Computer users who have ever installed a version of Windows operating system from a USB flash drive will never go back to the traditional DVD installation method. As you probably know, installing Windows from the USB is the fastest method available to install Windows operating system.
Creating a bootable USB media to install Windows 7 from USB drive is fairly simple if you follow the step-by-step instructions provided in our how to install Windows 7 from USB guide. Users who aren’t comfortable with the Command Prompt can take the help of a third-party tool. There are quite a few free tools out there to help you install Windows 7 from USB flash drive (see eight free tools to prepare bootable Windows USB).
Now the good is that, Microsoft has just released a free tool called Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool to help users create bootable Windows 7 USB flash drives and install Windows 7 from USB drive.
Although you can go through our how to install Windows 7 from USB guide to do the same, this tool simplifies the job. Here are the five simple steps that you need to follow to create a bootable USB flash drive to install Windows 7 from USB device:
Note: You need a USB flash drive with a minimum of 4 GB of free space. And also please backup your data from USB first.
Windows 7 bootable USB using Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool
Step 1: Download Windows 7 USB/DVD Tool and install it.
Step 2: Run the program, click the Browse button to browse to your Windows 7 ISO image file.
Step 3: In this step, you need to select your media type. As we are here to create a bootable USB, simply click on USB device button.
Step 4: Select your USB flash drive from the drop down box and click on Begin copying button. Be sure to select the right USB drive as this tool formats the selected USB drive before copying Windows 7 setup files onto the USB.
Step 5: The Windows 7 USB/DVD tool will take a few minutes to complete the procedure.
Step 6: You are done. Reboot you machine and start installing Windows 7 (Windows 7 installation procedure).
If you’re having issues in preparing the bootable USB using Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool, we recommend you follow our 100% working install Windows 7 from USB guide.
Dwayne says
Thank you! It worked for me but not at first. The guide doesn’t specifically tell us to type “BOOTSECT.EXE /NT60 J:” (without the quotes of course). In my case J: is the assigned letter of USB stick. The guide/tutorial should tell noobs like me to type that in, lol.
For others that may benefit: I did not have full retail version of Win 7 x64 SP1 so No Microsoft tools would work. In fact they have already starting redirecting critical (Win 7 hot fixes & tools etc.) links to “buy Windows 10” page. So I used freeware WinCDEmu to rip an iso file from my Win 7 x64 SP1 OEM disc. Tried Microsoft’s Windows 7 USB DVD Download Tool but it would not accept the iso file since not full retail. So I copied the iso contents to a folder & loaded them into the trial version of NTLite. Slipstreamed hot fixes, USB 3.0 & nvme drivers. For this tutorial I used WinCDEmu to mount the iso image that NTLite created. Then followed this guide & works like a charm.
DONIA7337 says
but what if I have a preinstalled version of windows 7 and the iso file can not be located ANYWHERE !!
Nirmal Kumar says
I dont find a iso file in the windows 8 cd…what shud i do.
techdumb says
I have original win 7 preinstalled, and want to make a bootable/backup copy on usb or dvd but don’t know how…
Don’t have win7 on usb/dvd or any other drive.
Tom says
A quick note, USB 3 ports will NOT work on windows 7 without a previous copy of windows installed / the drivers. They require host controllers, if you’re installing windows 8 via a usb 3 port it should work fine as they have native support. method worked flawlessly for me installing win 7 professional via a usb.
Junior says
I have Dell Inspiron Mini 1018. Dell sent me Windows 7 Starter on a usb drive to reinstall Windows after my pc crashed. Any instructions when Windows on usb and not disc?
Smaug says
For those of you still having issues with invalid ISO, this is what i did. Follow IJas intructions.
1.) Open ISO with PowerISO- Full Version
2.) Go to File, File Properties
3.) By Default, UDF is checked. Verify, it must be checked
4.) Press ok
5.) Go to file and “Save As”. This will re-create the ISO with UDF enabled and should only take a min.
6.) Load the re-created ISO With the Windows 7 USB Tool and that should work. It worked for me.
Good Luck and thanks IJas for figuring it out.
2nd note: For those of you having NTLDR errors, Try reformatting you USB to FAT32 format, not NTFS.
ggfhghf says
does it work for windows 8 !
donald says
I have a question: this tool works on Windows XP too? I mean, if i don’t have installed Win 7, only a Win7 kit, it’s ok?
thanks.
