Creating a bootable USB drive is necessary to install Windows 11/10 or fix a crashed system. This step-by-step guide explains what a bootable USB drive is and how to create one using Media Creation Tool and Rufus.

Quick Answer: How to Create Bootable USB Windows 11/10 from ISO

To make bootable USB from ISO:

  1. Connect a USB flash drive (8GB or larger) to a PC.
  2. Download a Windows 11 or Windows 10 ISO file from Microsoft.
  3. Use a tool such as Media Creation Tool or Rufus.
  4. Burn ISO to USB.

Once completed, you can boot your computer from the USB drive and install or troubleshoot Windows.

What Is a Windows Bootable USB Drive

A bootable USB drive refers to a standard flash drive that can be used to boot a computer. Unlike a regular drive, it contains the files required to start a system, including executables, boot files, system images, and Dynamic Link Libraries.

It allows you to bypass the internal drive to install Windows, perform specific diagnostics, and run recovery tools.

With optical drives (CD/DVD) phased out of modern PCs, bootable USB drives have become the standard tool for system installation and recovery.

When Need to Create Bootable USB from ISO

In some cases, you may need to create Windows 11 bootable USB from an ISO file or make a Windows 10 bootable drive.

Common scenarios include:

  • Installing Windows on a new PC
  • Performing a clean installation of Windows 11/10
  • Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11
  • Using diagnostic tools in WinRE, such as Startup Repair or Reset this PC, to fix an unbootable PC
Tips:
Make sure the USB drive has enough capacity before Rufus or Media Creation Tool bootable USB creation. Besides, back up any important files stored on the drive to avoid data loss.

Media Creation Tool vs Rufus

Both Media Creation Tool and Rufus are bootable USB creators, each designed for different users and use cases.

FeatureMedia Creation ToolRufus
Target AudienceBeginners, everyday Windows usersAdvanced users and IT professionals
ISO supportWindows onlyVirtually any ISO (Windows, Linux, Unix, etc.).
Source filesAutomatically downloads the filesUses a local ISO file, with optional ISO download support depending on version
Customization OptionsUses automatic configuration with limited user controlProvides manual control over partition scheme, file system, cluster size, and boot mode
Bypass RequirementsNo options; enforces official Windows hardware checksAllows bypassing or customizing system requirements (e.g., Secure Boot/TPM).
Setup speedSlow (downloads Windows files and creates the USB drive)Fast if ISO is already available locally
Offline CapabilitiesRequires an active internet connection to download filesWorks entirely offline if you have the local ISO file

Recommended tips:

  • Use Rufus if you already have a Windows ISO file or want advanced control over partition scheme and boot settings.
  • Use Media Creation Tool if you want an easy and official way to create Windows installation USB.

How to Create Bootable USB from ISO Windows 11/10

With a clear understanding of Rufus and the Media Creation Tool, you can now proceed to create a bootable USB drive.

Method 1: Use Media Creation Tool (Easiest Way)

If you’re looking for a simple way to create a Windows bootable USB drive, Media Creation Tool is a practical choice. This official Microsoft utility can download Windows files and create the installation media automatically.

Step 1: Visit the Windows 10 or Windows 11 download page from Microsoft.

Here we will show you detailed steps to create Windows 11 bootable USB.

Step 2: Under the Create Windows 11 Installation Media section, click Download Now to download Media Creation Tool.

The Create Windows 11 Installation Media section to download Media Creation Tool.

Step 3: Run this tool, and accept the applicable notices and license terms.

Step 4: Select a language and edition.

Step 5: Choose USB flash drive to proceed.

The Media Creation Tool window with selected USB flash drive for bootable media creation.
Tips:
To download a Windows ISO image file, check ISO file.

Step 6: Insert a USB flash drive, refresh the window, and choose this drive to continue.

Step 7: The tool begins downloading Windows files and creating a bootable drive.

Step 8: Wait for the process to complete. Then, click the Finish button.

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Method 2: Use Rufus (More Flexible Option)

Rufus is a better choice to create bootable USB if you:

  • Already have an ISO file
  • Need advanced customization options
  • Want to install Windows 11 on unsupported PCs

Why Use Rufus

Rufus offers several advantages:

  • Delivers fast speed when you burn ISO to USB
  • Supports bypassing Windows 11 requirements, such as RAM/Secure Boot/TPM 2.0
  • Allows selection of GPT or MBR
  • Is lightweight and portable

Follow the steps of Rufus bootable USB creation:

Step 1: Download and launch Rufus.

