The first step is to format the USB flash drive. Related: Microsoft Windows 10 In S Mode Explained: How Windows 10S is DifferentĬreating a bootable Windows 10 installation flash drive isn’t difficult, but does require several steps and may seem complicated for those new to formatting drives or working with Windows 10.

Note that in order to add an installer, a Windows 10 ISO file or Windows Setup DVD is required, It is also recommended that the USB flash drive that has a capacity of at least 4-gigabytes. It’s easy to create a bootable flash drive using Windows 10 Disk Management tool. The difference is that startup drives contain a hidden partition that contains code that initializes the computer and prepares it to run the operating system. All other drives, internal and external are not bootable, instead being used mostly for storing data. By default, only the startup drive or C drive is bootable. The installer is handy after a hard drive failure or virus infection, which requires reinstallation of the operating system.īootable is a technical term that means the computer can be started up using a USB drive.

In the event a new computer is purchased that needs Windows 10 installed, a bootable portable drive with the Windows 10 installer will ease the pain. While a DVD installer is another option, it’s a good idea to have it in flash drive form, since DVDs are larger and require an optical drive. In order to install Windows 10 from a USB flash drive, a bootable installation drive must be created first.

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