Creating a bootable USB drive for Windows 10 installation is an efficient alternative to using traditional CDs or DVDs. This method is faster and increasingly relevant as DVD drives become obsolete. Below, I’ll guide you through the process of creating a bootable USB drive for Windows 10 and discuss how to use it for installation.

Preparing to Create a Bootable Windows 10 USB Drive

Tools and Materials Needed

A USB drive with at least 8GB of storage
A stable internet connection
Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft

Key Preparations

Download the Media Creation Tool: Visit Microsoft’s official website to download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool. (Follow the same procedure for Windows 11)
Back Up Your USB Drive: Ensure any important data on your USB drive is backed up, as this process will erase all existing data on the drive.
Ensure Direct Connection: Plug your USB drive directly into your computer, avoiding USB hubs to ensure a stable connection.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Bootable USB Drive

Step 1: Launch the Media Creation Tool

Double-click on the downloaded file to start the tool.
Accept the license terms to proceed.

Step 2: Choose the Installation Type

Opt for ‘Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC’ and click ‘Next’.

Step 3: Set Your Preferences

If the default options (language, edition, architecture) are correct, keep them. Otherwise, uncheck ‘Use the recommended options for this PC’ and adjust accordingly.

Step 4: Select Media Type

Choose ‘USB flash drive’. Alternatively, select ‘ISO file’ if you intend to use the ISO for multiple installations or other purposes.

Step 5: Choose Your USB Drive

The tool will display connected USB drives. Select the one intended for the Windows 10 installation and click ‘Next’.

Step 6: Download and Installation

The tool will download necessary files and transfer them to your USB drive. This might take some time depending on your internet speed and computer performance.

Step 7: Finalize the USB Drive Setup

Once the process completes, you’ll have a bootable USB drive ready with Windows 10 installation files.

Installing Windows 10 from the Bootable USB Drive

Accessing the BIOS/UEFI

Restart Your Computer: As your computer starts, enter the BIOS/UEFI settings. This usually involves pressing a key like F2, F12, Delete, or Esc immediately after turning on the PC.
Adjust the Boot Order: Set the USB drive as the primary boot device or use the boot menu to select the USB drive temporarily.

Proceed with Windows Installation

Follow the on-screen instructions to configure language, time, and keyboard preferences.
Enter your Windows product key when prompted.
Select the hard drive or partition where you want to install Windows 10.

Finalizing Installation

The installation will proceed automatically. Follow any additional on-screen prompts to complete the setup.
Once installed, ensure to adjust the boot order back if necessary to prevent the system from restarting the installation process.

Conclusion

Using a USB drive to install Windows 10 is a straightforward and efficient method. It not only simplifies the installation process but also provides a portable solution for system recovery and repair. Always ensure that your BIOS settings are correctly configured and that your USB drive is prepared according to the steps outlined above for a successful installation.