Windows 10 hassle-free. Remember to always use legal sources for obtaining the Windows 10 ISO file and be cautious when downloading third-party tools. Happy installing!