A bootable Windows 10 USB drive lets you reinstall Windows 10, repair a PC that won’t start, or reach recovery tools. Microsoft’s free Media Creation Tool makes one in about 20 to 40 minutes. You’ll need a USB drive of at least 8 GB and a working Windows PC to create it.
Note: Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) now run until October 12, 2027. These steps still work on Windows 10, but upgrading to Windows 11 is the long-term way to keep getting security fixes.
Quick answer
Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s Windows 10 download page, run it, choose Create installation media, pick your language, edition, and 64-bit architecture, select USB flash drive, and choose your drive. When it finishes, the USB is ready to boot.
What you need
- A USB flash drive of 8 GB or more. Everything on it will be erased.
- A Windows PC with an internet connection to download about 4 GB.
- A Windows 10 product key or a PC with an existing digital license, if you plan to install and activate.
Method 1: Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool (recommended)
- Go to Microsoft’s Windows 10 download page and select Download Now under Create Windows 10 installation media.
- Run the downloaded tool and accept the license terms.
- Choose Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC.
- Leave Use the recommended options for this PC ticked, or clear it to pick a different language, edition, or architecture. Most PCs need 64-bit.
- Select USB flash drive, then choose your drive from the list.
- Wait while the tool downloads Windows and writes the drive, then select Finish.
Method 2: Rufus with a Windows 10 ISO
If the Media Creation Tool fails, download the official Windows 10 ISO (choose ISO file in the tool, or download it from Microsoft’s page on a non-Windows device), then use a reputable utility such as Rufus to write it to the USB. Choose GPT and UEFI for modern PCs. Only use ISO files from Microsoft; modified images can contain malware.
Method 3: Command Prompt
You can also prepare the drive manually with diskpart and copy the ISO files. This is useful when other tools aren’t available. See making a bootable Windows 10 USB using CMD.
Boot from the USB drive
- Plug the USB into the PC you want to install or repair.
- Turn it on and press the boot menu key, often F12, F11, F8, or Esc, depending on the maker.
- Choose the USB drive (it may appear as “UEFI: [drive name]”).
- If the PC skips the USB, change the boot order in the firmware; see how to enter the BIOS on Windows 10.
Troubleshooting
- “There was a problem running this tool”: Run it as administrator, temporarily disable third-party antivirus, or try Method 2.
- The USB doesn’t show in the boot menu: Try a USB 2.0 port or a different drive, and make sure the drive was created for UEFI if the PC uses UEFI.
- Secure Boot error: Use media made by the Media Creation Tool, which supports Secure Boot. Don’t disable Secure Boot unless you know why.
- Drive too small: Use 8 GB or larger; 16 GB gives more room for newer images.
Related: Use Rufus to install Windows 10.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Windows 10 USB free to make?
Yes. The tool and download are free; you need a license to activate Windows after installing.
Can I use the same drive for Windows 11?
Not at the same time. Create a separate drive with Microsoft’s Windows 11 tool; see creating a bootable Windows 11 USB.
Can I still use the drive later?
Yes, but Windows images age. Recreate the drive occasionally so it includes recent updates.
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.