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How to Create a Windows 11 Bootable USB Installation Media
Perform clean reinstalls with a bootable USB drive
4 min. read
Updated onAugust 5, 2024
updated onAugust 5, 2024
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Key notes
Windows 11 has been officially released, and the OS brings an array of new features. The biggest change is the visual interface which makes it look more streamlined.
Besides the UI, it comes with improved security features, support for multiple displays, countless multitasking options, and much more.
You can enjoy the OS in the form of a system update, but what if you want to create a bootable drive and installWindows 11on a different PC?
That is also possible, and in today’s guide, we’re going to show you how to properly make a Windows 11 bootable USB drive.
Can I download Windows 11 for free?
Yes, just like the previous OS, Windows 11 is available as a free download. You can enjoy it as a free system update and install it.
If you prefer to make a clean install, we’re happy to inform you that you can download the ISO file completely free as well and use it to install Windows 11 on your PC.
How can I upgrade to Windows 11?
How can I make a Windows 11 bootable drive?
1. Check the requirements
To create a Windows 11bootableUSB drive, you’ll need a flash drive that is at least 8GB in size. However, a larger flash might be a better choice in case anything goes wrong.
Lastly, you need to check the officialWindows 11 requirementsand make sure that your PC can handle this OS. Now that everything is ready, you just need the proper software to create abootabledrive.
2. Use the Media Creation Tool
If you want to create a Windows 11 bootable USB, you can easily do this using the Media Creation Tool. This is a Microsoft tool that allows users to download and store the install file for Windows 11, so that they can later use it to reinstall the OS.
1. Connect your USB flash drive to the PC.
2.Go to the Windows 11 download page.
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You will see multiple options. Navigate to Create Windows 11 Installation Media section and click on theDownloadNowbutton.
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Once the software is downloaded, run it.
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Accept the terms of service.
6.Make sure you have the correct edition selected. ClickNextto proceed.
7.Now select USB flash drive and clickNext.
8.Pick your flash drive and chooseNext.
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Wait for the process to finish.
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You have created a Windows 11 bootable USB.
3. Download Windows ISO
4. Use dedicated software
Also, don’t forget to use theRufus settings for Windows 11if you want to have a smooth and error-free installation.
What are Windows 11’s requirements?
The requirements are slightly higher compared to the previous version, but if your CPU is on the list of supported devices, you won’t have any problems installing the update.
One big issue for some users is the TPM, and to learn more about it, visit ourWindows 11 and TPM guidefor more information.
Is it better to upgrade or clean install Windows 11?
Usually, it’s better to upgrade to Windows 11 since this is the best method to use if you want to keep all your files and applications.
However, if any issues occur after upgrading, you might want to try performing a clean install. By doing so, you’ll remove all files from your system drive, and you’ll start fresh.
Before doing that, we strongly recommend that you back up all important files, in order to prevent data loss.
Creating a Windows 11bootabledrive is simple, and you can do it by following the steps mentioned in this guide. In case you’re not sure if you should switch, visit ourWindows 11 vs Windows 10 guidefor more information.
You can use any method that you like, but for most, it would be the simplest to use the Media Creation Tool. If you’re a more advanced user, you can download the ISO file manually and then create a bootable drive.
We hope that you found this guide useful and that you managed to create yourbootabledrive. What is your favorite method in that regard? Let us know in the comments below.
More about the topics:Windows 11
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
Reviewed byVlad Turiceanu
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, he’s a Windows 11 Privacy & Security expert.More about Vlad ›
