Bootable Windows Flash Drive
Written by Mike Streza
Updated at September 10th, 2025
To make a bootable Windows flash drive, download the official Media Creation Tool from Microsoft, insert a USB drive (8GB or larger), and follow the tool's prompts to create the installation media. For a faster and potentially more robust drive, consider using a USB 3.0 drive or an external SSD. When creating the media, ensure the USB drive is empty or contains no important files, as it will be completely erased. During the boot process, you may need to adjust your computer's BIOS/UEFI settings to boot from the USB drive.
Preparation
- Download the Media Creation Tool: Visit the official Microsoft website and download the Media Creation Tool.
- Get a suitable USB drive: You need a USB drive with at least 8GB of storage. A USB 3.0 drive or an external SSD will offer significantly better performance.
- Back up and format: Any data on the USB drive will be erased during the process, so back up important files or use an empty drive.
Using the Media Creation Tool
- Run the tool: Insert your USB drive into your computer and run the Media Creation Tool.
- Create installation media: Select the option to "Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC".
- Select options: Choose your desired language, Windows edition, and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
- Choose USB flash drive: Select "USB flash drive" as the media to use.
- Select your drive: Choose the correct USB drive from the list to ensure you are not erasing data from another device.
- Wait for completion: The tool will download the necessary files and format the USB drive to create the bootable media. Do not turn off your PC or unplug the USB during this process.
Using the Bootable USB
- Configure BIOS/UEFI: Insert the USB drive into the computer you want to install Windows on. You may need to enter your BIOS or UEFI settings to change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive.
- Start the installation: Boot from the USB drive, and the Windows installation process will begin.
