Every Windows user should always keep a Windows 10 boot drive on hand. It can spare you from future hassles if you have computer problems.
A bootable USB drive is a hard disc that contains the operating system and can be used to start a computer or laptop. Most people intend to create a bootable USB drive in Windows for one of the three reasons listed below.
Repair Windows PC: the most important one should be saving the PC when it cannot boot due to a virus, significant system failure, a defective hard drive, or other disc issues. You can reboot the machine and repair it using the bootable USB device.
Clean Install OS: It can be used as an external installation media to do a clean installation of the operating system. This is faster and easier than installing the operating system from a CD or DVD-ROM.
Bring Your Familiar Os With You: the bootable USB drive can also be a portable Windows device that you can take with you and use to enjoy the familiar OS environment on other computers, including brand-new ones without an operating system installed.
How Do I Make a Bootable USB Drive in Windows?
Make Use of Microsoft’s Media-Creating Software
Microsoft provides a specific tool for downloading the Windows 10 system image (also known as ISO) and creating your bootable USB stick.
1. Navigate to this page, scroll down to Create Windows Installation Media, and click the Download tool now button.
2. After the download is complete, double-click the file named MediaCreationToolxxxx to launch it. (The last four numbers of the file name reflect the Windows 10 version number.) The filename is now MediaCreationTool21H1, (but this will change as later versions are released.) You should find the file in your Downloads folder.
3. When the program launches, accept Microsoft’s terms and conditions, then click Next and pick Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC.
4. You will be prompted to choose a language, edition, and architecture. The utility will use the optimal parameters for the PC you’re creating the boot disc on by default. Any of the choices can be changed by unchecking the box next to it.
Use the recommended options for this PC as well as the drop-down menus. If you aren’t sure whether you require a 64-bit or 32-bit architecture, choose Both from the Architecture drop-down menu.
Note that if you intend to use this application to flash a different version of Windows 10, such as Windows 10 Pro (or vice versa), on a different PC, it will be included when you select Windows 10 as the Edition. In fact, the only option is basic Windows 10, so don’t bother hunting for a Pro version.
5. After you’ve made your changes, click Next, leave the USB flash drive selected, and plug your USB drive into your computer. To proceed, click Next.
6. Finally, from the list, pick the USB drive. If you have more than one drive attached to your computer and are unsure which one to use, unplug them all. Choosing the wrong drive could be disastrous, as this step erases everything on the drive. Select the appropriate drive and then click Next.
From there, Microsoft’s tool will handle the rest. While the tool is working, go get a drink, go for a walk, or surf the internet. Depending on your internet speed, the process should take roughly 30 minutes.
When the utility is finished, click Finish to exit the tool and remove the USB drive from your computer. If you need to install or reinstall Windows in the future, attach the disc to your computer and restart it. Your computer should boot to the drive and prompt you to install Windows.
If it doesn’t boot to the drive automatically, you’ll need to reboot your computer into its BIOS firmware (often by hitting Esc, F2, or a similar key while the machine is booting up) and change the boot drive or “boot menu” to your flash drive. Each computer (or motherboard if you’re creating a gaming PC) will have its own process.
Must Read: How to Build Own Gaming PC: Step by Step Assembly Check Out!
When you initially switch on your computer, a little line of text will appear instructing you which button to push to enter BIOS. If you don’t see it or it disappears too quickly, I recommend reviewing your manual for instructions.
Conclusion
To be honest, creating a bootable USB stick for Windows 10 is quite simple. If you’re not an expert, I’d suggest doing the easy route while building the bootable USB Pendrive. However, if you’re an expert, go the hard way and avoid using any software when generating the bootable USB stick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an Iso File Bootable?
An ISO file is a single uncompressed file that contains all of the Windows installation files. If you want to make a bootable file from a DVD or USB drive, copy the Windows ISO file to your device and then run the Windows USB/DVD Download Tool.
What Exactly is a Bootable File?
Bootable files are not the same as files with the. BOOT file extensions that are utilized by InstallShield. They are just files that have been set to launch when the machine boots up. That is, prior to the loading of the operating system.
Can All Pcs Boot From a USB Device?
Only if your PC supports this boot type will it boot from the bootable USB drive. However, not all computers can boot from a USB drive. Most modern computers do, but some do not. As a result, you should inspect your PC.