For recovering data from a crashed system or for installing a new operating system on your desktop or laptop devices, a bootable USB drive is required to make these things happen. A bootable device is the most common tool to run diagnostics.
A bootable USB drive is also important if you are going to install new Windows, Linux, or even macOS. So, in all these operating systems, you need to create an amazing Bootable USB Drive, and that will also help you to recover your old data.
Here in this post, we will discuss what a Bootable USB is and how to make a Bootable USB drive. Many people have issues and confusion while making a Bootable USB, so we will guide you step by step on how you can make a bootable USB for Windows and other operating systems.
What is a Bootable USB?
A USB flash drive, which we used to call a Bootable USB, that we used to install a new operating system like Windows, Linux, or other operating systems. We use a Bootable USB drive for other needs, like recovering our data, and also to operate a crashed system
Why Do You Need a Bootable USB?
- To install a new operating system
- To repair or reset your computer
- To run antivirus or diagnostic tools
- To boot a system without an internal hard drive
What You’ll Need
Before starting, make sure you have:
- A USB flash drive (at least 8 GB for Windows, 4 GB for Linux)
- A computer with internet
- An ISO file of the operating system (Windows, Ubuntu, etc.)
- A bootable USB creation tool like Rufus, BalenaEtcher, or Command Prompt
How to Make a Bootable USB for Windows (Using Rufus)
Rufus is one of the most popular and lightweight tools for creating bootable USBs.
1: Download Rufus
- Visit https://rufus.ie
- Download the latest version of Rufus (it’s free and portable – no installation required)
2: Insert Your USB
- Plug your USB flash drive into the PC
- Back up important data — this process will erase everything
3: Download Windows ISO
- Go to the official Microsoft website https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10
- Download the Windows ISO file
4: Open Rufus
- Launch Rufus.exe
- Under “Device”, choose your USB
- Under “Boot selection”, click “Select” and choose the downloaded ISO file
- Under the Partition scheme, select:
- MBR for legacy BIOS
- GPT for UEFI systems
- Click Start
- Wait for the process to finish (5–10 minutes)
Your bootable USB is ready to use!
How to Make a Bootable USB for Linux (Using BalenaEtcher)
If you’re planning to install Ubuntu, Kali Linux, Fedora, etc., BalenaEtcher is a beginner-friendly tool for the job.
1: Download BalenaEtcher
- Visit https://www.balena.io/etcher/
- Download for Windows, Mac, or Linux
2: Download Linux ISO
- Visit the official distro website
(e.g., Ubuntu: https://ubuntu.com/download) - Download the .ISO file
3: Launch Etcher
- Open BalenaEtcher
- Click “Flash from file” and select your ISO
- Insert the USB and select “Target”
- Click “Flash!”
- Wait for the flashing process to complete
It works for Linux, macOS images, and Raspberry Pi OS, too!
Advanced Method: Create Bootable USB Using CMD (Windows)
This method is for advanced users comfortable with the Command Prompt.
1: Open CMD as Admin
- Press Windows + S, search for “cmd”
- Right-click and select “Run as administrator.”
2: Use Diskpart
pgsql
CopyEdit
diskpart
list disk
Select disk X (replace X with your USB disk number)
clean
Create a primary partition
Select partition 1
active
format fs=ntfs quick
assign
exit
Now, copy the contents of your ISO to the USB manually or using a mounting tool.
Use bootsect.exe to make the USB bootable for BIOS/MBR systems.
FAQs
1. How much space is needed for a bootable USB?
Minimum 8 GB for Windows 10/11, and 4 GB for most Linux distros.
2. Can I use the same bootable USB on different PCs?
Yes, as long as the hardware is compatible and the boot mode (UEFI/BIOS) matches.
3. Can I make a bootable USB on a Mac?
Yes, using Terminal or tools like UNetbootin or BalenaEtcher for macOS.
4. Will making a USB bootable erase its data?
Yes, the process formats the USB. Always back up important files first.
5. Can I reuse a bootable USB?
Yes, just format it using Disk Management or a USB formatting tool to use it like a normal USB again.
Troubleshooting Tips
- USB not showing up? Try a different port or format the USB using Disk Management.
- Boot error? Check if your system supports UEFI or legacy BIOS and set the correct partition scheme in Rufus.
- Slow flashing? Use a USB 3.0 drive and port for faster speed
