How Do I Create A Bootable Windows 10 Usb Drive?

asus-zenbook-duo-14-04 — Take a USB boot bulldoze handy should you ever need to reinstall Windows 10 on your PC.
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Troubleshooting an old and slow PC isn't a fun feel, but it's also something you can do on your own at home. In add-on to common issues to wait for, in that location'due south another task you should accept on -- create a bootable USB bulldoze. I know, I know. The first time I heard the term "bootable USB," I felt a tinge of panic. And information technology'southward OK if you lot do, besides. Creating the drive is a job that sounds complicated and something that requires plenty of tech savvy, merely in reality, it only takes a few clicks of the mouse and a solid net connection to consummate. Don't feel intimidated at all. I hope.

Creating a Windows 10 bootable USB drive is something you lot should definitely do if y'all ain a Windows computer. The backup media can relieve you both time and a headache if you lot always need to reinstall Windows. And if yous're edifice a gaming PC, this is i of the last things y'all'll need to finalize your build. (You can as well create a kicking drive for Windows eleven, if you're wanting to exam out the newest version of Windows earlier it'southward released on October. 5.)

Besides an empty 8GB USB drive and a Windows PC, you'll demand to set aside well-nigh 30 minutes, mayhap longer, depending on your internet speed.

For those curious, it's possible to use a Mac to create a Windows 10 boot drive, but the procedure is fairly involved and requires familiarity with Terminal, the Mac'due south command-line tool. It's non a process that I'd recommend for the average user. I recently congenital my first gaming PC, and despite my balmy condolement level with Terminal, I withal establish using a Windows computer to be a safer and easier process.

Use Microsoft'due south media creation tool

Microsoft has a defended tool that y'all can use to download the Windows 10 arrangement image (also referred to as ISO) and create your bootable USB drive.

1. Go tothis folio, gyre downwards to Create Windows Installation Media and click onDownload tool now.

2. Once the download finishes, double-click the file chosenMediaCreationToolxxxx to run information technology. (The last iv digits of the file name indicate the version number of Windows 10. Right now, the filename isMediaCreationTool21H1, but that will alter as newer versions are released.) The file should be in your Downloads binder.

windows-10-boot-drive-creation-tool-steps-2 — Select Create installation media from the brusk list of options.
Screenshot past Jason Cipriani/CNET

iii. When the program opens, accept Microsoft's terms and atmospheric condition, and then select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC, and click Next.

windows-10-boot-drive-creation-tool-steps-3 — Accommodate your settings as needed.
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET

4.You'll be asked to select the language, edition and architecture yous desire to use. By default, the tool will use the best options for the PC you're creating the boot drive on. You can modify whatsoever of the options past unchecking the box next to Use the recommended options for this PC and using the drop-down options. If you're unsure about whether you need a 64-scrap or a 32-bit compages, select Both from the Architecture drop-down.

Note, that according to Microsoft'south support folio, if you plan on using this tool to flash a different edition of Windows 10, such as Windows 10 Pro (or vice versa) on a unlike PC, information technology will be included when y'all select Windows x as the Edition. In fact, basic Windows 10 is the only option, so don't stress yourself looking for a Pro option.

windows-10-boot-drive-creation-tool-steps-4 — Select USB flash drive.
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET

five.Click Next when you've adjusted the options, leave USB flash drive selected, and plug your USB bulldoze into your reckoner. Select Next to continue.

windows-10-boot-drive-creation-tool-steps-5 — Double-check that you're selecting the proper drive for your USB thumb drive.
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET

6.Finally, select the USB bulldoze from the list. If you take more than one bulldoze continued to your calculator and are unsure which ane to pick, disconnect the extra drives. Picking the wrong drive could be catastrophic, equally this process erases everything on the drive during the process. With the right drive selected, click Next.

windows-10-boot-drive-creation-tool-steps-6 — Information technology'll have a flake of time to consummate, but Microsoft's tool takes care of the rest for you.
Screenshot past Jason Cipriani/CNET

Microsoft'south tool will have care of the rest from there. Go get a drink, accept a walk or browse the internet while the tool does its job. The process should take nearly 30 minutes, requite or take, depending on your internet speed.

When the tool is done, click Stop and remove the USB drive from your calculator. Going forward, if you need to install or reinstall Windows, y'all can connect the drive to your estimator and reboot information technology. Your PC should kick to the drive, giving y'all the option to install Windows.

If it doesn't automatically boot to the drive, you lot'll need to reboot your computer into its BIOS firmware -- normally done by pressing Esc, F2, or a similar key while the computer is starting upward -- and alter the boot drive or "bootmenu" to your flash drive. The process for each computer (or motherboard if yous're building a gaming PC) will be different. When you get-go turn on your estimator, there'll be a modest line of text telling you which button to printing to enter BIOS. If you don't run into it, or information technology goes abroad too fast, I suggest consulting your transmission for instructions.

You tin likewise use the media tool to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows ten, following these instructions. After getting Windows 10 installed, here are some tips to help go you started. If reinstalling Windows 10 feels like too much,use these tips to troubleshoot and speed information technology upwards.