RayG says
this worked on the first try very simple, thanx alot
justin says
i’m tried as given above but if i select the iso file the following error will display “The selected file is not valid iso file. please select valid iso file and try again later”. when i check the file properties ti shows iso image file.
Hmm says
ANOTHER POORLY written untested set of instructions.
Most of us have legitimate versions of Windows on CD. What about instructions on how to get the Windows 7 CD onto the USB to speed up the process??
Based on the many many comments here, this does not work.
Thanks for nothing!
Lachit Kashyap says
Hi, I do all steps but when going to install it, found this message “A disk read error has occurred Press Ctrl + Alt + Del to restart” please help.
ANWAR HOSSAIN RAJU says
ITS WORKING ,,,,,,,THANKS A LOT
keffie says
okej the first comment with the iso thing helps but only if you have the full version of iso power just download iso power and when it start up click register code and get one from serials.ws this helps
mercy says
The method posted by Ijas is still working! Thanks, Ijas!
IJas
Posted July 2, 2010 at 9:00 pm | Permalink
Open your iso file in poweriso(full version)
Go to File–>File properties
Check UDF
Press ok
Save your file
Now use this tool!!
Cha Cha
Andrew says
Worked great through USB 2.0 port, when I tried using USB 3.0 port it could not find a driver to install.
ravi says
g8 thnx its woork
Altaf says
it worked..! grr..rt. thanks buddy.
devasish says
its showing windows cant read the data in disk
azribohari says
I created the ISO from original Windows 7 DVD that i bought. im using a macbook, installed with Windows 7
azribohari says
i tried the CMD thingy, it says “DiskPArt has encountered an error: The remote procedure call failed. See the System Event Log for more information”. At first I thought its my USD, so i bought a new one. But the same thing happened. I tried using the Windows 7 USB/DVD tool. It says “We were unable to copy your files. PLease check your USB device and the selected ISO file and try again.” Help!!
maja says
thank you million times for the post, saved me
GEMSEM says
33.manu
To all people who have the problem (Invalid ISO File)
This is the solution:
Open your iso file in poweriso(full version) or ultraiso
Go to File–>File properties
Check UDF
Press ok
Save as your file
and enjoy
Mtndoo says
Kiki – it states at the start of this thread…
Note: You need a USB flash drive with a minimum of 4 GB of free space. And also please backup your data from USB first.
If you don’t have AT LEAST a 4GB USB Drive this will NOT work for you.
I suspect that the 3.7GB free is due to the USB mfg placing other SW on the USB stick – copy all that off to a safe place, and delete everything from your USB drive. I bet you will see 4GB free then – if not get a bigger USB stick to do this.
I’m installing Windows 7 Pro x86 on an Acer Netbook that had a HDD crash/replace right now using this method. I’ve also used it in the past with Windows 7 Ultimate.
Works like a charm and SO MUCH EASIER than going the manual method!
Cheers!
Kiki says
i have 3.7 gb free but i say i need larger usb..
techfreak says
For those who get the ISO error:
Procedure:
1. Plug-in your USB flash drive to USB port and move all the contents from USB drive to a safe location on your system.
2. Open Command Prompt with admin rights. Use any of the below methods to open Command Prompt with admin rights.
*Type cmd in Start menu search box and hit Ctrl+ Shift+ Enter.
Or
*Go to Start menu > All programs > Accessories, right click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
3. You need to know about the USB drive a little bit. Type in the following commands in the command prompt:
First type DISKPART and hit enter to see the below message.
Bootable USB Drive
Next type LIST DISK command and note down the Disk number (ex: Disk 1) of your USB flash drive. In the below screenshot my Flash Drive Disk no is Disk 1.
4. Next type all the below commands one by one. Here I assume that your disk drive no is “Disk 1”.If you have Disk 2 as your USB flash drive then use Disk 2.Refer the above step to confirm it.
