How to Install Windows 10 or 11 from USB: Step-by-Step Guide
This topic covers how to manually create a Windows installation flash drive from Windows installation ISO disc image file or DVD, and is intended for manufacturers looking into creating media that they can use to manufacture Windows devices.
Introduction
Installing Windows from a USB drive is the fastest and easiest method in 2025. Whether you're doing a clean install or replacing an old version, this guide will walk you through every step to install Windows 10 or 11 from USB — even if you’ve never done it before.
What You Need
Before we start, make sure you have:
- ✅ A USB drive (at least 8GB)
- ✅ A working PC with internet
- ✅ Windows 10 or 11 ISO file or Media Creation Tool
- ✅ Product key (optional for Windows 10/11 Home)
Step 1: Download the Windows Media Creation Tool
-
Go to the official Microsoft site:
👉 Click Here -
Select Windows 10 or Windows 11
-
Click on Download Media Creation Tool
-
Open the tool and click Create Installation Media
Step 2 - Copy Windows Setup to the flash drive
-
Plug in your USB (back up files first)
-
Select:
-
Language: English (or preferred)
-
Edition: Windows 10/11
-
Architecture: 64-bit
-
-
Choose USB Flash Drive
-
Let the tool format and prepare the USB (takes 10–15 mins)
Step 3: Boot from USB (BIOS Settings)
To boot from USB:
-
Restart the PC and enter BIOS/Boot Menu
-
Common keys:
F2
,F12
,DEL
, orESC
-
-
Go to Boot Order settings
-
Set USB drive as first boot device
Save and exit BIOS (usually
F10
)
Step 4: Install Windows
Once the USB boots:
-
Select your language and keyboard
-
Click Install Now
-
Enter your product key (or click “I don’t have a key”)
-
Choose Custom Install
-
Select your main partition (usually Drive 0)
-
Format it if you're doing a clean install
-
-
Let the installation complete (15–30 mins)
Step 5: Set Up Windows
After the install:
- Set up user name, password
- Connect to Wi-Fi
- Sign in with Microsoft account (optional)
- Choose privacy settings
- Let Windows finish setup
Bonus Tips
- Back up your data: Before installing Windows 11, create a complete backup of your important files. An external hard drive with automatic backup software provides the most reliable protection.
- Update drivers: After installation, check for and install any available driver updates for your hardware.
- Activate Windows: If you didn’t enter a product key during installation, you’ll need to activate Windows 11 after the installation is complete.
- Check for updates: Once installed, use Windows Update to check for and install any available updates for your system.
Conclusion
Now you’ve successfully learned how to install Windows from a USB in 2025. This method is fast, simple, and works on laptops and desktops alike. Whether you're fixing a corrupted OS or upgrading to a fresh Windows, this guide has you covered.
0 Comments