How to Boot from USB Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 4, 2025

Booting your Windows 11 PC from a USB drive can be extremely useful. Whether you’re installing Windows, running a recovery tool, or troubleshooting a system problem, knowing how to boot from USB gives you more control over your computer.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll cover everything: creating a bootable USB, changing boot order in BIOS/UEFI, and troubleshooting common issues.

✅ Key Takeaways

  • Booting from USB allows you to install or repair Windows 11, run diagnostic tools, or use live Linux environments.

  • Windows 11 requires UEFI boot mode, but legacy BIOS can also be used on older systems.

  • You can create a bootable USB using Microsoft Media Creation Tool, Rufus, or other utilities.

  • Changing the boot priority in BIOS/UEFI ensures the PC starts from the USB drive.

Why Boot from USB on Windows 11?

There are many scenarios where booting from USB is necessary:

  • 🔧 Installing or reinstalling Windows 11 on a new or existing PC.

  • 🛠️ Running recovery tools when Windows won’t boot.

  • 💽 Testing or using portable operating systems like Linux or Windows PE.

  • 💾 Disk cloning, firmware updates, or diagnostics.

Think of the USB as a “portable computer” that can start your system independently.

Step 1: Prepare a Bootable USB Drive

Before booting from USB, you need a properly prepared drive.

Requirements:

  • A USB drive (at least 8 GB for Windows 11).

  • A working Windows 11 ISO or Media Creation Tool.

  • A PC to prepare the USB.

Method 1: Using Windows Media Creation Tool

  1. Download Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website.

  2. Run the tool and select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file).

  3. Choose USB flash drive and select your USB.

  4. Wait for the tool to download and create the bootable USB.

Method 2: Using Rufus

  1. Download Rufus from rufus.ie.

  2. Plug in your USB drive.

  3. Open Rufus and select the Windows 11 ISO.

  4. Choose GPT partition scheme for UEFI (or MBR for legacy BIOS).

  5. Click Start to create the bootable USB.

💡 Pro Tip: Always backup USB contents — the process will erase everything.

Step 2: Change Boot Order in BIOS/UEFI

To boot from USB, your PC must check the USB drive first.

Steps:

  1. Restart your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI settings.

    • Common keys: F2, Del, Esc, F10 (check your motherboard manual).

  2. Navigate to Boot or Boot Order settings.

  3. Set the USB drive as the first boot device.

  4. Save changes and exit BIOS/UEFI (usually F10).

  5. Your PC should restart and boot from the USB drive.

Step 3: Use the Boot Menu (Quick Boot Option)

Most PCs allow a temporary boot menu to select boot device without changing BIOS.

Steps:

  1. Plug in the USB drive.

  2. Restart the PC.

  3. Press the Boot Menu key during startup (commonly F12, F11, or Esc).

  4. Select your USB drive from the list.

✅ This method is handy for one-time boot from USB without changing permanent settings.

Step 4: Boot from USB for Windows 11 Installation

Once booted, you’ll see the Windows 11 setup screen:

  1. Select Language, Time, and Keyboard layout → Click Next.

  2. Click Install Now.

  3. Enter your product key or skip if you have a digital license.

  4. Choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) if installing on a fresh drive.

  5. Select the drive/partition to install Windows 11 → Click Next.

  6. Follow prompts to complete installation.

💡 Tip: Format old partitions if you want a clean install.

Step 5: Boot from USB for Recovery or Troubleshooting

If Windows 11 won’t boot, USB recovery drives are lifesavers.

  1. Plug in your recovery USB drive.

  2. Boot from USB (via BIOS or Boot Menu).

  3. Select Repair your computer instead of Install.

  4. Options available:

    • Startup Repair: Fix boot issues.

    • System Restore: Restore to an earlier restore point.

    • Command Prompt: Advanced troubleshooting.

    • System Image Recovery: Restore from a backup image.

Step 6: Troubleshooting Boot from USB Issues

  • ❌ USB not detected:

    • Check BIOS/UEFI settings: Enable USB boot.

    • Try different USB port (preferably USB 2.0 for compatibility).

  • ❌ Windows won’t install:

    • Verify the ISO file is not corrupted.

    • Ensure Secure Boot is enabled/disabled depending on your setup.

  • ❌ Legacy vs UEFI issues:

    • For UEFI systems, use GPT partition scheme.

    • For older BIOS systems, use MBR.

Comparison: BIOS vs Boot Menu

Feature BIOS/UEFI Boot Order Boot Menu
Permanent change ✅ ❌ Temporary
One-time boot option ❌ ✅
Ease of use Medium Easy
Risk of errors Medium Low

Tips for Smooth Boot from USB on Windows 11

  • Use USB 3.0 only if supported — older PCs may not detect it.

  • Always safely eject USB after creating the bootable media.

  • Keep your USB ISO updated to the latest Windows 11 version.

  • Label your bootable USB for easy identification in multi-drive setups.

Conclusion

Booting from USB on Windows 11 is a powerful skill for installation, recovery, or troubleshooting. The steps are:

  1. Create a bootable USB (Media Creation Tool or Rufus).

  2. Change boot order in BIOS/UEFI or use Boot Menu.

  3. Boot the PC and follow prompts to install Windows or access recovery tools.

  4. Troubleshoot if USB isn’t detected or boot fails.

Once you master this, you’ll have full control over your Windows 11 installation and recovery options.

❓ FAQs About Booting from USB on Windows 11

1. Can I boot Windows 11 from USB on any PC?
Yes, but ensure the PC supports UEFI or BIOS boot from USB.

2. Do I need a special USB drive?
No, any USB 8 GB or larger works. USB 3.0 is faster but optional.

3. How do I know which key to press for BIOS or Boot Menu?
Check your PC manufacturer’s website or watch for on-screen prompts during startup.

4. Can I use the USB to repair Windows 11?
Yes, boot from a recovery USB and choose Repair your computer.

5. My PC won’t detect the USB drive. What should I do?
Try another USB port, check BIOS settings, or recreate the bootable USB.

Related Posts:

Scroll to Top