how to make windows 10 boot from usb

Jordan Emanuel

3 min read

·

07-09-2024

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Booting Windows 10 from a USB drive can be extremely useful for various reasons, such as installing a fresh copy of Windows, troubleshooting issues, or running a live operating system. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps necessary to make your Windows 10 computer boot from a USB drive.

Table of Contents

1. What You Need
2. Creating a Bootable USB Drive
3. Setting Your BIOS to Boot from USB
4. Booting from USB
5. Conclusion

What You Need

Before we dive into the process, gather the following items:

• A USB drive (8GB minimum recommended)
• A Windows 10 ISO file (you can download it from the Microsoft website)
• A working computer with Windows 10 already installed

Important Note:

Make sure to back up any important files on the USB drive, as this process will erase all existing data on it.

Creating a Bootable USB Drive

Creating a bootable USB drive is akin to turning a plain canvas into a painting that can take you places. Follow these steps:

1. Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool:

   • Visit the Microsoft download page and download the Media Creation Tool.

2. Run the Media Creation Tool:

   • Open the tool and accept the license terms.

3. Choose 'Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file)':

   • Click Next.

4. Select Language, Edition, and Architecture:

   • Choose your desired options and click Next.

5. Choose USB Flash Drive:

   • Select the USB flash drive option and click Next.

6. Select the USB Drive:

   • From the list of drives, select your USB drive and click Next.

7. Create Bootable USB:

   • Wait for the tool to download Windows 10 and create the bootable USB drive. This may take some time.

Setting Your BIOS to Boot from USB

Now that you have a bootable USB drive, you need to configure your computer's BIOS settings. Think of the BIOS as the conductor of an orchestra, directing the initial processes of your computer.

1. Restart Your Computer:

   • While your computer is booting, repeatedly press the appropriate key (often F2, F10, DEL, or ESC) to enter the BIOS setup. Check your manufacturer’s website for specific keys.

2. Navigate to Boot Options:

   • Use the arrow keys to find the Boot tab or section.

3. Change Boot Order:

   • Set the USB drive as the primary boot device. This may involve moving it to the top of the boot priority list.

4. Save Changes and Exit:

   • Look for the option to Save and Exit (often F10). Confirm the changes.

Booting from USB

With the USB drive set up and the BIOS configured, it’s time to boot from the USB.

1. Insert the Bootable USB Drive:

   • Plug your newly created bootable USB drive into the computer.

2. Restart Your Computer:

   • The computer should now boot from the USB drive. If it doesn’t, you may need to revisit the BIOS to ensure the USB is properly set as the primary boot device.

3. Follow On-Screen Instructions:

   • Once booted from the USB, you will see the Windows installation screen. Follow the on-screen prompts to install Windows 10 or use the tools available to troubleshoot or recover your system.

Conclusion

Booting your Windows 10 computer from a USB drive can be a simple process when following the steps outlined above. This guide gives you the tools to create a bootable USB drive, adjust your BIOS settings, and successfully boot from your USB.

With your new knowledge, you're now equipped to tackle installations and recoveries like a seasoned professional! For further reading, consider checking out our articles on Windows 10 Troubleshooting or Creating System Backups.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance. Happy booting!