The easiest and safest method is to use Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool. You will need a USB flash drive, a working computer with an internet connection, and a Windows 10 installation image created by the official tool.
Before you begin: Creating the installation USB will erase the existing files on the USB drive. Back up anything important first.
What you need
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USB flash drive: At least 8 GB; 16 GB or more is a practical choice.
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Working Windows PC: To create the installer.
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Internet connection: To download Windows installation files.
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Time: Usually 20–60 minutes, depending on your connection and USB speed.
Microsoft ended standard Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. You can still create installation media, but a Windows 10 installation without applicable extended security updates no longer receives standard security updates. Consider Windows 11 if your computer supports it.
Method 1: Create the bootable USB using Microsoft’s tool
Step 1 — Download the tool
Open the official Windows 10 download page. Under Create Windows 10 Installation Media, select Download Now.
Step 2 — Run the tool
Open the downloaded MediaCreationTool.exe file. Approve the administrator prompt if it appears, then click Accept to agree to the license terms.
Step 3 — Choose installation media
Select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC, then click Next.
Step 4 — Choose Windows settings
Select the language, Windows edition, and architecture. If you are creating the USB for your own computer, the recommended settings are usually appropriate. Choose 64-bit for most modern PCs.
Step 5 — Select USB flash drive
Choose USB flash drive and click Next. Make sure the correct USB drive is connected.
Step 6 — Select your USB
Select the correct drive from the list. Double-check its drive letter and capacity, because the tool will erase its contents.
Step 7 — Wait for completion
The tool downloads Windows 10 and prepares the USB automatically. Keep the computer powered on and the internet connected until it reports that the USB flash drive is ready. Click Finish when prompted.
Your bootable USB is now ready.
Method 2: Boot your computer from the USB
Creating the USB does not install Windows by itself. To start Windows Setup:
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Insert the USB into the computer where you want to install Windows.
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Shut down or restart the computer.
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Immediately press the boot-menu key repeatedly. Common keys include F12, F9, F11, Esc, or F8, depending on the manufacturer.
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Select the USB drive from the boot menu. If two entries appear, choose the UEFI USB option for a modern UEFI computer.
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Follow the Windows Setup instructions.
If the USB does not appear, check the manufacturer’s instructions for opening the boot menu. You may need to adjust boot settings in BIOS/UEFI.
Important: If you want to keep your files, do not delete or format partitions during Windows Setup unless you understand the consequences. A clean installation can erase data.
Common problems and solutions
| Problem | What to try |
|---|---|
| USB is not detected | Try another USB port, preferably a direct port on the computer. |
| Media Creation Tool fails | Restart the PC, check the internet connection, and run the tool as administrator. |
| USB does not appear in the boot menu | Check UEFI/BIOS boot settings and the manufacturer’s boot-menu instructions. |
| Windows Setup asks for a product key | If Windows was previously activated on that device, choose the option to skip entering a key when offered, then install the matching edition. |
| You cannot select a partition | Stop before deleting anything; the issue may involve disk layout, storage drivers, or UEFI/Legacy boot mode. |
Which method should you use?
I recommend Method 1 — Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool because it downloads the installation files and makes the USB bootable without requiring you to configure partitions or use a separate utility.
One final note: Windows 10 reached the end of standard support on October 14, 2025. If your PC supports Windows 11, consider installing a supported Windows version instead, or check Microsoft’s options for Windows 10 Extended Security Updates.
Tell me one thing: Are you creating the USB on a working Windows PC, or are you trying to fix a computer that won’t boot? I can give you the exact next steps for your situation.