If you want to put Windows 10 on a USB drive, follow these simple steps. You’ll download the Windows 10 ISO file, use a tool to create a bootable USB, and then transfer the files to your USB drive. By the end, you’ll have a USB drive that can install Windows 10 on any compatible com
How to Put Windows 10 on USB
In this section, you will learn how to create a bootable USB drive with Windows 10. This USB drive can be used to install Windows 10 on a computer or troubleshoot system issues.
Step 1: Download the Windows 10 ISO file
Head over to the official Microsoft website and download the Windows 10 ISO file.
To get the ISO file, you’ll first need to visit Microsoft’s website. There, you can find the download link for the Windows 10 ISO file. Make sure you have enough storage space on your computer as the file is several gigabytes in size.
Step 2: Obtain a USB Drive
Get a USB drive with at least 8GB of storage capacity.
You’ll need a USB drive with sufficient space to hold the Windows 10 files. An 8GB drive is the minimum, but having a bit more space can be handy.
Step 3: Download and Install the Media Creation Tool
Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website and install it on your computer.
The Media Creation Tool is a convenient utility provided by Microsoft. It will guide you through the process of creating a bootable USB drive with Windows 10.
Step 4: Run the Media Creation Tool
Open the Media Creation Tool and select “Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC.”
When you open the tool, you’ll see an option to create installation media. Select this option to proceed with setting up your bootable USB drive.
Step 5: Choose the USB Drive
Follow the prompts and select the USB drive as your destination for the Windows 10 files.
The tool will ask you to choose where you want to save the installation files. Make sure you select your USB drive. Ensure no important data is on the USB drive as this process will erase it.
Step 6: Wait for the Process to Complete
Let the tool run and create the bootable USB drive.
This step may take a while, depending on your internet speed and computer performance. The Media Creation Tool will download the necessary files and transfer them to your USB drive.
Step 7: Safely Remove the USB Drive
Once the process is complete, safely eject the USB drive from your computer.
Before unplugging the USB drive, make sure you eject it safely to avoid any data corruption. Now, your USB drive is ready to install Windows 10 on any computer.
After completing these steps, you will have a bootable USB drive with Windows 10. You can use this USB to install Windows 10 on a new computer or repair an existing installation.
Tips for How to Put Windows 10 on USB
- Ensure your USB drive has at least 8GB of storage to accommodate the Windows 10 files.
- Use the official Microsoft website to download the ISO file and Media Creation Tool for security and reliability.
- Back up any important data on your USB drive before starting, as the process will erase all data on the drive.
- Keep your computer connected to a stable power source to avoid interruptions during the process.
- Verify that the USB drive is formatted correctly as FAT32 or NTFS to ensure compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Put Windows 10 on USB
Can I use any USB drive to create a bootable Windows 10 USB?
You can use any USB drive with at least 8GB of storage. Ensure it has no important data as it will be wiped during the process.
Do I need an internet connection to create the bootable USB?
Yes, an internet connection is required to download the ISO file and the Media Creation Tool.
Can I use the bootable USB on any computer?
Yes, you can use the bootable USB to install Windows 10 on any compatible computer. Just ensure the computer can boot from a USB drive.
Is it possible to create a bootable USB on a Mac?
Yes, but you will need third-party software, as the Media Creation Tool is only available for Windows. Alternative tools like “Boot Camp Assistant” can be used.
What should I do if my USB drive is not detected?
Ensure the USB drive is properly connected, and try using a different USB port. Also, check if the drive needs to be formatted or repaired.
Summary
- Download the Windows 10 ISO file.
- Obtain a USB drive.
- Download and install the Media Creation Tool.
- Run the Media Creation Tool.
- Choose the USB drive.
- Wait for the process to complete.
- Safely remove the USB drive.
Conclusion
Creating a bootable USB drive with Windows 10 is simple and can be done in just a few steps. With this USB drive, you’ll be set to install Windows 10 on any compatible computer, whether you’re upgrading an old system or troubleshooting a new one.
By following the steps outlined, you equip yourself with a handy tool that can save time and effort in various situations. Remember to ensure that you have a stable internet connection and that your USB drive has enough capacity. Safeguard any data on your drive before starting the process.
For further reading, explore Microsoft’s official documentation or check out forums where users share their experiences. Now you’re all set to create your own bootable Windows 10 USB drive. Give it a try and see how it simplifies your computer setup tasks!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.