How to Create a Bootable USB drive for Windows

Need to install or reinstall Windows? Knowing how to make a bootable USB is one of the most essential tech skills you can have. Whether you want to create a bootable Windows 10 USB, set up a bootable flash drive for Windows 11, or simply have an emergency recovery tool ready, this guide covers every method in plain, step-by-step language. And once your system is up and running, Getdigimarket.com has you covered with genuine, lifetime-activated Windows licenses delivered instantly.

// how-to-make-bootable-usb — complete process overview for Windows 10 & 11

What Is a Bootable USB Drive and Why Do You Need One?

A bootable USB drive (also called a bootable flash drive or bootable USB pen) is a portable storage device that contains everything needed to start a computer independently — bypassing the operating system already installed on the hard drive. Unlike a regular USB drive used for file storage, a bootable USB contains a complete, runnable copy of an operating system or installer.

There are several situations where knowing how to make a bootable USB becomes essential:

Clean Windows installation on a new or wiped computer
Reinstalling Windows after a crash, virus attack, or system failure
Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 on incompatible hardware workarounds
Fixing boot errors using Windows recovery tools without access to the desktop
Testing a new OS without modifying your current installation
Setting up multiple computers in an office or school environment quickly

Once you know how to make a flash drive bootable, you'll have a permanent emergency toolkit that works even when your PC refuses to start. Pair your bootable USB drive with a genuine Windows license from Getdigimarket.com and you have everything needed for a complete, clean installation.

What You Need Before Creating a Bootable USB

Before you start the process of making a bootable USB pen or bootable flash drive, gather these essentials:

💾

USB Drive (8GB minimum)

Use a USB 3.0 drive of at least 8GB. For Windows 11, 16GB is recommended. Warning: all data on the drive will be erased.

🖥️

A Working Windows PC

You need a computer running Windows to create the bootable media. The USB will work on any PC once created.

🌐

Internet Connection

Required to download the Windows ISO file or the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's official servers.

🔑

Valid Windows License Key

A genuine product key to activate Windows after installation. Get lifetime-activated keys from Getdigimarket.com for the best value.

⏱️

~20–40 Minutes

Time varies based on your internet speed and USB write speed. USB 3.0 drives complete the process significantly faster.

📥

Rufus (Optional but Recommended)

Free, open-source software for advanced bootable USB creation. Provides more control than the built-in Windows tool.

⚠️ Important: Back Up Your USB Drive First

Creating a bootable USB drive will completely erase all existing data on the drive. Copy any important files to another location before proceeding. There is no recovery option once formatting begins.

Method 1: How to Make a Bootable USB Using Rufus (Recommended)

Rufus is the most popular and reliable tool for creating a bootable USB drive. It's free, lightweight (under 2MB), and gives you precise control over partition schemes and file systems. This is the recommended method for most users who want to create a bootable Windows 10 USB or Windows 11 USB.

METHOD 1 Rufus — Step by Step

Download Rufus — Visit rufus.ie and download the latest version. No installation required; it runs as a standalone .exe file.
Download the Windows ISO — Go to Microsoft's official website, navigate to the Windows 10 or Windows 11 download page, and download the ISO file (4–6GB). This is the disk image of the operating system.
Insert your USB drive — Plug your USB pen (8GB+) into a USB port. Rufus will detect it automatically.
Launch Rufus as Administrator — Right-click the Rufus .exe file and select "Run as administrator" for full permissions.
Select your USB device — Under "Device," confirm your USB drive is selected. Double-check this — selecting the wrong drive will erase it.
Select the ISO file — Click "SELECT" next to "Boot selection" and browse to your downloaded Windows ISO file.
Choose partition scheme — Select GPT for modern UEFI computers (most computers made after 2012), or MBR for older BIOS/legacy systems.
Leave other settings as default — Rufus auto-configures the file system (NTFS for Windows) and cluster size. These defaults work for most scenarios.
Click START — Rufus will warn you that all data on the drive will be destroyed. Confirm, then wait 10–20 minutes while it writes the bootable USB pen.
Done! — When the status bar shows "READY" in green, your bootable flash drive is complete. Safely eject and store it for use.

💡 Rufus Pro Tip: UEFI vs. Legacy BIOS

If you're unsure whether your target PC uses UEFI or Legacy BIOS, choose GPT and UEFI (non CSM) — this is correct for 95% of computers made in the last decade. Only use MBR if you're installing on a machine older than 2011 or one that specifically requires legacy boot mode.

// bootable-usb-drive — Rufus settings panel walkthrough for creating a bootable flash drive

Method 2: How to Create a Bootable Windows 10/11 USB with Media Creation Tool

Microsoft's own Media Creation Tool is the simplest way to create a bootable Windows 10 USB directly from the source. No third-party software required. This method downloads and writes the ISO in a single streamlined process.