So below are the commands you need to type and execute one by one:
SELECT DISK 1
CLEAN
CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY
SELECT PARTITION 1
ACTIVE
FORMAT FS=NTFS
(Format process may take few seconds)
ASSIGN
EXIT
Now use the app ! It works ! :D
Kickass says
Open your iso file in poweriso(full version)
Go to File–>File properties
Check UDF
Press ok
Save your file
Now use this tool!!
the method really works thanks IJas
but one thing i would like to add save the iso on another place don’t over right the exiting one… yeahhh thanx alot
Terminator says
Open your iso file in poweriso(full version)
Go to File–>File properties
Check UDF
Press ok
Save your file
Now use this tool!!
the method really works thanks IJas
but one thing i would like to add save the iso on another place don’t over right the exiting one
DogPaw says
I was curious if you need to download a ISO separate or is that located somewhere as a standard for this program to find on my system with a valid copy of Windows and my FLASH MEMORY STICK JUMP DRIVE shows halfway between three to four gigabytes free space but is that enough for a Microsoft 7 boot disk? A few other questions I wanted to ask are whether a XP computer would be capable of managing the newer version and my BIOS only gives two Universal Serial Bus options. The first being a Hard Disk and the second a Floppy and I put both as priority but neither attempts load a copy of Linux I verified works on another machine. I believe a virus is the reason my old platform fails to operate but either way I eventually come to a UNMOUNTABLE VOLUME blue screen error. My data is unimportant because this has occurred on a old laptop that was only being used as a spare, for research, guests or whatever but, if possible, it would be nice to find a way to still access the internet with it and have core applications functioning to access important sites like Java – Script, video, audio, movies, music, etc. Please advise if you know of any solutions with BASIC, THOROUGH instructions without all the million and one thousand DIFFERENT terms or command codes unless you can take the time to explain each step for me, use recognizeable DEFAULT words, etc. THANKS.
Yunus Khan says
…..
successful working
Thanks
freds says
For this procedure to work you must have like levels of operating system.
I.E. You can’t create a 64bit install on a 32bit computer as the last step it does to invoke a utility in the \boot directory to make USB drive bootable. A 32bit system can’t execute the 64bit program.
abhinya says
Wonderfull tutorial Buddy,
Keep it up.
NAZIR says
i need this software
bill says
Very goog post!!
Well done for the help!!
Thank you very much!!
Glufse says
SO yeah, how do i get back my USB stick to become a portable storage instead of a “Hard disk drive”? Very irritating
Muhammad Bhayat says
Worked using original method .no need for poweriso…Yippppeee
jc says
working 100%. Thanks
RAGU says
EXCELLENT… THANK U SOOOOOO MUCHHHHHH…..
gcarvajal says
use power iso 4.8. full version. goto tools–>create bootable usb drive then Select image source file then the write method start thats all make sure that ur boot priority is the uss depend on the write method you selected.
Patrick says
Hey, my computer recently crashed and needs to have Windows completely reinstalled. Unfortunately, I can’t even boot it up to do any of this on it. So I’m trying to turn my iPod (as my USB Drive is only 1 gb) into a Bootable USB device using the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool, but I get this error:
“Boot Sector Manipulation Tool has stopped working.”
How can I fix this?
Julian says
i get: ERROR: Specified ISO is read-only
help pls!
Chiklu Master says
For all you guys saying to check the UDF thing … it is already checked for me and it still doesnt work !
Hirendra says
i recieve massage invalid iso file
Debashis Das says
wher is the iso file icould not find it any whwre even inthe windows 7 dvd….. microsoft and you all are all mother fucker put the usb in your mother,s pussy.
kasanawi says
why it’s show error ‘NTLDR is missing’ after I boot from USB flash disk
Steve says
Works perfect, once you find a working ISO file. Pre-select boot to USB in BIOS, or in Boot Options (HP Mini). Works great on netbooks even ones with small 16GB SSD HD’s. The transfer time from ISO to USB 2.0 took about 20-30 min. After that it’s normal vista/7 install!
nibodads says
yeah it works. but u need to make the iso valid with power iso as said above (check the UDF box in file properties)
Navi says
i have successfuly made bootable window 7 usb but when try to install it after expanding 20-30% it generate error. 0x080070570 file corruption like. also i haven’t dvd-rom so please give me solution…this only happen with window 7 not with window vista
ppppp says
can dis tool work for installing XP too
kannan says
To all people who have the problem (Invalid ISO File)
This is the solution:
Open your iso file in poweriso(full version)
Go to File–>File properties
Check UDF
Press ok
Save your file
Now use this tool!!
it promisly working
Tiiki says
Very easy and helpful tool. Thank you very much!
