Bootable USB Drive:- Introduction: A bootable USB drive is a powerful tool for many computer users. It allows you to install an operating system, recover lost data, or run diagnostic software. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to create a bootable USB drive, so you can be ready for any computer emergency.
Gathering the Required Materials Before you can create a bootable USB drive, you need to gather a few things. You will need a USB drive with at least 8GB of storage capacity, a computer with a USB port, and an ISO file of the operating system or software you want to install. Once you have gathered all of these things, you are ready to begin.
Creating a Bootable USB Drive: A Step-by-Step Guide Using Rufus Software.
Downloading Bootable USB Creation Software There are several Bootable USB Drive creation software available online. Some of the popular ones are Rufus, UNetbootin, and Etcher. In this article, we will use Rufus as it is one of the most popular and user-friendly options.
Step 1: Download Rufus Software
To create a bootable USB Drive using Rufus, you will first need to download the software. Rufus is a free and open-source tool that is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10.
Click on download button:-
After downloading the Rufus software, find the downloaded file, which is typically located in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the file to start the Rufus software installation process. If you see a pop-up asking for permission to run the software, click "Yes" to allow Rufus to make changes to your computer.
Step 2: Insert USB Drive
Next, you will need to insert the USB drive that you want to use to create the bootable USB. The USB drive must be at least 8GB in size and should be formatted before use.
Note: - It is important to note that Rufus will format your USB drive during the process of creating a bootable USB drive. Therefore, make sure to backup any important data on your USB drive before proceeding.
Step 3: Launch Rufus Software
Once you have downloaded Rufus software and inserted the USB drive, launch the Rufus software. In the Rufus interface, you will see a 'Device' dropdown menu, which lists all available USB drives connected to your computer. Please select your USB device from the list. This will bring up a screen that resembles the picture shown below:
Step 4: Select the ISO File
To create a bootable USB, you will need to select the ISO file of the operating system that you want to install. To do this, click on the "Select" button next to the "Boot selection" field, and browse to the location of the ISO file on your computer.
It is important to select the correct ISO file for the operating system or software you wish to install, as using the wrong ISO file can cause errors during installation or prevent the software from running properly. Once you have selected the ISO file, Rufus will automatically detect the necessary settings and configure the bootable USB drive accordingly.
Step 5: Configure Rufus Settings
Before you start the process of creating a bootable USB, you will need to configure some settings in Rufus. The settings that you choose will depend on the type of operating system that you are installing and the specifications of the computer that you are installing it on.
First, choose the USB drive that you want to use from the "Device" dropdown menu. Next, choose the partition scheme that is appropriate for your system. For most modern systems, the "GPT partition scheme for UEFI" is recommended. If you are installing an older operating system, you may need to use the "MBR partition scheme for BIOS or UEFI-CSM" option.
You can also configure the cluster size, file system, and volume label of the USB drive if you wish. These settings are optional, but you may find them useful if you want to customize your bootable USB.
Step 6: Start the Process
Once you have configured the settings, you can start the process of creating a bootable USB by clicking on the "Start" button. Rufus will begin to format the USB drive and copy the contents of the ISO file onto it. The duration of the process will depend on the size of the ISO file and the speed of your computer, and it may take several minutes.
Step 7: Test Your Bootable USB
- Once the process is complete, you should test your bootable USB to ensure that it is working correctly. To do this, restart your computer and access the boot menu. The key to access the boot menu varies depending on the manufacturer of your computer. F2, F10, and F12 are some of the commonly used keys.
- Select the USB drive from the boot menu and press Enter.
- The computer will now boot from the USB drive, and you can proceed with the installation or recovery process.
Conclusion: Creating a bootable USB drive may seem complicated, but it is a straightforward process that can be done by anyone. In this article, we have shown you how to create a bootable USB drive using Rufus, one of the most popular bootable USB creation software. With this knowledge, you can be ready for any computer emergency that comes your way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What size USB drive do I need to create a bootable USB drive?
A: The USB drive must be at least 8GB in size.
Q: Which software should I use to create a bootable USB drive?
A: There are several software options available, including ISO to USB, Universal USB Installer, Rufus Windows 10, and WinToFlash. In this article, we will focus on using Rufus software to create a Windows 10 bootable USB.
Q: Can I use a bootable USB drive to install an operating system on multiple computers?
A: Yes, you can use a bootable USB to install an operating system on multiple computers.
Q: Can I use any USB drive to create a bootable USB drive?
A: You can use any USB drive, but it should be formatted before use.
Q: Do I need to have administrator privileges to create a bootable USB?
A: Yes, you will need to have administrator privileges to install and run the software required to create a bootable USB.