METHOD 2 Media Creation Tool

Download Media Creation Tool — Visit microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 (or /windows11). Click "Download tool now" to get the MediaCreationTool.exe file (~20MB).
Run as Administrator — Right-click the downloaded .exe and select "Run as administrator." Accept the license terms.
Choose "Create installation media" — On the first screen, select "Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC" and click Next.
Select language, edition, architecture — Choose your target language (e.g., English UK), Windows edition (Windows 10 or 11), and architecture (64-bit for all modern PCs). Click Next.
Select USB flash drive — Choose "USB flash drive" as your media type. Make sure your USB drive is already plugged in. Click Next.
Select your USB drive — The tool will list available drives. Select your bootable USB pen (8GB+). Be absolutely certain you've selected the correct drive, then click Next.
Wait for download and writing — The tool downloads Windows (4–6GB), then automatically formats and writes the files to your bootable flash drive. This takes 20–40 minutes depending on your connection speed.
Click Finish — When complete, the tool confirms "Your USB flash drive is ready." Your bootable USB drive is now prepared for installation.

✅ Media Creation Tool Advantage

This method always provides the latest official Windows build directly from Microsoft's servers — no manual ISO download needed. It's the simplest option for creating a bootable Windows 10 USB with zero technical knowledge. Check our complete software delivery guide for what to expect after Windows is installed and activated.

Method 3: How to Make a USB Bootable Using Command Prompt (Advanced)

For advanced users who prefer working directly with system tools, the Windows Command Prompt (using DISKPART) provides complete control over the process of creating a bootable USB drive without any third-party software. This method works on all Windows versions.

METHOD 3 Command Prompt / DISKPART

Open Command Prompt as Administrator — Press Windows + X and select "Windows Terminal (Admin)" or search for "cmd," right-click, and choose "Run as administrator."
Launch DISKPART — Type the command below and press Enter:

C:\> diskpart // opens disk partitioning tool

List available disks — Enter the following to see all connected drives and identify your USB disk number:

DISKPART> list disk // note the Disk # of your USB drive

Select your USB disk — Replace X with your USB disk number (e.g., 1 or 2). Triple-check this — selecting your main hard drive will destroy your OS.

DISKPART> select disk X

Clean the drive and set it up — Run these commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

DISKPART> clean DISKPART> create partition primary DISKPART> select partition 1 DISKPART> active DISKPART> format fs=ntfs quick DISKPART> assign DISKPART> exit // exits DISKPART

Mount the Windows ISO — Double-click your Windows ISO file to mount it as a virtual drive (e.g., Drive D:). Note the drive letter assigned.
Copy installation files — Back in Command Prompt, copy all files from the ISO to your USB (replace D: with your ISO drive letter and E: with your USB drive letter):

C:\> xcopy D:\*.* E:\ /E /H /F // copies all Windows files to USB

Wait for file copy to complete — This copies ~4–5GB of files and takes several minutes. Your bootable USB drive is ready when the command completes without errors.

⚠️ DISKPART Warning

The DISKPART method permanently erases the selected disk with no undo option. Always double-check your disk number before running the "select disk X" and "clean" commands. Selecting your system drive (Disk 0) will destroy your operating system.

How to Boot from Your Bootable USB Drive

Once you've created your bootable flash drive, you need to configure your PC to start from it. This requires accessing the BIOS/UEFI boot menu — a brief menu that appears before Windows loads.

Step 1: Insert the Bootable USB Pen

Plug your completed bootable USB pen into a USB port on the target computer. Use a USB 2.0 port if a USB 3.0 port causes detection issues during early boot.

Step 2: Enter Boot Menu or BIOS

Restart the computer. As soon as it powers on, press the boot menu key repeatedly (before Windows begins loading). The key varies by manufacturer. If you're unfamiliar with navigating BIOS settings, this guide to accessing and configuring BIOS provides a clear, step-by-step walkthrough of BIOS navigation fundamentals that applies across most PC brands.

Manufacturer	Boot Menu Key	BIOS/UEFI Key
ASUS	F8	Del or F2
Dell	F12	F2
HP	F9 or Esc	F10 or Esc
Lenovo	F12 or Novo button	F1 or F2
Acer	F12	Del or F2
MSI	F11	Del
Samsung	F10	F2
Surface (Microsoft)	Volume Down + Power	Volume Up + Power

Step 3: Select USB Drive and Boot

In the boot menu, use arrow keys to highlight your USB drive (it may appear as "USB HDD," "USB Flash Drive," or the drive brand name). Press Enter to boot from it. The Windows installation screen should appear within 30–60 seconds.

💡 If USB Doesn't Appear in Boot Menu

Enter the BIOS/UEFI settings and check that "Secure Boot" isn't blocking the USB. Also ensure "Fast Boot" is disabled — this option can prevent the boot menu from appearing. Save and restart after any BIOS changes.

// create-a-bootable-windows-10-usb — installation phases and license activation flow post-boot

After Installing Windows: Activate with a Genuine License Key

Creating a bootable USB drive and installing Windows gets you to the finish line — but without a valid license key, Windows runs in an unactivated state with limited functionality, watermarks on your desktop, and blocked personalization settings. A genuine key from Getdigimarket.com activates Windows permanently in minutes.

