How to Create a Windows 10 Bootable USB Flash Drive Using Rufus

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through creating a bootable USB flash drive for Windows 10 using Rufus. This tool is free and user-friendly, making it an excellent choice for installation media preparation. Whether you're installing Windows on a new PC or upgrading an existing one, this process is essential.

Step 1: Download Required Software and Files

1. Download Rufus

   • Visit the Rufus website: Rufus Download
   • Choose the latest version and download it.

2. Download Windows 10 ISO

   • Select the appropriate Windows 10 ISO file for your system:
     • 64-bit (x64) Build - Google Drive Link
     • 32-bit (x86) Build - Google Drive Link
     • Both 64/32 bit Build - Google Drive Link
   • Alternatively, you can download from other sources like MediaFire or Archive.org if you prefer.

Step 2: Prepare Your USB Flash Drive

1. Insert USB Flash Drive

   • Plug your USB flash drive into an available USB port on your computer. Ensure it has at least 8 GB of space.

2. Backup Important Data

   • If there are files on the USB drive, back them up. The process will erase all data on the drive.

Step 3: Launch Rufus and Select USB Drive

1. Open Rufus

   • Run the Rufus application you downloaded.

2. Select USB Drive

   • In the "Device" dropdown, select your USB flash drive.

Step 4: Configure Rufus Settings

1. Select Boot Selection

   • Click on the "SELECT" button and navigate to the Windows 10 ISO file you downloaded.

2. Partition Scheme

   • Choose the appropriate partition scheme:
     • MBR for BIOS or UEFI-CSM
     • GPT for UEFI

3. File System

   • Ensure the file system is set to NTFS.

4. Volume Label

   • Optionally, you can change the volume label to something recognizable, like "Windows10".

Step 5: Start the Creation Process

1. Start

   • Click on the "START" button to begin creating the bootable USB drive.

2. Warning Message

   • A warning will appear indicating that all data on the USB drive will be destroyed. Confirm to proceed.

3. Wait for Completion

   • The process may take several minutes. Wait until it shows "READY".

Conclusion

You have successfully created a bootable USB flash drive for Windows 10 using Rufus. This drive can now be used to install or upgrade Windows on a compatible computer. For installation instructions, consider watching the related video on how to install Windows 10. Make sure to safely eject your USB drive before removing it from your computer. Happy computing!