Creating a UEFI Bootable USB for Windows 10 is essential for installing or repairing Windows on devices with UEFI firmware. The task involves downloading a Windows 10 ISO file, using a tool to create the bootable USB, and configuring your computer to boot from the USB. Let’s dive into the details!
How to Create UEFI Bootable USB Windows 10
Here’s a guide to creating a UEFI Bootable USB for Windows 10, which will help you install the operating system on any UEFI-supported device.
Step 1: Download Windows 10 ISO
Head to the official Microsoft website and download the Windows 10 ISO file.
Make sure you get the right version of the ISO. This will be the foundation of your bootable USB and must match the version you intend to install.
Step 2: Install Rufus Software
Download and install Rufus, a free utility used to create bootable USB drives.
Rufus is a lightweight, user-friendly tool that’s perfect for this task. Installing it is straightforward, and it will make your life a lot easier.
Step 3: Insert the USB Drive
Plug in a USB drive with at least 8GB of storage to your computer.
Ensure that you back up any important data on the USB drive because the process will erase everything on it.
Step 4: Open Rufus and Select the USB Drive
Launch Rufus, and in the "Device" dropdown menu, select your USB drive.
Make sure to carefully select the right drive to avoid accidentally erasing data on the wrong device.
Step 5: Choose the Windows 10 ISO File
Click on the “Select” button and locate the Windows 10 ISO file you downloaded.
Rufus will automatically configure the necessary settings once you choose the ISO file, making the process smooth.
Step 6: Configure Partition Scheme and Target System
In Rufus, set the "Partition Scheme" to GPT and the "Target System" to UEFI (non-CSM).
This setup ensures that the USB drive is compatible with UEFI firmware, which is crucial for modern devices.
Step 7: Start the Process
Click the “Start” button in Rufus to begin creating the bootable USB drive.
This process will take several minutes. Rufus will prompt you if any additional steps are required. Just follow the instructions.
Step 8: Wait for Completion
Wait for Rufus to finish creating the bootable USB drive. This can take around 10-20 minutes.
Once done, Rufus will notify you that the process is complete. Your USB drive is now ready to use.
After completing these steps, your USB drive will be ready with a bootable version of Windows 10. You can now use it to install or repair Windows on any device that supports UEFI. Just plug it into the target computer, start it, and select the USB drive as the boot device from the boot menu.
Tips for Creating UEFI Bootable USB Windows 10
- Ensure your USB drive has at least 8GB of storage.
- Backup all data on the USB drive before beginning the process.
- Use a reliable USB drive for better performance and fewer issues.
- Always download the ISO file from the official Microsoft website to avoid corrupted or malicious files.
- Make sure your computer’s BIOS/UEFI settings are configured to support UEFI boot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is UEFI?
UEFI stands for Unified Extensible Firmware Interface, a modern replacement for BIOS, offering faster boot times and better security features.
Can I use any USB drive to create a bootable USB?
Yes, but it should have at least 8GB capacity and be empty or with non-essential data, as the process will erase all contents.
Why use Rufus for creating a bootable USB?
Rufus is easy to use, free, and highly reliable. It also provides all the necessary configurations for UEFI boot.
How long does it take to create a bootable USB?
It usually takes around 10-20 minutes, depending on your system and USB drive speed.
Can I use the same bootable USB for multiple installations?
Yes, as long as you don’t alter the contents, you can use it multiple times to install Windows 10 on different devices.
Summary
- Download Windows 10 ISO.
- Install Rufus Software.
- Insert the USB Drive.
- Open Rufus and Select the USB Drive.
- Choose the Windows 10 ISO File.
- Configure Partition Scheme and Target System.
- Start the Process.
- Wait for Completion.
Conclusion
And there you have it! Creating a UEFI Bootable USB for Windows 10 isn’t rocket science, but it does require following some specific steps to get it right. By using tools like Rufus, you can ensure a smooth and easy process. This method allows you to install or repair Windows 10 on modern devices efficiently.
Whether you’re tech-savvy or just getting started, this guide can help you navigate the process with ease. For further reading, you might want to check out other articles on troubleshooting common boot issues or optimizing UEFI settings. So go ahead and make your UEFI bootable USB today – your future self will thank you!
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.