Step 2: Connect a USB flash drive to the PC.

Step 3: Select the Windows 11/10 ISO file, configure advanced options, and click START.

The Rufus window with the selected Windows 11 ISO to create bootable USB.

Step 4: Customize Windows installation and click OK to begin burning the ISO image file to USB.

Tips:
If you want to bypass Windows 11 hardware requirements during installation, choose Remove requirement for 4GB+ RAM, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0, and start the bootable USB drive creation.
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Back Up Files Before Reinstalling/Resetting Windows

Now that the bootable USB drive is ready, it is a good idea to back up your important files before installing or reinstalling Windows to prevent data loss. Be sure to back up documents, photos, videos, desktop files, and other personal data.

MiniTool ShadowMaker is a professional backup tool for backing up files, folders, disks, partitions, and operating systems. It also allows you to safeguard your data even if Windows becomes unbootable.

MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Step 1: Download, install, and launch MiniTool ShadowMaker.

Step 2: In Backup, click SOURCE > Folders and Files, and choose the source files.

Step 3: Click DESTINATION to select a target drive.

Step 4: Begin file backup by clicking Back Up Now.

The MiniTool ShadowMaker window for file backup.
Tips:
If Windows cannot boot, run this backup software, navigate to Tools > Media Builder to create a bootable drive to run its Bootable Edition, and create the file backup.
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How to Boot Windows from USB

After creating a Windows 11/10 bootable USB drive and backing up your files, you can use the drive to install Windows or access tools for system repair and recovery.

Step 1: Insert the bootable USB drive into the target computer.

Step 2: Restart the PC and press Del, Esc, F2, F10, or the key specified by the manufacturer to access the BIOS or UEFI Settings.

Step 3: In the boot menu, select the drive as the first boot device to run Windows from USB.

Step 4: On the Windows Setup interface, install or repair Windows.

Clean Install:

  1. Configure the language and keyboard format
  2. Choose Install now or Install Windows 11.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to perform a clean installation.
The Windows 11 Setup interface with Install Windows 11 selected for a clean installation.

Repair Windows:

  • Click Repair your computer to access Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
  • Choose Troubleshoot.
  • Run Command Prompt, Startup Repair, or Reset this PC depending on scenarios.

Create Bootable USB from ISO FAQ

Is Rufus completely free?
Yes, Rufus is completely free and open-source. It doesn’t offer paid editions, helping download Windows ISO and create a bootable USB drive.
Why is my bootable USB not working?
A bootable USB drive may fail to work due to the wrong boot mode, incorrect partition scheme, corrupted ISO, and Secure Boot conflicts.
GPT or MBR: Which should I choose?
Choose GPT for almost all modern computers since they use UEFI firmware. If you install Windows 11, GPT is required. For Legacy BIOS systems, use MBR.
Which is better, Rufus or Etcher?
Whether Rufus or Etcher is better depends on your needs.
—Choose Rufus if you need advanced options during the bootable USB creation process or need to bypass Windows 11 hardware requirements.
—Use Etcher if you want to create bootable USB with minimal configuration on the simple interface.
Can any USB be used as a bootable USB?
Yes, almost any USB flash drive can be made bootable, provided that it has enough space and functions properly. For the Windows installation drive, at least 8GB of storage is required.
Besides, you cannot simply copy and paste files to the drive; instead, you must use a tool to burn an ISO to a USB drive to make it bootable.

Bottom Line

Creating a bootable USB drive from an ISO file is a simple way to install, reinstall, or troubleshoot Windows 11/10. You can run Media Creation Tool or Rufus to make one in just a few steps.

Before installing the operating system, remember to back up important files to prevent data loss. If you encounter issues while using MiniTool ShadowMaker for data backup, contact us at [email protected].

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About The Author

Vera
Vera

Position: Columnist

Vera has been working at the MiniTool Team for over 10 years as a technical editor and content writer. She mainly focuses on disk and partition management, data recovery, Windows backup and restore, and PC troubleshooting. Through in-depth software testing and hands-on experience, she has helped users solve a wide range of computer problems and better protect their data on Windows devices.

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