How to Make a Bootable USB Windows 10 Using CMD
Creating a bootable USB for Windows 10 using Command Prompt (CMD) is a straightforward process. All you need is a USB drive, the Windows 10 ISO file, and some basic knowledge of CMD commands. This guide will walk you through the steps to make your USB drive bootable, so you can use it to install or repair Windows 10.
Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Make a Bootable USB Windows 10 Using CMD
In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll go through the necessary steps to create a bootable USB drive for Windows 10 using CMD. Each step is simple to follow and will ensure your USB is ready to use.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an Administrator
First, open CMD by searching ‘cmd’ in the Windows search bar, then right-click and select ‘Run as administrator’.
Running CMD as an administrator gives you the necessary permissions to execute the commands needed for this process.
Step 2: Insert Your USB Drive
Next, insert the USB drive you want to make bootable into your computer.
Ensure there’s nothing important on the USB drive, as the process will erase all data on it.
Step 3: Type ‘diskpart’ and Press Enter
In the Command Prompt window, type ‘diskpart’ and hit Enter.
Diskpart is a powerful tool that lets you manage your computer’s disks and partitions. It will open a new command line window.
Step 4: Type ‘list disk’ and Press Enter
In the Diskpart window, type ‘list disk’ and press Enter to see all the drives connected to your computer.
Each disk will be listed with a number. Identify which one is your USB drive by its size.
Step 5: Select Your USB Drive
Type ‘select disk X’, replacing ‘X’ with the number of your USB drive, and press Enter.
This command selects the USB drive, making it the focus for the next commands.
Step 6: Clean the USB Drive
Type ‘clean’ and press Enter.
This command will erase all data on the USB drive, so be sure you’ve backed up any important files.
Step 7: Create a Primary Partition
Type ‘create partition primary’ and press Enter.
This creates a new primary partition on the USB drive.
Step 8: Select the Partition
Type ‘select partition 1’ and press Enter.
This selects the primary partition you just created.
Step 9: Make the Partition Active
Type ‘active’ and press Enter.
This command marks the partition as active, meaning it’s ready to be made bootable.
Step 10: Format the Partition
Type ‘format fs=fat32 quick’ and press Enter.
This formats the partition to the FAT32 file system, which is necessary for the USB to be bootable.
Step 11: Assign a Drive Letter
Type ‘assign’ and press Enter.
This assigns a drive letter to the USB, making it accessible from File Explorer.
Step 12: Exit Diskpart
Type ‘exit’ and press Enter.
This closes the Diskpart tool, and you’ll return to the regular CMD window.
Step 13: Mount the Windows 10 ISO
Next, mount the Windows 10 ISO file by right-clicking it and selecting ‘Mount’.
This will create a virtual drive with the contents of the ISO file.
Step 14: Copy the ISO Contents to the USB
In CMD, type ‘xcopy X:*.* Y: /E /F’, replacing ‘X’ with the drive letter of the mounted ISO and ‘Y’ with the USB drive letter, then press Enter.
This will copy all the files from the ISO to the USB drive.
After completing these steps, your USB drive will be bootable with Windows 10. You can use it to install or repair Windows on any compatible PC.
Tips for Making a Bootable USB Windows 10 Using CMD
- Make sure your USB drive has at least 8GB of storage.
- Backup any important data on your USB drive before starting.
- Ensure you have the correct Windows 10 ISO file from the official Microsoft website.
- Use a reliable USB drive to prevent any data corruption during the process.
- Double-check each command before pressing Enter to avoid errors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making a Bootable USB Windows 10 Using CMD
What is a bootable USB?
A bootable USB allows you to install or repair Windows by booting directly from the USB drive.
Can I use any USB drive?
You need a USB drive with at least 8GB of storage, and it should be a reliable, high-quality drive to prevent data corruption.
Do I need to format the USB drive?
Yes, the process involves formatting the USB drive, so ensure you backup any important data first.
Is it safe to use CMD for this process?
Yes, using CMD is safe as long as you follow the steps correctly and double-check each command.
Can I use other tools besides CMD?
Yes, there are other tools like Rufus, but using CMD is a straightforward and built-in method.
Summary of Steps
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Insert your USB drive.
- Type ‘diskpart’ and press Enter.
- Type ‘list disk’ and press Enter.
- Select your USB drive.
- Clean the USB drive.
- Create a primary partition.
- Select the partition.
- Make the partition active.
- Format the partition.
- Assign a drive letter.
- Exit Diskpart.
- Mount the Windows 10 ISO.
- Copy the ISO contents to the USB.
Conclusion
Making a bootable USB Windows 10 using CMD can seem daunting at first, but by following these steps, you’ll have a functional bootable USB in no time. This method is reliable and ensures that your USB drive is ready to install or repair Windows 10 on any compatible PC.
Remember to backup important data before starting, and double-check each command to avoid mistakes. Once you’ve completed these steps, you’re all set to use your bootable USB for various tasks, from fresh installations to troubleshooting.
For further reading, consider looking into other tools like Rufus or the Windows Media Creation Tool for alternative methods. 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.