How to make a bootable Windows 10 USB

Someone connecting a USB Drive to their laptop.
Image credit: Honeywell (Image credit: Honeywell)

Learning how to make a bootable USB install of Windows 10 is handy for installing or repairing your operating system

A bootable USB drive lets you perform a clean Windows 10 install, repair your current Windows installation, or upgrade your system conveniently without an optical drive. Not to mention, it’s a portable solution for troubleshooting and system recovery.

In this article, we explore how to create a bootable USB for Windows 10 using the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool. However, since USB drives are slower than SSDs and hard drives, consider using the best portable SSDs for a swift and compact Windows 10 drive. 

Tools and requirements

  • Windows computer
  • USB drive with at least 8GB free
  • Internet

Steps for how to make bootable USB Windows 10

  • Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website.
  • Launch the Media Creation Tool and accept the terms. 
  • Select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC. Click Next. 
  • Choose your preferred language, edition, and architecture. Click Next. 
  • Select USB flash drive and click Next.
  • Pick your USB drive from the list and click Next. 
  • Click Finish once the download is complete. 

Step by step guide to make bootable USB Windows 10

1. Download and launch the Media Creation Tool

(Image: © Future)

Visit the official Microsoft Windows 10 download website, and under Create Windows 10 installation media, click Download Now

Launch the tool and accept the terms

2. Create installation media

(Image: © Future)

Select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC and click Next

3. Set preferences

(Image: © Future)

Choose the Language, Edition, and Architecture (32-bit, 64-bit, or both) according to your needs. If you’re uncertain about what to select, tick the box beside Use the recommended options for this PC

Then, click Next

4. Select USB flash drive

(Image: © Future)

Select USB flash drive and click Next

You’ll then have to select the drive you want to install Windows 10 on. Note that the USB drive you select will have all its content deleted. Click Next after selecting the right drive. 

5. Downloading Windows 10

(Image: © Future)

A progress indicator will show you how much of the Windows 10 download is complete. 

Once it’s done, click Finish

To boot from the USB drive, restart your device and enter the boot menu by pressing the relevant key for your computer (F11, F12, Esc, or Delete). From the boot menu, select your Windows 10-installed USB drive, and then the Windows 10 setup will begin.

Final thoughts

Creating a bootable USB for Windows 10 may seem complex, but it’s easy as a breeze with the right tools. You can quickly have a bootable USB ready using the steps we've given above. 

For more Windows-related tips, read how to download and install Windows 11, how to set up your new Windows 11 laptop, and how to downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10.

TOPICS

Nikshep Myle is a freelance writer covering tech, health, and wellbeing. He has written for popular tech blogs like Tom's Guide, GadgetReview, SlashGear, and Creative Bloq, and has extensively reviewed consumer gadgets. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him meditating, gaming, discovering new music, and indulging in adventurous and creative pursuits.

Read more
Close up of the Linux penguin.
Best USB bootable distro of 2025
Windows 11 working on a laptop PC
Windows 11 PC slow or low on storage? Bloatware could be to blame - here's how to find and remove it
A laptop with the Windows 11 desktop on screen, glowing, while on a work desk
Are you unable to get security updates for Windows 11 24H2? Here’s the likely reason why, and the fix to get your PC safe and secure again
Chromebook keyboard
What's the difference between Windows and ChromeOS?
A woman sitting at a desk and using a laptop while sitting in a daylit room
Essential apps and features to start getting the most out of your brand-new Windows 11 PC
Windows 11 forced onto old hardware
Windows 11 is still my favorite OS, ads and all
Latest in Windows
Printer
No, your printer isn't possessed: a Windows 11 23H2 bug could be making it print random characters when connected via USB
Man having Windows 11 problems with his laptop
Fed up of adverts creeping into Windows 11? You won’t like Microsoft’s latest update, then, although it does provide some important bug fixes
Acer Aspire 14 AI laptop display showing the Windows 11 login screen
Shock, horror – I’m not going to argue with Microsoft’s latest bit of nagging in Windows 11, as this pop-up is justified
A laptop on a desk with the Windows 11 background on its screen.
Microsoft is adding image editing and compression to its Windows Share feature - and I couldn't be happier
AOC Agon Pro AG276FK gaming monitor tilted slightly to the side, showing the Windows desktop screen
Windows 11 users get ready for more ‘recommendations’ from Microsoft – but I’m relieved to say these suggestions might actually be useful
Microsoft Store logo on a blurred background
There's finally a fix for an annoying Microsoft Store bug that's older than Windows 11
Latest in How Tos
Trinity Rodman #2 of the Washington Spirit crosses the ball during a game between Bay FC and Washington Spirit at Audi Field on November 10, 2024 in Washington, DC.
National Women's Soccer League 2025: How to watch NWSL games live from anywhere
tiktok
How to edit TikTok videos
Irish boxer TJ Doheny receives an undercard bout, ahead of the WBO super welterweight world title fight in March, 2023
Ball vs Doheny live stream: how to watch the boxing action from anywhere
 Facebook social media app logo on log-in, sign-up registration page
How to delete all your Facebook posts
Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United during the Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg match in February 2025
Liverpool vs Newcastle live stream: how to watch Carabao Cup final 2025 online
Max Verstappen of Red Bull in testing for the 2025 season in Bahrain
Australian Grand Prix 2025: How to watch F1 race online from anywhere