To create a Windows 11 bootable USB, plug in a blank USB drive of at least 8 GB and download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's Windows 11 download page. Run it, choose your language, pick "USB flash drive" and select the drive. The tool downloads Windows 11 and builds the drive for you. If you already have the official ISO, or need more control over partition scheme and file system, use Rufus instead.
Written by the Softkeyworld technical team · Updated October 2026
A bootable USB is the most useful thing to have in a drawer when you look after Windows PCs. You need one for clean installs, for repairing a PC that won't start, and for setting up a new SSD. Making one takes about 20–40 minutes, most of it download time. There are two methods worth knowing: Microsoft's own Media Creation Tool and the open-source Rufus. This guide covers both, explains when each is the better choice, and lists the errors that most often get in the way.
At the time of writing, Microsoft's download page serves the Windows 11 2026 Update (version 26H2). Whichever method you use, start from Microsoft's official files. Never use "pre-activated" or modified ISOs from third-party sites.
Key takeaways
- Use a USB drive of 8 GB or more. Everything on it will be erased.
- Media Creation Tool is the simplest option and only makes x64 media. Arm PCs need a separate download.
- Rufus writes an official ISO with GPT/UEFI settings and handles the 4 GB file limit automatically.
- One Windows 11 USB installs Home, Pro and other editions. Your licence decides which edition activates.
What you need before you start
- A USB flash drive of 8 GB or larger. Microsoft's minimum is 8 GB. We use 16 GB or 32 GB USB 3 drives because they write noticeably faster. Back up anything on it first.
- A working Windows PC with an internet connection and administrator rights, to run the tools.
- Enough free space on the PC for the download (the ISO is typically over 5 GB) if you're using the ISO route.
- A target PC that meets Windows 11 requirements, including TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot capability. Microsoft lists these in its Windows 11 specifications. If the PC reports it can't run Windows 11, see our guide to the "This PC can't run Windows 11" error.
- Your licence details, if you'll be installing on a PC without a digital licence. Our guide on how to find your Windows product key shows how to check what you have first.
Media Creation Tool vs Rufus: which should you use?
| Media Creation Tool | Rufus + official ISO | |
|---|---|---|
| Publisher | Microsoft | Open-source (GPLv3), independent developer |
| Downloads Windows for you | Yes | No, you supply the ISO from Microsoft |
| Reusable for several USB drives | Downloads again each time (or save an ISO) | Yes, from the same ISO |
| Control over partition scheme/file system | None, automatic | Full (GPT/MBR, NTFS/FAT32) |
| Arm (ARM64) PCs | Not supported | Works with an ARM64 ISO |
| Best for | One-off installs, non-technical users | Technicians, multiple drives, troubleshooting stubborn hardware |
Method 1: Create the USB with the Media Creation Tool
- Go to Microsoft's Windows 11 download page. Under Create Windows 11 Installation Media, click Download Now.
- Insert your USB drive, then run the downloaded
mediacreationtool.exeand approve the UAC prompt. - Accept the licence terms. On Select language and edition, untick Use the recommended options for this PC if you're making the drive for a different computer or language, then choose your language. The edition shows simply as "Windows 11". That's correct.
- Choose USB flash drive and click Next.
- Select your drive from the list. If it doesn't appear, click Refresh drive list, or try another port.
- Wait while it downloads Windows 11, verifies the download and creates the media. When you see "Your USB flash drive is ready", click Finish. The tool tidies up its temporary files, which can take a minute or two.
The same page also offers Windows 11 Installation Assistant. That's for upgrading the PC you're sitting at, and it doesn't create a USB, so don't confuse the two. If an in-place upgrade is what you actually want, our guide to upgrading Windows 10 to 11 without losing files is the better starting point.
Method 2: Create the USB with Rufus and the official ISO
Step 1: Download the ISO from Microsoft
- On the same Microsoft download page, find Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices.
- Select Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO for x64 devices) and click Download Now.
- Choose the product language and click Confirm, then 64-bit Download. The link is time-limited, so start the download straight away.
For extra assurance, check the file against the SHA-256 hashes Microsoft lists on the page. In PowerShell, run Get-FileHash "C:\Users\you\Downloads\Win11_x64.iso" -Algorithm SHA256 (use your actual path and file name), then compare the output.
Step 2: Write the ISO with Rufus
- Download Rufus from its official site, rufus.ie. Version 4.15 was current at the time of writing, and a portable version needs no installation. Avoid download mirrors.
- Run Rufus and select your USB stick under Device.
- Under Boot selection, click SELECT and choose the Windows 11 ISO.
- Set Partition scheme to GPT and Target system to UEFI (non CSM). That's correct for any PC that meets Windows 11 requirements.
- Leave File system at Rufus's default (NTFS) and give the volume a label if you like.
- Click START. Rufus shows a Windows User Experience dialog with optional customisations. For a standard installation on supported hardware, leave every box unticked and click OK. Confirm the warning that the drive will be erased.
- When the status bar reads READY, close Rufus and eject the drive safely.
A note on Rufus's "remove requirements" option
The Windows User Experience dialog includes an option to remove the TPM 2.0, Secure Boot and RAM checks. We don't recommend using it. Microsoft doesn't support Windows 11 on hardware that doesn't meet the minimum requirements, and such devices aren't guaranteed to receive updates. Often the "missing" TPM is simply switched off in firmware. Our guide to enabling TPM 2.0 in the BIOS fixes that properly.
