How to Create a Windows Bootable Installer

Support Article | University PC Care

Creating a Windows bootable USB installer is the best way to clean install, upgrade, or repair a Windows PC. Whether you're setting up a new machine or troubleshooting an existing one, a bootable drive makes the process fast and reliable.

This guide walks you through how to create a Windows installer using Microsoft’s free Media Creation Tool.

What You’ll Need

A USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of storage (16 GB recommended)
A Windows PC with an internet connection
The Media Creation Tool from Microsoft
Optional: Your Windows 10 or 11 product key (if reinstalling)

Important: All files on the USB drive will be erased — back up anything important first.

Step 1: Download the Media Creation Tool

Go to Microsoft’s official download pages:

Under the “Create Windows Installation Media” section, click Download Now.

Step 2: Run the Tool

Open the downloaded .exe file
Accept the license agreement
Choose Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO) and click Next

Step 3: Choose Language, Edition, and Architecture

By default, the tool selects recommended options for your PC
You can uncheck the box to manually select:
- Language (e.g., English)
- Edition (e.g., Windows 11 Home or Pro)
- Architecture (64-bit is most common)

Click Next

Step 4: Select USB Drive

Choose USB flash drive as your media option
Select your connected USB device from the list
Click Next and the tool will begin downloading and writing Windows to your USB

The process may take several minutes depending on your internet speed and USB drive performance.

Step 5: Boot from the USB Installer

Once the USB is ready, you can use it to install or repair Windows on another computer:

Insert the USB into the target PC
Restart the PC and enter the boot menu
- Common keys: F12, F9, ESC, or DEL (varies by manufacturer)
Select the USB drive from the boot options
Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows

Optional: Use ISO File Instead

If you selected ISO file instead of USB, you can:

Burn the ISO to a DVD
Mount the ISO to install on a virtual machine
Use tools like Rufus to create your own bootable USB manually

Need Help?

If you’re unsure which version of Windows to install, can't find your license key, or need help accessing your BIOS, we’re here to assist.

📍 Visit us at University PC Care
📞 Call: (252) 558-1280
📧 Email: support@universitypccare.com