How to Boot from USB Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve ever needed to reinstall Windows, run a system repair, or try out a new operating system, knowing how to boot from a USB drive in Windows 10 is an essential skill. Booting from USB allows you to start your PC using a different device instead of your hard drive — it’s like giving your computer a fresh start with a brand-new toolset.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from preparing a bootable USB drive to configuring BIOS or UEFI settings, and successfully booting your Windows 10 PC from USB.

What Does It Mean to Boot from USB in Windows 10?

Booting from a USB means starting your PC using files stored on a USB flash drive instead of your internal hard disk.

When you plug in a bootable USB and restart your computer, your PC reads the operating system or tool on the USB — allowing you to install Windows, run diagnostics, or even use a portable OS like Linux.

Think of it as telling your computer to wake up using a different brain for a while.

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2. Why Boot from a USB Drive?

There are several good reasons why you might need to boot from a USB on Windows 10:

In short, a USB boot is your rescue tool when things go wrong — or when you just want a clean start.

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3. Things You’ll Need Before Booting from USB

Before you jump into the process, make sure you have everything ready:

✅ A USB flash drive (at least 8 GB)
✅ A working Windows 10 PC
✅ Internet connection (for downloading the ISO)
✅ Windows 10 installation media or ISO file
✅ Administrator access on your PC

💡 Tip: Always back up your important data before formatting your USB drive.

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4. How to Create a Bootable USB Drive for Windows 10

To boot from a USB, you first need to create a bootable USB — that means transferring Windows 10 setup files properly so your PC recognizes it as a bootable device.

Option 1: Use the Windows Media Creation Tool (Recommended)

1. Go to Microsoft’s official site and download the Media Creation Tool.

2. Insert your USB drive into the PC.

3. Run the Media Creation Tool as administrator.

4. Select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file).

5. Choose your preferred language, edition, and architecture (64-bit is common).

6. Select USB flash drive when asked which media to use.

7. Pick your USB drive and click Next.

8. The tool will download and install Windows 10 files on your USB.

That’s it — you now have a bootable Windows 10 USB drive.

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Option 2: Use Rufus (Manual Method)

If you want more control, use Rufus, a popular third-party tool.

1. Download Rufus from rufus.ie.

2. Insert your USB drive.

3. Open Rufus and select your USB device.

4. Under Boot selection, choose the Windows 10 ISO file.

5. Set the Partition scheme:

   • Use GPT for UEFI systems.

   • Use MBR for legacy BIOS systems.

6. Click Start and wait for Rufus to create the bootable drive.

⚠️ Warning: This process erases all data on your USB.

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5. Step-by-Step: How to Boot from USB on Windows 10

Once your bootable USB is ready, it’s time to start your PC from it.

There are two main methods:

• Using the Boot Menu (quickest way)

• Changing Boot Order in BIOS/UEFI

Let’s go through both.

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Method 1: Boot Using the Boot Menu (Recommended)

This is the easiest way to boot from USB without permanently changing settings.

Steps:

1. Insert your bootable USB drive.

2. Restart your computer.

3. As soon as it starts, repeatedly press the Boot Menu key (usually F12, Esc, or F8, depending on your manufacturer).

4. The Boot Menu will appear — use arrow keys to select your USB device.

5. Press Enter to boot from USB.

Your PC will now start from the USB and load the Windows 10 setup or tool on it.

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Method 2: Boot from USB via BIOS/UEFI Settings

If your PC doesn’t offer a Boot Menu or you prefer a more permanent method, change the boot order.

Steps:

1. Insert your USB drive.

2. Restart your PC.

3. Press the BIOS/UEFI key (commonly F2, Del, F10, or Esc).

4. Inside BIOS, go to the Boot or Startup tab.

5. Locate Boot Order or Boot Priority.

6. Move USB Drive to the top of the list (use + or ↑ key).

7. Save changes (F10) and exit.

8. Your PC will restart and boot from the USB.

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6. How to Change Boot Order in BIOS/UEFI

Here’s a quick reference for BIOS keys by manufacturer:

💡 Tip: Watch the screen during startup — it usually shows the key you need (e.g., “Press F2 to enter Setup”).

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7. How to Boot from USB Using Command Prompt (Advanced)

If your system won’t detect the USB normally, you can try booting via Command Prompt.

1. Plug in your USB and restart the PC.

2. Open Command Prompt as administrator.

3. Type the following commands one by one:

   diskpart
list disk
select disk 0
list partition
exit


4. Then type:

   bcdboot X:\windows /s X: /f UEFI


   (Replace “X” with your USB drive letter.)

This manually sets up boot configuration from the USB drive.

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8. What to Do If Your USB Drive Isn’t Showing Up

If your computer doesn’t recognize the USB as a boot device, try these:

• Plug into a different USB port (preferably USB 2.0).

• Ensure Secure Boot is disabled in BIOS.

• Verify that the USB is formatted correctly (FAT32 or NTFS).

• Check if the ISO file is properly written.

• Update your BIOS to the latest version.

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9. Troubleshooting Common Boot Errors

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10. How to Revert Back to Booting from Hard Drive

After completing your installation or repair, you’ll want your PC to boot normally again.

1. Remove the USB drive.

2. Restart your computer.

3. Enter BIOS/UEFI settings.

4. Change the boot order back to Hard Drive (HDD/SSD).

5. Save and exit.

Now your system will start from your internal drive as usual.

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11. Tips for a Smooth Boot Process

• Use brand-name USB drives (SanDisk, Kingston, etc.).

• Avoid USB hubs — plug directly into your PC.

• Keep your BIOS/UEFI firmware updated.

• Always safely eject USB drives to prevent corruption.

• For older PCs, enable Legacy Boot or disable Secure Boot.

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12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I know if my USB is bootable?

You can open the USB in File Explorer and check for folders like boot or sources. You can also use tools like Rufus or Diskpart to verify.

2. What format should my USB be in — FAT32 or NTFS?

For UEFI systems, use FAT32. For Legacy BIOS, NTFS is acceptable.

3. Can I boot Windows 10 from USB without installing it?

Yes! You can use a Windows To Go USB drive to run Windows directly from the USB without installation.

4. Why won’t my PC boot from USB even though it’s bootable?

Try disabling Secure Boot, enabling Legacy Mode, or switching USB ports. Some systems require specific boot configurations.

5. Do I lose my data when booting from USB?

No — booting doesn’t erase your data. However, creating the bootable USB will erase its contents, so back up your files first.

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13. Final Thoughts

Learning how to boot from USB in Windows 10 is an essential troubleshooting and setup skill for any PC user. Whether you’re reinstalling Windows, repairing your computer, or testing another OS, booting from USB gives you flexibility and control.

With this step-by-step guide, you can confidently create a bootable USB and start your PC from it without stress or confusion.

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14. Key Takeaways

✅ Booting from USB helps install or repair Windows easily.
✅ Use Windows Media Creation Tool or Rufus to make your USB bootable.
✅ Access the Boot Menu (F12) or BIOS to select your USB as the boot device.
✅ Troubleshoot by checking boot order, USB format, and Secure Boot settings.
✅ Always revert your boot order once you’re done.

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Now that you know how to boot from USB in Windows 10, you’re ready to take full control of your computer — whether it’s to install a fresh copy of Windows or to rescue your PC when it refuses to start.