My step:
1. Format 4GB USB Flash drive (HP USB DISK STORAGE FORMAT TOOL)
2. MagicISO
3. Windows 7 USB/DVD Tool (around 15-20 mins)
That’s all :)
Cheers!
ritikesh says
its a great tool…
im sucess to make the pendrive bootable but when im try to install in any system than there is appear a disk error..
that is “non system disk error”…
how to solve this plz help..
thanks in advance
brian says
how do i chane my usb back to ub after this
Bachi says
It also worked fine for me with this simple Tool:
http://www.withinwindows.com/2009/11/01/use-the-windows-7-usbdvd-download-tool-with-custom-isos/
Just “Convert” die ISO-File with this command-line-Tool und then it should work with the Win7 USB Tool!
Yann says
Since Service Pack 1, it doesn’t work anymore ! When will be a new version ?
Gaer says
With PowerIso is great and easy…Excelent
LoonyBinJim says
after inputting the isoavdpcopy
at the dos prompt, an error shows that says
ERROR: Specified ISO is read-only
shees hassan says
yeah.. i made it… thnx a lot dear…
Horia says
I used gBurner to change the properties as recommended in a post above.
I’ve unchecked all, leaving only UDF, and then Microsoft’s USB tool worked my iso file.
us says
Thanks, worked with Power Iso Nice one :)
Sai says
I have tried this but failed to install Windows 7. The system is saying Installation has not done.This is the only message am getting. Please will any one help me on this
Achimaru says
@Brian
Use another USB and Fresh ISO to isolate your problem. :) i hope you can make it..
Achimaru says
Thank you guys..still working.. :))
Brian says
Everything worked fine until the very end. In the copying files stage, it gets to 99% and then I get an error message that says “We were unable to copy your files. Please check your USB and the selected ISO file and try again.”
Help?
Daniel says
do you think there is a problem to make these on XP?
i’ve made the USB after using power iso
but is not boot-able
the parent iso file is booting
gBurnerWorksTo says
I used gBurner to change the properties as recommended in a post above.
UDF was already checked, but so was Juliet and ISO-something-or-other. I unchecked them, leaving only UDF, and then Microsoft’s USB tool worked on the torrent recovery disk I had.
Thanks for posting guys.
Houston says
Thank you! The first way works perfectly for me! And it installs super ridiculously fast. Very much appreciated. Also had fun doing it in DOS, not everyday these days that things are done in CMD Prompt.
Amit says
To use that Microsoft tool u have to use original Windows 7 ISO File otherwise, it will give this type of error… or use Power ISO trick….
Win7easyinstall says
To all those having problems,
If your iso is classed as invalid check it with power iso using instructions from: IJas
Open your iso file in poweriso(full version)
Go to File–>File properties
Check UDF
Press ok
Save your file
Now use this tool!!
Also if you still having problems use the long (but working) guide: intowindows.com/how-to-install-windows-7vista-from-usb-drive-detailed-100-working-guide/
One last thing… if you are running a 32bit os on your computer you cannot make a 64bit install drive! I think its the same for 64bit os trying to make a 32bit drive aswell!
Any more questions? Just Ask!
Win7easyinstall
james says
i would download a iso of windows 7 cause the one on the disk is a exe not iso, or you could make a iso of the disk and do it like that, my friend used this to redo his acer notebook cause it doesnt have a dvd/cd drive in it
oscar says
Guys, where do I find the ISO file in windows 7 starter on a netbook? I never downloaded this version because it was already on my netbook. I simply want to reinstall it.
Manish says
Hi , have just created flash drive through win2flash..how to install windows now to my new mini laptop..cant go to bios settings..plssssssss help
cycL0 says
IJas : thanks a lot :)
Naval says
If I make usb as bootable, can I store other files or data in it with that iso file? or I will have to keep this ISO file forever there without using it for any kind of data store.
ahmad says
Great … Worked for me … Thank you so much …
RR says
Didn’t work for me. got a iso from msdnaa but still the same problem. trying to install windows 7 on a asus netbook for almost 7 hours : D fucking shit
abe says
i followed all the instruction but failed to recognize that my netbook is xp running in 32bit. It says cpu can’t work with 64bit. is on earth a way to get my netbook installed with win7?
Giovanni says
Thank you, Paul! I’ll try it!
manu says
To all people who have the problem (Invalid ISO File)
This is the solution:
Open your iso file in poweriso(full version)
Go to File–>File properties
Check UDF
Press ok
Save your file
Now use this tool!!
