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How to Create a Windows 11 Bootable USB Drive

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To install Windows 11, you need installation Media, and nowadays, everyone prefers using Bootable USB devices to install an Operating System. This is a step-by-step guide to create a Bootable Windows 11 USB Flash Drive using Media Creation Tool, Rufus Software, and Command Prompt.

 

You can clean install or Upgrade to Windows 11 with a Bootable USB Flash Drive if you have one. You can also utilize the bootable USB to troubleshoot your system and install Windows on multiple Computers or Laptop.

Contents hide
1 First Download the Windows 11 ISO Image
2 Create Windows 11 Bootable USB Drive using Rufus
3 Create Windows 11 Bootable USB Drive with Media Creation Tool
4 Create Windows 11 Bootable USB Drive using Command Prompt

Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool makes it simple to create installation media. Rufus or Command Prompt can also be used to create an installation media. The step-by-step guide will help you how to create a USB flash drive installer for Windows 11.

First Download the Windows 11 ISO Image

A Windows 11 ISO file is required to create a Windows 11 bootable USB drive. It’s essential to have this file before beginning a Windows 11 USB stick.
Follow the steps to install Windows 11 ISO on your system.

  • To download Windows 11, go to Microsoft’s official page.
  • Scroll to the Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) section.
  • Now, select Windows 11 from the drop-down menu.
  • To continue, click the Download link.
  • After that, select your preferred language from the drop-down menu and click on Confirm.
  • Lastly, click on the 64-bit Download button.
  • The download will start immediately. It will take time to complete, depending on your Internet speed.

After downloading the ISO file the next step will be to create a Bootable Windows 11 USB Drive and there are three ways to do so:

  1. Create Windows 11 Bootable USB Drive using Rufus.
  2. Create Windows 11 Bootable USB Drive with Media Creation Tool.
  3. Using Command Prompt to create Windows 11 Bootable USB Drive.

Create Windows 11 Bootable USB Drive using Rufus

Rufus is an open-source utility that formats and makes a bootable USB disk for Windows. These steps will help you create a Bootable Windows 11 USB flash drive using Rufus software.

  • First, go to the Rufus Website and scroll to the Download section.
  • To download the most recent version, select the Rufus 3.17.
  • Double-click on the rufus.exe file to run.
  • If UAC prompts, click Yes.
  • Attach your USB flash drive to your system and wait for Rufus to detect and display it under the Device section.
  • Click on the Boot selection drop-down menu and choose Disk or ISO image.
  • Next, click on the SELECT button, choose the Windows ISO file, and click Open.
  • It will automatically select Standard Windows 11 Installation (TPM 2.0 + Secure Boot) under the Image option.
  • Bonus:- You can also choose Extended Windows 11 Installation (no TPM / no Secure Boot) to create a bootable drive for an unsupported operating system. During installation, it will skip the system requirements.
  • As default, leave the Partition Scheme (GPT) and Target System (UEFI).
  • Enter a name for the USB flash drive under the Volume label.
  • As default, leave the File System and Cluster size and other options.
  • Check the Quick Format and Create extended Label and Icon Files options are ticked.
  • To start the bootable drive creating process, click the Start button.
  • Note:- A warning will appear advising you that all data on your USB will be deleted (this is normal). Rufus will begin creating an ISO image on your USB by clicking OK.
  • Rufus will display a success message (Ready) once the installation is complete. You can then use the Windows 11 bootable disk to install the OS on compatible systems.

Create Windows 11 Bootable USB Drive with Media Creation Tool

Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool allows you to create installation media. These steps will guide you create a Windows 11 bootable USB with Media Creation Tool.

  • Connect your minimum 8GB USB flash drive to your system. You must ensure that it is recognized and that you have taken a backup of all files on the USB drive.
  • After that, go to the Microsoft Download Center page.
  • Now, move to Create Windows 11 Installation Media section. Tap the Download Now button and save the file.
  • Run the MediacreationtoolW11.exe file and if prompt, then click Yes. Wait a few seconds to see the Setup wizard.
  • Next, scroll the License terms page to the bottom and click on the Accept.
  • It will automatically choose the Language and Edition. Untick Use the recommended options for this PC to change the language.
  • Click the Next button.
  • Choose a USB flash drive in the next window and hit the Next button.
  • Choose your USB drive from the available options and tap Next.