how to boot from usb windows 10

2 min read 07-09-2024

Booting your Windows 10 PC from a USB drive can be a useful skill, especially if you're looking to install a fresh copy of the operating system, troubleshoot issues, or run a diagnostic tool. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to boot from a USB drive seamlessly.

Why Boot from USB?

Booting from USB has several advantages:

Fresh Installation: If your system is cluttered or has performance issues, a fresh installation of Windows 10 can breathe new life into your computer.
Troubleshooting: You can access recovery tools to fix problems or recover files.
Portability: USB drives are portable, making it easy to carry your operating system and essential tools with you.

What You’ll Need

Before you start, make sure you have the following:

A USB drive (at least 8GB).
A working computer to create the bootable USB.
Windows 10 ISO file or installation media.
Access to your computer’s BIOS/UEFI settings.

Creating a Bootable USB Drive

Step 1: Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool

Visit the Microsoft website.
Click on Download Tool Now to download the Media Creation Tool.

Step 2: Create the Bootable USB

Insert your USB drive into the computer.
Run the Media Creation Tool.
Select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file).
Choose the language, edition, and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
Select USB flash drive when prompted, then choose your USB drive from the list.
Click Next and the tool will create the bootable USB.

Changing Boot Order to Boot from USB

Once you have created the bootable USB, follow these steps to change the boot order:

Step 1: Access the BIOS/UEFI

Restart your computer.
During the startup, press the key to enter BIOS/UEFI. Common keys include F2, F12, Del, or Esc (the specific key may vary depending on your manufacturer).
Navigate through the BIOS/UEFI interface using your keyboard.

Step 2: Change Boot Order

Find the Boot menu.
Look for Boot Order or Boot Priority.
Move the USB drive to the top of the list. You can often do this by using the arrow keys.
Save your changes and exit BIOS/UEFI.

Booting from the USB Drive

With the USB drive connected, restart your computer.
Your computer should now boot from the USB drive.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10 or use recovery tools.

Troubleshooting

If your computer doesn’t boot from the USB drive:

Check USB Drive: Ensure it is properly formatted and recognized as bootable.
Revisit BIOS/UEFI: Make sure that USB booting is enabled.
Try Another USB Port: Sometimes, switching ports can help.

Conclusion

Booting from a USB drive is a straightforward process that can assist you in installing or repairing Windows 10. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to create a bootable USB and adjust your boot order without hassle. If you encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to revisit the BIOS settings or consult resources for troubleshooting.

By mastering the art of booting from USB, you're not just fixing problems; you’re also taking charge of your computing experience!