Thursday, September 4, 2025

How to Create a Bootable USB Drive for Windows 11 — Step-by-Step Guide

 








How to Create a Bootable USB Drive for Windows 11

A bootable USB is required to install or repair Windows 11 on your PC. Multiple ways exist to create one, from official Microsoft tools to third-party apps and command-line methods. Here are all the complete step-by-step solutions.

1. Method 1: Using Microsoft Media Creation Tool (Official Method)

  1. Download the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website.

  2. Insert a USB drive (8GB or larger). Back up data first because it will be erased.

  3. Run the Media Creation Tool → click Accept.

  4. Select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) → Next.

  5. Choose language, edition, and architecture (default recommended).

  6. Select USB flash drive → pick your USB drive → Next.

  7. The tool will download Windows 11 and create the bootable USB automatically.

  8. When finished, eject the USB and use it to install Windows 11.

 Best choice if you want the latest official Windows 11 ISO.

2. Method 2: Using Rufus (Fast & Flexible)

  1. Download and install Rufus (free tool).

  2. Insert USB drive (8GB+).

  3. Download Windows 11 ISO file from Microsoft.

  4. Open Rufus → Select your USB drive.

  5. Click SELECT → choose the Windows 11 ISO.

  6. Partition scheme:

    • GPT (for UEFI) → modern systems.

    • MBR (for Legacy BIOS).

  7. File system: NTFS (default).

  8. Click Start → wait until process completes.

  9. Your USB is now bootable.

 Faster than Media Creation Tool, works with both UEFI and Legacy BIOS.

Method 3: Using Command Prompt (Diskpart)

For advanced users:

  1. Insert your USB drive.

  2. Open Command Prompt (Admin).

  3. Type commands one by one:

    diskpart
list disk
select disk X   (replace X with your USB disk number)
clean
create partition primary
select partition 1
active
format fs=ntfs quick
assign
exit

  4. Mount or extract your Windows 11 ISO.

  5. Copy all ISO files into the USB drive manually.

Works without third-party software. Great for troubleshooting.

Method 4: Using PowerISO (GUI Alternative)

  1. Download and install PowerISO.

  2. Insert USB drive.

  3. Open PowerISO → Tools → Create Bootable USB Drive.

  4. Select the Windows 11 ISO file.

  5. Choose your USB drive → Start.

  6. Wait until it finishes.

 Simple alternative to Rufus, especially for ISO-based installations.

Method 5: Using Ventoy (Multi-Boot USB)

  1. Download and install Ventoy.

  2. Insert your USB drive → run Ventoy → click Install.

  3. Copy any ISO (Windows 11, Windows 10, Linux, etc.) directly to the USB drive.

  4. Boot from USB → select which ISO to load.

 Best for users who want multiple operating systems on a single USB.

Verify Your Bootable USB

  • Reboot PC → enter BIOS/UEFI (F2, Del, Esc depending on manufacturer).

  • Change boot order → select USB drive.

  • If the Windows 11 setup screen appears, your USB is working.

Final Words

Creating a bootable Windows 11 USB is simple and can be done in several ways.

  • Beginner-friendly → Media Creation Tool.

  • Advanced users → Rufus or Diskpart.

  • Multi-boot lovers → Ventoy.

Now you can install, repair, or reinstall Windows 11 on any compatible PC.