Why NTFS and not FAT32?
UEFI firmware natively boots from FAT32, but FAT32 can't hold a single file larger than 4 GB. The Windows 11 sources\install.wim image in current ISOs exceeds that limit. That's why simply copying ISO contents to a FAT32 stick fails. Rufus solves it by formatting the main partition as NTFS and adding a small FAT boot partition (UEFI:NTFS) that lets the firmware read it. If you must use FAT32, for example on firmware that refuses to boot the NTFS layout, the advanced alternative is to split the image with DISM: dism /Split-Image /ImageFile:D:\sources\install.wim /SWMFile:E:\sources\install.swm /FileSize:3800, where D: is the mounted ISO and E: is the USB.
Booting the target PC from the USB
Plug the drive into the target PC (a rear USB port on desktops) and open the one-time boot menu as it powers on. The key varies by manufacturer. These are the common ones, but check your model's documentation:
| Manufacturer | Typical boot menu key |
|---|---|
| Dell, Lenovo (most), Acer | F12 |
| HP | F9 (or Esc, then F9) |
| ASUS | F8 or Esc |
| MSI | F11 |
Choose the entry starting with UEFI: followed by your USB drive's name. If Windows is already running on the target PC, you can also get there through Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced start-up > Restart now, then Use a device.
Before you boot, check BitLocker. If the target PC's drive is encrypted, changing boot settings can trigger a recovery prompt. Make sure you have the key, using our guide to finding your BitLocker recovery key, especially if you plan to keep any data on that drive.
Common errors and fixes
- "There was a problem running this tool" with 0x80072F8F-0x20000: usually a connection or security-protocol problem on the PC running the tool. Check the system date and time, install pending Windows updates, and try again or use the ISO method.
- 0x80042405-0xA001A: commonly linked to the tool failing to prepare the USB drive. Try a different drive or port, or download the ISO and use Rufus.
- "We can't find a USB flash drive": some drives present themselves as fixed disks, and the tool hides them. Use a standard flash drive or Rufus (tick List USB Hard Drives under advanced drive properties).
- USB doesn't appear in the boot menu: confirm the PC is in UEFI mode, try another port (some USB-C/hub ports aren't bootable), and rebuild the drive with GPT/UEFI in Rufus.
- "A media driver your computer needs is missing" during setup: usually a bad write or a flaky port. Recreate the USB and try a different port before hunting for drivers. On some Intel systems with RST/VMD, storage drivers from the PC maker are needed to see the SSD.
- Secure Boot violation: make sure you're using an unmodified Microsoft ISO and a current version of Rufus. Don't disable Secure Boot as a "fix".
Installation USB vs recovery drive
Windows also has a built-in Recovery Drive creator (search the Start menu for "Create a recovery drive"). It's a different tool. A recovery drive is made from the PC you're on, is meant for that PC, and can optionally include its system files. That's handy for getting into troubleshooting tools when that machine won't start, but it isn't a general-purpose installer. An installation USB made with either method above works on any compatible x64 PC, always installs a clean Microsoft build, and includes the same repair options (Repair your computer on the first Setup screen). If you only keep one drive in the drawer, make it the installation USB, and rebuild it every few months.
After the USB is ready: activation
The USB contains every consumer edition. During setup, Windows picks the edition automatically from the firmware key on OEM PCs. Otherwise it asks for a product key. You can choose I don't have a product key and activate later from Settings > System > Activation, but make sure you select the edition you're licensed for, or the key won't match. For the full install-and-activate walkthrough, see our Windows 11 Pro download, install and activation guide.
Frequently asked questions
What size USB do I need for Windows 11?
At least 8 GB, according to Microsoft. A 16 GB or larger USB 3 drive is faster and leaves room for drivers.
Is Rufus safe to use?
Rufus is a long-established open-source tool. Download it only from rufus.ie, use it with Microsoft's official ISO, and leave the requirement-removal options unticked.
Can I make a Windows 11 USB on a Mac?
The Media Creation Tool and Rufus are Windows-only. On a Mac, you'd need to copy the ISO to a FAT32 drive and split install.wim, which requires extra tools. Borrowing a Windows PC is usually quicker.
Does the bootable USB include Windows 11 Pro?
Yes. The standard media includes Home, Pro and other consumer editions. Your product key or digital licence determines which edition installs and activates.
Can I reuse the USB later?
Yes, but recreate it periodically. A USB made today installs today's build, and an old one means a long round of updates after setup.
Why won't my PC boot from the USB?
Usually the PC is in legacy/CSM mode, the port isn't bootable, or the drive was written incorrectly. Use GPT/UEFI, try a rear port and rebuild the drive.
Our recommendation
For a single install, the Media Creation Tool is the least fiddly route. If you look after several PCs, keep an official ISO and Rufus to hand. Either way, have your licence sorted before you start, so setup can finish activated. If you need a licence for a new build or a fresh install, a genuine Windows 11 Pro key is delivered by email straight away.
Get a Windows 11 Pro Licence Key
Related reading
| Resource | Why read it |
|---|---|
| Windows 11 Pro: download, install and activate | The next step once your USB is ready |
| How to enable TPM 2.0 in the BIOS | Meet Windows 11 requirements the supported way |
| Find your BitLocker recovery key | Avoid a lock-out when changing boot settings |
| Find your Windows product key | Check your licence before reinstalling |