how to boot windows 10 from usb
Booting Windows 10 from a USB is a handy skill to have. Whether you’re installing the operating system on a new computer or need to troubleshoot an existing one, this method is your go-to. Simply put, you create a bootable USB drive and then set your computer to boot from it. It’s quick, it’s easy, and I’m here to guide you through it step-by-step.
Step-by-Step: How to Boot Windows 10 from USB
First things first, let’s break down what you’ll achieve by following these steps. By the end of this, you’ll have a bootable USB drive and know how to boot your computer from it.
Step 1: Download the Windows 10 ISO file
The first step is to download the Windows 10 ISO file from the official Microsoft website.
Head over to the Microsoft website and look for the Windows 10 download page. Make sure you download only from the official source to avoid any malware or corrupted files.
Step 2: Create a bootable USB drive using a tool
Step 2 involves using a tool like the Windows Media Creation Tool to make your USB drive bootable.
Download the Windows Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website. Insert your USB drive into your computer and run the tool, following the on-screen instructions to create the bootable USB.
Step 3: Change the boot order in BIOS/UEFI settings
Now, you need to change the boot order in your computer’s BIOS or UEFI settings to boot from the USB drive.
Restart your computer and during the boot-up process, press the key to enter BIOS/UEFI settings (usually F2, F12, DEL, or ESC). Navigate to the Boot menu and set the USB drive as the first boot device.
Step 4: Boot from the USB drive
With your USB set as the first boot device, you are now ready to boot from it.
Save your BIOS/UEFI settings and restart your computer. The system should now boot from the USB drive, and you’ll see the Windows 10 installation screen.
Step 5: Install or repair Windows 10
Finally, follow the on-screen instructions to install or repair Windows 10.
Whether you’re installing the OS anew or repairing an existing installation, the on-screen wizard will guide you through the process. Just follow the prompts, and you’ll be good to go.
What happens next? Once you’ve completed the installation or repair, your computer will restart. You may need to go back into BIOS/UEFI settings to set your internal hard drive as the primary boot device again. From there, your computer should boot into Windows 10 as usual.
Tips for Booting Windows 10 from USB
- Make sure your USB drive has at least 8GB of storage space.
- Always back up important files before starting the installation process.
- Ensure that your USB drive is formatted to FAT32 or NTFS.
- Use a high-quality USB drive to avoid read/write errors.
- Keep your Windows 10 product key handy for activation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my computer doesn’t boot from the USB drive?
Check if the USB drive is properly inserted and ensure it’s set as the first boot device in BIOS/UEFI settings.
Can I use any USB drive to boot Windows 10?
You need a USB drive with at least 8GB of storage space and good read/write speed.
Do I need a product key to boot Windows 10 from a USB?
A product key is not needed to boot, but you will need it for activating Windows 10 after installation.
Will booting from a USB erase my files?
Booting won’t erase files, but performing a clean installation of Windows 10 will. Make sure to back up important data.
Is internet required to create a bootable USB drive?
Yes, you need internet access to download the Windows 10 ISO file and the Media Creation Tool.
Summary of Steps
- Download the Windows 10 ISO file.
- Create a bootable USB drive using a tool.
- Change the boot order in BIOS/UEFI settings.
- Boot from the USB drive.
- Install or repair Windows 10.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now know how to boot Windows 10 from USB. It’s a lifesaver technique, especially when you’re dealing with a new build or troubleshooting a problematic system. Always keep a bootable USB drive handy; you never know when you might need it. If you’re eager to delve deeper, consider exploring how to create multi-boot USB drives or even dive into the world of Linux. Armed with this knowledge, you’re well on your way to becoming the go-to tech guru in your circle. If you found this guide helpful, don’t hesitate to share it with others who might benefit from it. Happy computing!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.