How to create a bootable Windows USB drive

Method 1: Media Creation Tool

Download the official Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's website, run it, accept the terms, choose 'Create installation media', select language and edition, then pick USB flash drive. The tool downloads Windows and prepares the drive.

Method 2: Rufus with an ISO

Download the Windows ISO from Microsoft and the free Rufus utility. In Rufus select your USB, choose the ISO, set partition scheme GPT and target system UEFI, then click Start.

• Partition scheme: GPT
• Target system: UEFI (non CSM)
• File system: NTFS or FAT32

Common mistakes

Using a USB 2.0 drive slows installation; prefer USB 3.0. If the PC does not see the drive, disable Fast Boot, try another port and check that the drive was created in GPT/UEFI mode.