Repairing Windows 10 using a USB drive might sound like a techy task, but it’s actually pretty simple when broken down into steps. You’ll need a USB drive with at least 8GB storage, a secondary computer to create the bootable drive, and your computer that needs repairing. First, you’ll create a bootable USB drive with the Windows 10 installation files. Then, you’ll plug it into the malfunctioning computer and boot from it, following the prompts to repair your system. Voila! Your Windows should be up and running again.
How to Repair Windows 10 Using USB
In this section, we’ll walk through the process of repairing Windows 10 using a USB drive. By the end of these steps, you should have a working Windows 10 system.
Step 1: Create a Bootable USB Drive
Start by creating a bootable USB drive using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool on a secondary computer.
Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website. Follow the prompts to create installation media for another PC, selecting your USB drive as the destination.
Step 2: Insert the USB Drive into the Malfunctioning Computer
Once the bootable USB is ready, plug it into the computer that needs repairing.
Make sure to plug the USB drive into a working USB port. Restart the computer to proceed to the next step.
Step 3: Boot from the USB Drive
Restart your computer and enter the BIOS or UEFI settings to change the boot order.
You’ll need to set the USB drive as the primary boot device. Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI. Your computer should now boot from the USB drive.
Step 4: Select "Repair Your Computer"
Once the Windows Setup screen appears, look for the "Repair your computer" option on the bottom-left corner and select it.
This will take you to the Advanced Options where you can access various repair tools.
Step 5: Use Advanced Options to Repair Windows
In the Advanced Options menu, you can use tools like Startup Repair, System Restore, or Command Prompt to fix your Windows 10 installation.
Choose the tool that best fits your issue. For instance, Startup Repair can fix many common issues automatically.
After completing these steps, your Windows 10 system should be repaired and ready to use. You might need to reinstall some updates or software, but your main system should be operational.
Tips for Repairing Windows 10 Using USB
- Make sure your USB drive has at least 8GB of space.
- Always create a backup of important files before proceeding with the repair.
- Update your BIOS/UEFI if you face issues booting from the USB drive.
- Use a reliable USB drive to avoid corruption during the creation of the bootable media.
- Keep your Windows Product Key handy, just in case you need to re-enter it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my USB drive isn’t recognized?
Make sure it’s properly formatted and has the necessary installation files. Try using a different USB port or another USB drive.
Do I need a secondary computer for this process?
Yes, you need a secondary computer to create the bootable USB drive using the Media Creation Tool.
Can I use a USB drive that has other files on it?
It’s best to use an empty USB drive as the Media Creation Tool will format it, erasing all existing files.
How long does the repair process take?
It varies, but creating the USB drive usually takes 20-30 minutes, and the repair process can take another 30-60 minutes depending on your system’s condition.
Will I lose my files during the repair?
The repair process aims to fix system files without affecting your personal files, but always back up important data just in case.
Summary
- Create a bootable USB drive.
- Insert the USB drive into the malfunctioning computer.
- Boot from the USB drive.
- Select "Repair your computer."
- Use Advanced Options to repair Windows.
Conclusion
Repairing Windows 10 using a USB drive isn’t as daunting as it sounds. With a bit of preparation and a few simple steps, you can bring your computer back to life. Remember to always back up your important files and use a reliable USB drive for creating the bootable media. Whether you’re dealing with startup issues or system errors, having a bootable USB drive can be a lifesaver. So, next time your Windows 10 gives you trouble, you know what to do. Happy repairing!
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.