If you’re looking to install Windows 10 or 11 from a bootable USB drive, you’re in the right place. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process, from creating the bootable USB to configuring your new Windows setup. Installing Windows from a USB drive can be a lifesaver, especially if you’re facing issues with your existing OS or upgrading to the latest version. Follow these easy instructions to get your PC up and running smoothly.
In this guide, we’ll take you through every single step of creating a bootable USB and then using it to install Windows 10 or 11. This guide is designed for complete beginners, so don’t worry if you’re unfamiliar with the process.
Please read How to Create a Bootable USB for Any Operating System: The Ultimate Guide
Table of Contents
- Requirements
- How to Create a Bootable USB Drive for Windows 10 or 11
- How to Boot from USB and Install Windows
- Installation Process: Step-by-Step
- Finalizing the Installation
- Post-Installation Tips
- Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Summary
1. Requirements
Before we get started, let’s go over the essentials that you’ll need to perform a Windows installation from a bootable USB:
- A USB flash drive (at least 8GB of free space is recommended).
- A working PC to create the bootable USB.
- A Windows 10 or 11 ISO file that you’ll use for installation.
- A stable internet connection (to download the ISO and necessary files).
- A computer that can boot from USB (most modern PCs support this feature).
2. How to Create a Bootable USB Drive for Windows 10 or 11
2.1. Download the Windows ISO File
First, you need the Windows 10 or Windows 11 ISO file to install the operating system.
Steps:
- Visit the official Microsoft website.
- Select Windows 10 or Windows 11, depending on your version preference.
- For Windows 10: Click on the “Download Tool Now” button to download the Media Creation Tool. This tool will download the ISO for you.
- For Windows 11: You’ll be given the option to download the ISO directly from the page.
Once you download the ISO file, it should be saved to your computer, usually in the Downloads folder.
2.2. Prepare Your USB Drive
You’ll need to format your USB drive to ensure it’s ready to store the Windows files. Formatting will erase everything on the USB, so make sure to back up your files beforehand.
Steps:
- Insert your USB flash drive into your computer.
- Open File Explorer and locate your USB drive.
- Right-click on the USB drive and select Format.
- Choose the FAT32 file system for drives 32GB or smaller. If your USB is larger than 32GB, you can use NTFS.
- Click on Start to format the USB.
Once the USB is formatted, it will be ready for creating the bootable drive.
2.3. Create the Bootable USB
To create a bootable USB drive, you can use tools like Rufus (a popular choice) or Media Creation Tool.
Using Rufus:
- Download and install Rufus from Rufus’s official site.
- Open Rufus. Under the Device section, select your USB drive.
- In the Boot Selection section, select Disk or ISO image and click Select. Then, choose the Windows ISO you downloaded earlier.
- Under Partition Scheme, select MBR (for BIOS/UEFI systems) or GPT (for UEFI systems).
- Click Start and wait while Rufus creates your bootable USB. This might take a few minutes, depending on your USB drive and the size of the ISO.
Once completed, your USB drive will now be a bootable drive.
3. How to Boot from USB and Install Windows
3.1. Enter BIOS/UEFI Settings
Now that you’ve created the bootable USB, the next step is to configure your computer to boot from the USB.
Steps:
- Restart your computer.
- As soon as it starts booting, press the designated key to enter the BIOS/UEFI settings. Common keys are F2, F12, Esc, or Del—it varies by manufacturer, so check your PC’s documentation or look for an on-screen prompt during startup.
- Once you’re in the BIOS/UEFI menu, use the arrow keys to navigate.
3.2. Set Boot Priority to USB
To boot from your USB drive, you need to set it as the primary boot device.
Steps:
- Look for the Boot Order or Boot Priority option in your BIOS/UEFI settings.
- Select USB and move it to the top of the boot list.
- Save changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings.
Your computer should now boot from the USB.
3.3. Start Installation from Bootable USB
After setting the USB as the boot priority, you’ll be prompted to press a key to boot from the USB drive.
Steps:
- When prompted, press any key to boot from the USB.
- Your computer will now load the Windows installation files.
4. Installation Process: Step-by-Step
4.1. Select Language and Preferences
Once the Windows installer has loaded, you will be asked to choose your language, time, and currency format, as well as your keyboard layout.
Steps:
- In the Language to install dropdown, select your preferred language.
- Choose your preferred Time and Currency Format.
- Select the Keyboard Layout you want to use (the default is usually fine, but you can change it if necessary).
Click Next to continue.
4.2. Enter Your Product Key
Next, you’ll be prompted to enter a product key. This key is required to activate Windows and verify it’s a genuine copy.
Steps:
- If you have a valid product key, enter it in the box. It’s usually found on a sticker on your device or in your email if you purchased Windows online.
- If you don’t have a product key, you can choose I don’t have a product key, and Windows will continue the installation without activation. You’ll be prompted to activate later.
Click Next to continue.
4.3. Choose Installation Type
You’ll be asked whether you want to perform an Upgrade or a Custom Install.
Steps:
- For a fresh install, choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
- This option allows you to wipe your current installation and start fresh, which is recommended if you’re installing Windows on a new or empty drive.
Click Next to continue.
4.4. Partition Your Hard Drive
The installer will now prompt you to select the drive on which to install Windows.
Steps:
- If you have multiple drives or partitions, select the one where you want to install Windows. If it’s a new drive, select the unallocated space and click Next.
- If you’re reinstalling Windows, you may want to delete existing partitions and create new ones. Be sure to back up your data before doing this.
Click Next after selecting the partition.
4.5. Installing Windows
Now, Windows will begin installing. This process may take some time, depending on your hardware.
Steps:
- Sit back and relax! Your PC will restart several times during the installation process.
- Once the installation is complete, your computer will boot into Windows.
5. Finalizing the Installation
5.1. Configure Windows Settings
After the installation is complete, you’ll be asked to configure various Windows settings.
Steps:
- Choose your Region and Keyboard Layout.
- Choose whether to enable Cortana (Windows assistant).
- Set up privacy settings and other personal preferences.
5.2. Set Up User Account
Next, you’ll need to set up a user account for your Windows.
Steps:
- Enter your Microsoft Account credentials (email and password) or select Offline Account to create a local account.
- Set up a password (optional but recommended) and a security PIN for easier logins.
6. Post-Installation Tips
Once Windows is installed, here are a few things to do to optimize your system:
- Update Windows: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates.
- Install Drivers: Make sure your hardware drivers are up to date.
- Install Software: Download and install your preferred applications.
- Create a Restore Point: Create a System Restore Point in case you need to roll back your system in the future.
7. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some common issues and how to fix them:
- USB not booting: Ensure the boot order is correctly set in BIOS and the USB is properly created.
- Error: “Windows cannot be installed on this drive”: Check if the disk is partitioned correctly or if it’s the right format.
- Product Key issues: Ensure the key entered is valid. If you’re upgrading, skip the product key entry.
Summary
Installing Windows 10 or 11 from a bootable USB drive is a straightforward process once you understand each step. By following this detailed guide, you should be able to create a bootable USB, install Windows, and get your computer up and running smoothly in no time.
With the knowledge from this blog, you can now confidently install Windows on any compatible machine!