Why Genuine Keys Matter

Pirated or grey-market keys from unreliable sources can cause sudden deactivation, Windows Update blocks, or even security vulnerabilities. When you purchase from Getdigimarket.com, every key is:

100% genuine — sourced from verified distributors, activates through Microsoft's official servers
Lifetime activated — your license never expires after a single payment
Delivered instantly — key in your inbox within minutes of purchase
Backed by our guarantee — protected by our 30-day money-back guarantee if anything is wrong

How to Enter Your Windows License Key

Open Settings → System → Activation
Click "Change product key"
Type or paste your 25-character key (XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX)
Click "Activate" — Windows connects to Microsoft's servers and activates online
Confirmation reads "Windows is activated with a digital license"

✅ Choosing the Right Windows Version

Not sure which Windows license to buy? Read our guide on MS licensing from Getdigimarket to understand the differences between Home, Pro, and multi-device licenses — and find the best fit for your specific setup and budget.

Troubleshooting Common Bootable USB Problems

"PC doesn't boot from USB" — Fix

The most common reason is boot order configuration. Enter BIOS and ensure "USB HDD" or "USB Flash Drive" is listed above your hard drive in the boot order. Also disable Fast Boot and check whether Secure Boot needs to be disabled for your specific OS version.

"USB not detected in Rufus" — Fix

Try a different USB port (preferably USB 2.0). Some USB 3.0 ports can cause detection issues with older drives. Ensure the drive is properly inserted and not damaged. If Rufus still doesn't detect it, check Disk Management in Windows to confirm the drive appears.

"Windows setup says USB isn't bootable" — Fix

Recreate the bootable USB drive using Rufus, making sure to select the correct partition scheme (GPT for UEFI, MBR for BIOS). Using the wrong scheme is the most common cause of this error.

"Not enough disk space on USB" — Fix

Windows 10/11 ISO files require at least 5–6GB of free space on the drive. If the drive shows insufficient space, it may be formatted as FAT32 with a 4GB file size limit. Reformat to NTFS using Rufus before writing the ISO.

"Error: 0x80070005 during installation" — Fix

This access denied error typically occurs when running the Media Creation Tool without administrator privileges. Right-click the tool and select "Run as administrator" to resolve it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I create a bootable flash drive without Rufus?

Use Microsoft's official Media Creation Tool (Method 2 in this guide) which downloads and writes Windows directly to your bootable USB drive without any third-party software. You can also use Command Prompt/DISKPART (Method 3) for a fully manual approach.

What size USB do I need to make a bootable USB?

A minimum 8GB USB drive is required for Windows 10 ISO files. Windows 11 installation media is slightly larger, so a 16GB drive is recommended. Always use a USB that's empty or fully backed up, as all data will be erased.

Can I use a bootable USB pen multiple times?

Yes — a bootable USB pen can be used to install Windows on as many computers as you want. However, each PC requires its own valid license key for activation. The USB just contains the installer; the key is the actual license. Get genuine lifetime keys at Getdigimarket.com.

How long does it take to make a bootable USB drive?

Using Rufus with a pre-downloaded ISO: 10–15 minutes. Using Media Creation Tool (which downloads as it writes): 20–40 minutes depending on your internet speed and USB write speed. USB 3.0 drives are significantly faster than USB 2.0.

Does a bootable USB work on any computer?

Yes — a properly created bootable flash drive works on any compatible computer. However, ensure you created it with the correct architecture (64-bit vs 32-bit) for the target machine, and that the machine's BIOS supports USB booting (all modern computers do).

What's the difference between GPT and MBR for a bootable USB?

GPT (GUID Partition Table) works with modern UEFI firmware found in computers made after 2012. MBR (Master Boot Record) works with older BIOS/Legacy systems. If you're unsure, choose GPT — it's correct for 95% of current PCs. Rufus will warn you if there's a mismatch.

Can I create a bootable USB for Windows 11 using the same methods?

Yes — all three methods (Rufus, Media Creation Tool, and DISKPART) work for both Windows 10 and Windows 11. For Windows 11, download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft's website and follow the same steps. Use a 16GB USB drive to ensure sufficient space.

USB Ready — Now Get Your Genuine Windows License

Your bootable USB drive is built. Pair it with a lifetime-activated Windows key from Getdigimarket.com — instant delivery, 30-day guarantee, genuine activation.

Get Your Windows License →

Conclusion: Your Bootable USB Drive is Ready

Knowing how to make a bootable USB for Windows is a skill that pays dividends for years — whether you're setting up a new PC, recovering from a system failure, or helping family and friends get back online. With three methods covered in this guide, you can create a bootable Windows 10 USB or Windows 11 USB regardless of your technical background.

For most users, Rufus is the recommended choice — it offers the best balance of simplicity, speed, and control. The Media Creation Tool is the easiest option if you want a completely guided, Microsoft-official process. Command Prompt is there for power users who prefer working without third-party tools.

Once your bootable flash drive is prepared and Windows is installed, remember that proper activation with a genuine license key is the final step to a fully functional system. Check our complete software delivery guide to understand what you receive with each purchase, and browse our full catalog at Getdigimarket.com for Windows keys at prices up to 80% below retail — all with lifetime activation and our 30-day money-back guarantee.