A slow and old PC is not fun to troubleshoot, but it’s also something you can do at home yourself. There’s another thing you should do besides fixing the problems in your existing PC – create a bootable USB drive and install a fresh version of Windows 10.
No, it’s not a pain to create a Windows 10 bootable USB. Everyone feels a vague sense of panic when they think of creating a Windows 10 bootable USB. And, we understand if you feel the same way but trust us, it is not a daunting task at all. In fact, it is one of the easiest ways to install a fresh copy of Windows 10 on your existing or new laptop. Thanks to the Media Creation tool that Microsoft developers have created.
While the creation of the drive seems complicated and something that requires a lot of technical expertise, it really takes just a few clicks of the mouse and access to the internet. It really does not take much expertise. This article will help you on how to create a Windows 10 Bootable USB in just a few easy steps.
An individual with a Windows computer should create a bootable USB drive that runs Windows 10. Backing up your data beforehand will be helpful when reinstalling Windows. So, for the ones who are looking forward to creating a Windows 10 Bootable USB, you’ve landed on the right page.
Requirements to Create a Windows 10 Bootable USB
- Internet Connection: A reliable and fast internet connection is a must.
- 8 GB USB Drive: Optimum size for a USB drive is at least 8 GB or more.
- Product Key: 25-character product key is required. If you have purchased it digitally then it will not be required.
How to Create a Windows 10 Bootable USB
Now, you know the requirements to create a Windows 10 bootable USB, it is time to get on the actual business. Follow the below steps one by one to know how you can create a Windows 10 bootable USB:
Install the Media Creation Tool on your computer in order to create a Windows 10 bootable USB. Once the tool is launched, choose to “Create installation” for a different computer. Then, choose a USB drive and ensure that the installation is complete. Don’t worry we are showing all the steps below one by one with the images for you to easily understand the process.
- The Media Creation tool requires a USB storage device must be plugged in. You may need to convert the USB drive to exFAT if it is formatted in another format previously.
- After that, you must download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website. Open Windows 10 Disk Image (ISO File) website and click on the Download tool now under the Create Windows 10 installation media section.
- Once the Media Creation Tool is downloaded, double-click the MediaCreationTool.exe file to run the program. It shows the version number of Windows 10 in the last four digits of the file name.
In the case of MediaCreationTool21H1, releasing newer versions will change the filename. Your Downloads folder should contain it.
- Once the program opens, you will need to click on Accept to accept Microsoft’s terms and conditions before selecting Create installation media.
- On the next window, select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO File) for another PC and click on Next to proceed further. Make sure you have the USB drive plugged in.
- There are three things you need to choose from on the next screen.
– Language
– Edition
– Architecture.
When creating your boot drive, the tool will take advantage of the best options for the PC you’re using. The options can be changed by unticking the box next to Use the recommended options for this PC, and by selecting an option from the drop-down list.
The Architecture drop-down menu will allow you to select both 64-bit and 32-bit architectures if you are unsure.
We recommend you to keep the box ticked next to Use the Recommended options for this PC if you are unsure about what settings to choose from. Click on Next once you are happy with the selection. - Tick mark USB flash drive from Choose which Media to use page. Click on Next to proceed further.
- Plug the USB drive into the computer. Choose the removable drive from the list and click on Next. It will start downloading Windows 10. It might take some time to download the file on your USB flash drive. In the meantime, you can use your PC for any work you want to.
- Upon completion, click Finish and then eject the USB drive from the computer.
That’s it. This is the process you need to follow to create a Windows 10 bootable USB using the Media Creation Tool. Pretty easy, ain’t it?
If you want assurance that you have successfully created a bootable Windows 10 USB drive. After the process is complete, your drive will be renamed to USB-ESD. Open the USB flash drive folder, you will find the setup.exe file and other important boot files.
If these files are there, it means you have successfully created the Windows 10 bootable USB drive. Now, you can use this flash drive to install Windows 10 on any computer.
The drive can be connected to a computer and restarted if you decide to install or reinstall Windows. You should be able to install Windows after your PC boots to the drive.
It will have to be rebooted into its BIOS firmware if it does not automatically boot to the drive. You will need to press Esc, F2, or a similar key to change the Boot Drive or Boot Menu from the hard drive to the flash drive while the computer is booting.
You may ask: Why Bootable USB and Not CDs?
A USB Flash drive can be used again and again. At any time, the boot loader can be changed. If you wish to try a different OS or bootable tool, you do not need a new blank CD. It is possible to include your data files with the bootable files.
As opposed to CDs, which must store data everlastingly once they have been written onto them. As the number of rewrites increases, performance decreases even if you use rewritable CDs. And its, 2021, which computer or laptop comes with a CD drive? Huh!
1. Quicker Reading and Writing
The read/write speed of flash drives is much faster than CDs. Therefore, OS installation and booting are much faster. Additionally, preparing a bootable USB drive takes less time.
2. Convenience
Carrying around a USB flash drive allows you to carry your entire operating system around with you. Any machine that works with USB can be booted into your operating system so you can access your programs and environment.
Conclusion
That’s all for today. Hope you can create your own Windows 10 bootable USB drive using these instructions. These suggestions are undoubtedly relevant for someone who wants to create a Windows 10 bootable USB.
If you facing any difficulty in following the process that will help you to create a Windows 10 bootable USB, do let us know in the comments section below. We will make sure to help you so that you don’t have to face the problem again.