This method work perfect for me with iso file downloaded from torrent sites
Samir says
is thare any bootable DVD of windows vista home premium 32-bit,
Suren says
You guys are retarded. I followed through the other guide for 3 hours, and then at the end I saw this. Instead, can’t you just friggin stick this at the top of the guide?
Valentin says
Oh yeahs and doing the Check UDF us necessary too!
Valentin says
CMD:
diskpart
list disk
select disk #
clean
create partition primary
select partition 1
active
format quick fs=fat32
assign
exit
after that everything worked perfect (also I had to stop the anti-virus as once started copying the files it deleted the auto run as a virus)
Adrian says
THe UDF thingie in PowerISO didn’t work for me : (
Micky says
Heya,
I just bought the student download of windows 7 (there is no disk) i’m trying to make it into a USB bootable drive as have got 64-bit version on a 32-bit windows os. i’m trying to make the portable USB with WUDT, however it won’t let me make the bootable USB saying I don’t have the bootsect.exe file, is there a way around this?
Thanx
asf says
my question is same as Paulus.
Does this work with Windows XP?
Paulus says
Does this work with Windows XP?
Tahoooz says
To all people who have the problem (Invalid ISO File)
This is the solution:
Open your iso file in poweriso(full version)
Go to File–>File properties
Check UDF
Press ok
Save your file
Now use this tool!!
* Quoted literally from “IJas” (Comment number 18)
As for me thank you so much “IJas”
Imperative says
do exactly as IJas said in his post.
u can use gburner also(unregistered version also works).
u can find that option in properties menu. check the option and save the files in iso format. hope it works for you. worked for me.
:)
Lancelot says
yep it did work with power iso :D
ROFL says
ok… intowindows.com/how-to-install-windows-7vista-from-usb-drive-detailed-100-working-guide/ and simply do as it says!! THIS METHOD WILL NOT FAIL YOU. the program might not let u load up the ISO cuz maybe u didnt buy it or who knows.
Rashvin says
Guys,where do i get Windows 7 Starter ISO file?
Adnan Khan says
Great tool from microsoft
thanks a lot………..
IJas says
Open your iso file in poweriso(full version)
Go to File–>File properties
Check UDF
Press ok
Save your file
Now use this tool!!
Cha Cha ;)
Paul says
Fix for “The selected file is not a valid ISO file. Please select a valid ISO file and try again.”
http://www.withinwindows.com/2009/11/01/use-the-windows-7-usbdvd-download-tool-with-custom-isos/
Steve! says
Extremely helpful! Thanks for posting!
STARTER says
hey this works just with windows 7 starter i have downloaded all the versions of windows 7 and only the starter works i have tried all the ways to make an ISO to work with it but didn’t. SO make an usb bootable with windows 7 starter and then delete all the files from windows 7 starter inside the usb and put the files from windows 7 ultimate.
have fun
Jennifer says
Invalid ISO!!!
TechnoCrat says
This tool was made open to people who bought the software from them as a ISO online. It seems to be doing some kinda check for size or something.
joshua says
thanks bro its working
Numbie says
OMGWTFBBQ!!!! Also invalid ISO file… Darn!!!
Sammajoor says
@Darklord.. Yes it does, I set it up to run off Win 7 RC
Kalle says
what shall i do when the “The selected file is not a vaild ISO file. Please select a vaild ISO file and try again.
Darklord says
Does Microsoft’s tool work with the RC versions of Windows 7?
I am still undecided as to upgrade to windows 7.
blackbird says
i’m getting the ‘invalid iso’ message also :-(
admin says
@Niels
Ofcourse, it will be shown in boot menu.
Niels says
HI, i haven’t tryed that.. yet.
I have one question.
does it come up with windows 7 in the boot manager, so you can chose vista or win 7?
Plese send repley to me email
Your MOM says
also got the same error message
Koz says
The same as Sten isn’t working
The selected file is not a valid ISO file. Please select a valid ISO file and try again.
Sten says
Hm.. mine isn’t working. I keep getting this error:
—————————
Invalid ISO File
—————————
The selected file is not a valid ISO file. Please select a valid ISO file and try again.
—————————
OK
—————————
Steven Watkins says
Excellent utility from Microsoft. Thanks for posting this article so I didn’t have to do it by hand, like I did for the Betas.