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

Booting from a USB drive is essential for installing Windows, running live operating systems, or performing system recovery. If you’re using Windows 11 and want to know how to boot from a USB, this guide will walk you through the entire process, step by step.

Table of Contents

Why Boot from USB?

Booting from a USB offers several benefits:

Install or reinstall Windows 11 – A USB drive is faster and more convenient than a DVD.
Run live Linux or recovery tools – Troubleshoot your PC without affecting the existing OS.
Fix boot issues – Recover a corrupted system using recovery drives.
Portable tools – Carry diagnostic or repair utilities on a USB stick.

What You Need Before You Start

A bootable USB drive with the OS or tools you need.
Windows 11 PC with USB ports.
Optional: Another PC to create a bootable USB using tools like Rufus or Microsoft Media Creation Tool.

💡 Tip: Ensure the USB drive is at least 8 GB for Windows 11 installation media.

Step 1: Create a Bootable USB Drive

If you don’t already have a bootable USB, you can create one:

Using Microsoft Media Creation Tool:

Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official website.
Insert a USB drive (all data will be erased).
Run the tool and select Create installation media for another PC.
Choose USB flash drive and follow the prompts.

Using Rufus (Alternative):

Download Rufus.
Insert your USB and select the ISO file.
Choose Partition scheme: GPT (for UEFI systems).
Click Start to create the bootable drive.

Step 2: Access the BIOS or UEFI Settings

Booting from USB usually requires changing the boot order in BIOS/UEFI:

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to System > Recovery > Advanced startup.
Click Restart now under Advanced startup.
Select Use a device > USB drive or Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.

Alternatively, you can press a BIOS key during startup (common keys: F2, F12, Delete, Esc) to enter BIOS/UEFI directly.

Step 3: Change Boot Order

Once in BIOS/UEFI:

Navigate to the Boot tab.
Locate Boot priority/order.
Move the USB drive to the top of the list using the on-screen instructions.
Save changes and exit (usually F10).

💡 Tip: On modern PCs with UEFI, you may need to disable Secure Boot to boot some USB drives.

Step 4: Boot from the USB Drive

Insert the bootable USB drive.
Restart your PC.
The system should boot from the USB automatically.
Follow the on-screen instructions for installation, recovery, or live environment.

Step 5: Troubleshooting USB Boot Issues

USB not detected:
- Try a different port (use USB 2.0 if available).
- Check if the USB is properly formatted as bootable.
Secure Boot blocks USB:
- Disable Secure Boot in BIOS/UEFI.
Wrong boot order:
- Ensure USB is first in the boot priority.

Tips for Successful USB Boot

Use official ISO files for Windows 11 or Linux.
Always backup your data before reinstalling an OS.
Use high-quality USB drives for reliability.
If your PC is fast, press the boot menu key instead of changing BIOS boot order.
Keep your PC plugged into power during the process.

Common Scenarios for USB Boot

Installing a fresh copy of Windows 11.
Repairing Windows using a recovery USB.
Running a portable Linux OS.
Using diagnostic tools like MemTest86 or partition software.

Conclusion

Booting from a USB in Windows 11 is straightforward once you understand the process. Whether you’re installing a new OS, recovering a system, or running diagnostic tools, a bootable USB is a versatile tool. Follow these steps carefully, adjust BIOS/UEFI settings, and you’ll be up and running in no time.

FAQs

1. Can I boot from any USB drive on Windows 11?
Yes, but it must be bootable and properly formatted.

2. What key do I press to enter BIOS on Windows 11?
Common keys are F2, F12, Delete, or Esc, depending on your PC manufacturer.

3. Do I need to disable Secure Boot?
Sometimes, especially for non-Windows or older bootable USBs.

4. Can I boot from USB without entering BIOS?
Yes, many PCs have a Boot Menu key (like F12) for temporary USB boot.

5. What if my PC doesn’t detect the USB drive?
Check USB format, try a different port, or recreate the bootable drive using a reliable tool.

Recommendation: Use a bootable USB for installations, recovery, or diagnostics. Always ensure your USB is properly created and BIOS settings are configured.
Next step: Prepare your bootable USB and follow these steps to boot safely in Windows 11.