how to make a usb drive bootable to install windows

Right now, the filename is MediaCreationTool21H1, but that will change as newer versions are released.) The file should be in your Downloads folder. (The last four digits of the file name indicate the version number of Windows 10. Once the download finishes, double-click the file called MediaCreationToolxxxx to run it. Go to this page, scroll down to Create Windows Installation Media and click on Download tool now.Ģ. Microsoft has a dedicated tool that you can use to download the Windows 10 system image (also referred to as ISO) and create your bootable USB drive.ġ.

I recently built my first gaming PC, and despite my mild comfort level with Terminal, I still found using a Windows computer to be a safer and easier process. It's not a process that I'd recommend for the average user. 5.)īesides an empty 8GB USB drive and a Windows PC, you'll need to set aside about 30 minutes, maybe longer, depending on your internet speed.įor those curious, it's possible to use a Mac to create a Windows 10 boot drive, but the process is fairly involved and requires familiarity with Terminal, the Mac's command-line tool. (You can also create a boot drive for Windows 11, if you're wanting to test out the newest version of Windows before it's released on Oct. And if you're building a gaming PC, this is one of the last things you'll need to finalize your build. The backup media can save you both time and a headache if you ever need to reinstall Windows. I promise.Ĭreating a Windows 10 bootable USB drive is something you should definitely do if you own a Windows computer. Creating the drive is a task that sounds complicated and something that requires plenty of tech savvy, but in reality, it only takes a few clicks of the mouse and a solid internet connection to complete. The first time I heard the term 'bootable USB,' I felt a tinge of panic. In addition to common issues to look for, there's another task you should take on - create a bootable USB drive. Troubleshooting an old and slow PC isn't a fun experience, but it's also something you can do on your own at home.

How to make a usb drive bootable to install windows