How to Create Windows 10 Installation Media
After downloading the Windows 10 .iso file, you can create a USB boot drive to install the operating system.
Note: You'll need a USB device with at least 8 GB of storage space.
You can use the following applications to create the installation media:
Rufus
- Download Rufus for free here.
- Scroll down and download the latest version of Rufus from the Download section.
- Connect your USB drive and open the Rufus program.
- Click on Select and locate the Windows 10 .iso file you downloaded.
- Finally, click on Start.
- Once the setup is complete (progress bar reaches 100%), click Close and your USB drive will be ready to install Windows 10.
Note: A popup window titled Customize Windows Installation will appear; select the Disable Data Collection option and wait for the program to create the bootable USB drive.
Note: For PCs released after 2020, select the GPT partition scheme option. For PCs released before 2020, select MBR.
MediaCreationTool
- Download MediaCreationTool for free here.
- Accept the terms and conditions to proceed with the installation.
- After accepting the terms and conditions, select Create installation media and click Next.
- Select the language, edition, and architecture for Windows 10.
- Click Next and select either USB flash drive or .iso file.
- Ensure your USB drive is connected and click Next to start the download and setup process on your USB drive.
Note: If the default language or edition doesn't match your preferences, uncheck the Use the recommended options for this PC box to choose your desired settings.
Notes: If your USB drive isn't recognized, restart the application without disconnecting the USB drive. Back up all data on the USB drive, as it will be erased during the process.