How to Put Windows 10 on USB: A Step-by-Step Guide for Easy Installation

By / November 3, 2025

If you’ve ever needed to reinstall Windows 10 or set up a new PC, you know how handy a bootable USB drive can be. But how exactly do you put Windows 10 on a USB? Don’t worry — this comprehensive, beginner-friendly guide will walk you through every step clearly and confidently.

Whether you’re upgrading, repairing, or doing a clean install, creating a Windows 10 bootable USB drive is one of the easiest ways to install or reinstall Windows on your computer. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

🔍 What Does It Mean to “Put Windows 10 on a USB”?

When you “put Windows 10 on a USB,” you’re essentially creating a bootable USB drive that contains all the necessary files to install Windows 10 on any compatible computer.

Think of it like having a portable Windows installer in your pocket — ready whenever your PC needs a fresh start or a recovery.

💡 Why You Should Install Windows 10 Using a USB Drive

Installing Windows from a USB drive offers several advantages over using traditional DVDs or online installations. Here are some benefits:

  • Speed: USB 3.0 drives install Windows much faster than DVDs.

  • Portability: You can carry the installer anywhere and use it on multiple PCs.

  • Convenience: Most modern laptops don’t even have DVD drives anymore.

  • Recovery: A bootable USB helps recover your PC if Windows crashes or becomes corrupted.

In short, it’s faster, easier, and more reliable.

🧰 What You’ll Need Before You Start

Before we start the process, make sure you have everything ready. Here’s what you’ll need:

Requirement Description
USB Flash Drive Minimum 8 GB (16 GB recommended)
Windows 10 ISO file Downloadable from Microsoft’s official website
Internet Connection For downloading the ISO or Media Creation Tool
A PC or Laptop To prepare the USB
Media Creation Tool (optional) Microsoft’s official tool to create bootable media easily

⚙️ Step-by-Step: How to Put Windows 10 on USB

There are two main methods for creating a bootable USB drive:

  1. Using the Media Creation Tool (recommended)

  2. Using the Rufus tool with a downloaded ISO file

We’ll cover both methods in detail.

🥇 Method 1: Using the Microsoft Media Creation Tool

This is the easiest and safest way to create a Windows 10 bootable USB. Let’s go step-by-step.

Step 1: Download the Media Creation Tool

  1. Visit the official Microsoft download page: https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10

  2. Click Download tool now under “Create Windows 10 installation media.”

  3. Save the file to your PC.

Step 2: Run the Tool

  1. Double-click the downloaded file (MediaCreationTool.exe).

  2. Accept the license terms.

  3. Choose Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC and click Next.

Step 3: Choose Language, Edition, and Architecture

Select:

  • Language: Choose your preferred language (e.g., English).

  • Edition: Choose Windows 10.

  • Architecture: Choose 64-bit, 32-bit, or both (most PCs today use 64-bit).

Click Next when done.

Step 4: Select the USB Flash Drive

  1. Insert your USB drive into your PC.

  2. Choose USB flash drive and click Next.

  3. Select your drive from the list and click Next again.

Step 5: Wait for the Download and Creation Process

The tool will:

  • Download the latest Windows 10 ISO file.

  • Format the USB drive.

  • Copy the installation files automatically.

💡 This may take 15–30 minutes depending on your internet speed.

Once done, you’ll see a message:

“Your USB flash drive is ready.”

🥈 Method 2: Using Rufus and a Windows 10 ISO File

If you already have a Windows 10 ISO file, or want more control over the process, you can use Rufus, a popular third-party utility.

Step 1: Download Rufus

  1. Go to https://rufus.ie.

  2. Download the latest version of Rufus.

  3. Run the .exe file — it doesn’t need installation.

Step 2: Insert and Select Your USB Drive

  • Plug in your USB flash drive (minimum 8 GB).

  • Rufus will automatically detect it under the Device field.

Step 3: Choose the ISO File

  • Under Boot selection, click the Select button.

  • Choose your Windows 10 ISO file from your computer.

Step 4: Select Partition Scheme and Target System

Depending on your PC type, choose one of the following:

System Type Partition Scheme Target System
Newer PCs (UEFI) GPT UEFI (non-CSM)
Older PCs (Legacy BIOS) MBR BIOS (or UEFI-CSM)

💡 If unsure, choose GPT + UEFI — most modern computers use this.

Step 5: File System and Volume Label

  • File System: NTFS (recommended)

  • Volume Label: Name it something like Windows10_USB

Step 6: Click “Start” to Begin

  • Click Start.

  • Rufus will warn that all data on the USB will be erased — confirm.

  • The process will begin and may take 10–20 minutes.

Once it says “READY,” your bootable Windows 10 USB is complete!

🖥️ How to Install Windows 10 Using the Bootable USB

Now that your USB is ready, let’s install Windows 10 on your computer.

