How to Make USB Bootable Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 11, 2025

Need to install or reinstall Windows 11? The easiest and most reliable way is to create a bootable USB drive. A bootable USB acts like a portable installer—you plug it in, boot your PC from it, and voilà, you’re ready to set up Windows 11.

If you’re scratching your head wondering how it works, don’t worry. In this guide, I’ll break down how to make USB bootable Windows 11 in simple, easy-to-follow steps. By the end, you’ll have a working USB installer ready to go.

Why Create a Bootable USB for Windows 11?

Before jumping into the steps, let’s clear up why this is so useful.

  • Fresh installation: Perfect if your PC is slowing down and you want a clean start.

  • Reinstallation: Fix errors, corruption, or crashes by reinstalling Windows.

  • Upgrading: Move from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

  • Emergency repair tool: A bootable USB can help you fix startup issues.

In short, it’s like having a Swiss Army knife for your Windows operating system.

What You Need Before Creating a Bootable USB

To make things smooth, make sure you have the following ready:

  1. A USB Drive – At least 8GB, but 16GB is recommended.

  2. Stable Internet Connection – To download the installation files.

  3. Windows 11 ISO File or Media Creation Tool – Provided by Microsoft.

  4. A PC running Windows – To create the bootable USB.

  5. Backup your USB drive – All data will be erased.

Method 1: Using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool (Recommended)

This is the official and easiest way to create a Windows 11 bootable USB.

Steps

  1. Download the Media Creation Tool

  2. Run the Tool

    • Open the downloaded file.

    • Accept Microsoft’s license terms.

  3. Choose Installation Media

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

    • Click Next.

  4. Select Language and Edition

    • Choose your preferred language and Windows 11 edition.

  5. Insert USB Drive

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

    • Select USB flash drive from the options.

  6. Create Bootable USB

    • The tool will download Windows 11 and automatically make your USB bootable.

    • Wait for the process to complete (time depends on your internet speed).

That’s it—your USB is ready to install Windows 11.

Method 2: Using Rufus (Advanced Users)

If you want more control (or don’t want to use Microsoft’s tool), you can use Rufus, a free third-party utility.

Steps

  1. Download Rufus

    • Visit rufus.ie and grab the latest version.

  2. Download Windows 11 ISO

    • From Microsoft’s website, download the Windows 11 ISO file.

  3. Run Rufus

    • Open Rufus and insert your USB drive.

    • It should automatically detect it.

  4. Select the ISO File

    • Under Boot selection, choose Disk or ISO image.

    • Click Select, then browse for the Windows 11 ISO.

  5. Partition Scheme and Target System

    • Choose GPT for UEFI (most modern PCs).

    • File system: NTFS.

  6. Start the Process

    • Click Start.

    • Rufus will erase the USB and copy Windows 11 installation files.

Rufus also allows bypassing TPM and Secure Boot requirements—handy for unsupported PCs.

Method 3: Using Command Prompt (Manual Method)

If you’re a power user and like doing things manually, Command Prompt has your back.

Steps

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator

    • Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click, and select Run as administrator.

  2. Launch Diskpart

    • Type diskpart and press Enter.

  3. List and Select USB Drive

    • Type list disk → find your USB drive number.

    • Type select disk X (replace X with your USB drive number).

  4. Clean the Drive

    • Type clean → press Enter.

  5. Create Partition and Format

    • Type:

      create partition primary
      select partition 1
      active
      format fs=ntfs quick
      assign
      exit

  6. Copy Windows 11 Files

    • Mount the Windows 11 ISO (double-click the ISO).

    • Copy all files from the ISO to the USB drive manually.

This method takes longer but works if you don’t want external tools.

How to Boot from USB and Install Windows 11

Once you’ve created the bootable USB, here’s what to do next:

  1. Plug in the USB drive to the PC where you want to install Windows 11.

  2. Restart your PC.

  3. Enter BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing F2, F12, ESC, or DEL during startup).

  4. Set Boot Order – Make the USB drive the first boot option.

  5. Save and Exit BIOS – Your PC will restart.

  6. Windows 11 Setup Starts – Follow the on-screen instructions to install.

Tips for a Smooth Installation

  • Make sure your PC meets Windows 11 system requirements (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, 4GB RAM, etc.).

  • Use a USB 3.0 drive for faster installation.

  • Keep your product key handy if required.

  • Back up important files before installing—Windows setup may wipe data.

When to Use Rufus vs Media Creation Tool

  • Use Media Creation Tool if you want the easiest, safest, official way.

  • Use Rufus if you want advanced control (like bypassing requirements).

  • Use Command Prompt only if you’re comfortable with manual commands.

Common Issues and Fixes

1. USB not detected in BIOS

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

2. “Windows cannot be installed” error

  • Switch partition scheme between GPT and MBR depending on BIOS settings.

3. Bootable USB not working

  • Recreate the USB with Rufus or Media Creation Tool.

Final Thoughts

Creating a bootable USB for Windows 11 might sound technical, but once you follow the steps, it’s surprisingly simple. Whether you go with the official Media Creation Tool, Rufus, or even Command Prompt, you’ll end up with a powerful installation tool in your pocket.

So, the next time your PC acts up—or if you’re upgrading—grab a USB and set up Windows 11 the right way.

FAQs

1. How big should my USB be for Windows 11?
At least 8GB, but 16GB or larger is recommended for smooth performance.

2. Can I reuse the USB after making it bootable?
Yes, but you’ll need to format it first, which erases the Windows setup files.

3. Is Rufus safe to use?
Yes, Rufus is a trusted tool widely used for creating bootable drives.

4. Do I need a product key to install Windows 11?
You can install without a key, but you’ll need one to activate Windows fully.

5. Can I create a bootable USB on Mac or Linux?
Yes, but you’ll need different tools (like BalenaEtcher). The steps in this guide are for Windows PCs.

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