How to Create a Windows 10 Bootable USB Drive (Tutorial)

Introduction

Creating a bootable USB drive for Windows 10 is an essential skill that can save you time and trouble during system issues. This tutorial will guide you through the straightforward process of preparing a bootable USB drive using the Windows Media Creation Tool, allowing you to reinstall or repair your operating system whenever necessary.

Step 1: Gather Required Materials

• USB Drive: Ensure you have a USB drive with at least 8 GB of free space. Make sure to back up any important data, as the drive will be formatted during the process.
• Internet Connection: You'll need a stable internet connection to download the Media Creation Tool.

Step 2: Download the Media Creation Tool

1. Go to the official Microsoft website for Windows 10 downloads.
2. Locate the Media Creation Tool section.
3. Click on the Download tool now button to download the executable file.

Step 3: Run the Media Creation Tool

1. Locate the downloaded file (usually in your Downloads folder) and double-click it to run.
2. When prompted by User Account Control, click Yes to allow the tool to make changes to your device.
3. After the tool opens, accept the terms and conditions to proceed.

Step 4: Choose the Right Option

1. Select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC and click Next.
2. Choose your preferred language, edition, and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit). Click Next.

Step 5: Select USB Drive

1. Choose USB flash drive as the media to use and click Next.
2. The tool will display a list of USB drives connected to your computer. Select your USB drive and click Next.
3. Confirm the warning about formatting the USB drive, ensuring you have backed up any data.

Step 6: Wait for the Process to Complete

• The Media Creation Tool will now download the Windows 10 installation files and create the bootable USB drive. This may take some time depending on your internet speed and the performance of your USB drive.

Step 7: Complete the Setup

1. Once the process is finished, a message will confirm that your USB drive is ready.
2. Click Finish to exit the tool.

Conclusion

You have successfully created a bootable USB drive for Windows 10. This drive can be used for installation or reinstallation of the operating system whenever needed. Keep it in a safe place and consider repeating this process periodically to ensure you always have the latest version ready. If you face any issues during installation, consult the Microsoft support site for troubleshooting tips.