Step 1: Insert the Bootable USB

Plug the USB drive into the PC where you want to install Windows 10.

Step 2: Enter BIOS or Boot Menu

  1. Restart your PC.

  2. Press the boot key repeatedly while it starts (usually F2, F12, DEL, or ESC).

  3. Select your USB drive from the boot options.

Step 3: Begin Windows 10 Setup

You’ll see the Windows Setup screen.

  1. Choose your language, time, and keyboard layout.

  2. Click Next, then Install Now.

  3. Enter your product key (or choose I don’t have a product key).

Step 4: Choose Installation Type

You’ll get two options:

  • Upgrade: Keeps files and apps.

  • Custom: Fresh installation (recommended for a clean setup).

Select Custom for a fresh start.

Step 5: Partition and Install

  1. Choose your primary hard drive partition.

  2. Click Next.

  3. Windows will copy files, install features, and restart several times.

Step 6: Finish Setup

After installation:

  • Set your region and keyboard preferences.

  • Connect to Wi-Fi.

  • Create a Microsoft or local account.

  • Choose your privacy settings.

Congratulations! 🎉 You’ve successfully installed Windows 10 from a USB drive.

🧠 Common Problems (and How to Fix Them)

❌ USB Not Booting?

  • Check BIOS boot order — make sure USB is first.

  • Try a different USB port (preferably USB 2.0).

  • Recreate the bootable drive — your first attempt might be corrupted.

⚠️ Windows Setup Can’t Find Drive?

  • Enable AHCI in BIOS.

  • Load drivers for your SSD or HDD during installation.

  • Ensure your hard drive is properly connected.

🕐 Installation Stuck at “Getting Files Ready”?

  • Use another USB drive or re-download the ISO.

  • Unplug unnecessary peripherals (printers, external drives, etc.).

🧩 Tips for a Smooth Installation

  • Use a high-quality USB 3.0 drive for faster installation.

  • Disconnect unnecessary devices during installation.

  • Always back up your files before doing a clean install.

  • Keep your product key handy for activation.

  • After installation, run Windows Update to get the latest drivers.

🔒 How to Make Sure Your USB Is Bootable

To double-check that your USB is properly configured:

  1. Plug it into your computer.

  2. Open File Explorer — you should see setup files including setup.exe.

  3. Right-click and choose Properties → it should show bootable format like “NTFS” or “FAT32.”

  4. (Optional) You can also test it in a virtual machine before using it on a real PC.

🧭 Alternative: Use Command Prompt (Advanced Users Only)

If you’re comfortable with command-line tools, you can also create a bootable USB using DiskPart:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

  2. Type the following commands one by one:

diskpart
list disk
select disk X (replace X with your USB number)
clean
create partition primary
format fs=ntfs quick
active
assign
exit

  1. Copy all files from the Windows 10 ISO to the USB manually.

⚠️ This method is best for advanced users — be cautious with disk numbers.

📊 Comparison Table: Media Creation Tool vs. Rufus

Feature Media Creation Tool Rufus
Ease of Use Very easy Moderate
Customization Limited High
Speed Moderate Fast
Supports Multiple ISOs No Yes
Best For Beginners Advanced users

🧾 Conclusion: You’re Ready to Install Windows 10 Anywhere

And that’s it! You’ve learned how to put Windows 10 on a USB — from downloading the tools to installing it on your PC.

Whether you use Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool or Rufus, the process is straightforward once you understand the steps.

A bootable USB drive is one of the most valuable tools you can have — perfect for reinstalling Windows, troubleshooting, or helping friends fix their computers.

💬 FAQs: How to Put Windows 10 on USB

1. How big does a USB need to be for Windows 10?

At least 8 GB, though 16 GB or higher is recommended for smoother performance.

2. Can I use the same USB to install Windows 10 on multiple PCs?

Yes! As long as the USB is bootable and the Windows license is valid, you can install it on multiple systems.

3. Do I need a product key to create the USB?

No. You only need a product key when activating Windows 10 after installation.

4. Can I create the USB from a Mac or Linux computer?

Yes — tools like UNetbootin or Balena Etcher can create Windows bootable USBs on macOS or Linux.

5. Is it safe to use Rufus or other third-party tools?

Yes, if downloaded from the official website. Always verify you’re on the official Rufus site to avoid malware.

🧩 Summary: Key Takeaways

Step Description
1️⃣ Download the Windows 10 ISO or Media Creation Tool
2️⃣ Use the tool (Media Creation Tool or Rufus) to make the USB bootable
3️⃣ Boot your PC from the USB drive
4️⃣ Follow on-screen instructions to install Windows 10
5️⃣ Complete setup and activate Windows

In short: Create → Boot → Install → Enjoy your fresh Windows 10 system!

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