Are you trying to install Windows, Linux, or any other operating system using a USB pendrive? If yes, then the first thing you need is a Bootable USB Drive. Earlier, CDs and DVDs were used for operating system installation, but now almost everyone uses USB boot drives because they are faster, easy to create, and reusable.
In this detailed guide, we will explain How to Boot USB Pendrive Easily on Windows laptops and desktop PCs. The guide is beginner-friendly and includes every little detail so that you don’t face any problem in creating a bootable USB.
What is USB Boot? (Meaning Explained)
When you start your computer, it loads the operating system from the internal storage (like SSD/HDD). But sometimes, we want to install a new OS or repair an old system. In such cases, we can load the system from an external device like a Pendrive – this is called USB Boot.
In simple words,
USB Boot means starting your PC from a USB device instead of your hard drive.
Once your Pendrive becomes bootable, it works like a mini installer that can install or repair operating systems such as Windows 7/10/11, Ubuntu, Kali Linux, etc.
Why Do You Need a Bootable USB Drive?
There are many situations where a bootable USB can save you:
- When your Windows is corrupted and not starting properly
- When you need to install a new Operating System
- When you want to format and clean your PC completely
- When upgrading from older OS (like Windows 7 to Windows 11)
- When troubleshooting your PC using recovery tools
Benefits of Creating Bootable USB:
- Faster installation than DVD
- Works on both PC & Laptop
- Can be reused after installation
- Portable – you can carry it anywhere
- Easy to create using free tools
So, a bootable pendrive is extremely useful for every computer user.
Read More : How to Connect Printer to Laptop/Phone – Complete Guide for Beginners
What You Need Before Making Bootable USB Pendrive
Before you start the process, make sure you have:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Pendrive | Minimum 8GB for Windows (recommended 16GB) |
| ISO File | Windows/Linux operating system image file |
| A computer | To download and create bootable drive |
| Rufus or Other Tool | Software to flash USB |
| Stable Internet | For downloading ISO (if not available locally) |
NOTE: Take backup of your pendrive data before creating bootable USB because all files will be deleted.
Best Software to Create Bootable USB Drive
There are multiple free tools available, but these are the most recommended:
1️⃣ Rufus (Best for Windows Bootable USB)
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Works offline
- Supports Windows & Linux ISO
2️⃣ Windows USB/DVD Download Tool
- Official Microsoft tool
- Easy for beginners
3️⃣ BalenaEtcher
- Works on Windows, macOS & Linux
- Clean & simple interface
4️⃣ Ventoy
- Multi-boot USB creation tool
- You can add multiple ISO files in one USB
How to Create Bootable USB Using Rufus (Recommended)
This is the easiest method and works for almost everyone. Follow these steps carefully:
Step-by-Step Guide
1️⃣ Download Rufus from its official website
2️⃣ Insert USB Pendrive into your computer
3️⃣ Run Rufus.exe (no installation needed)
4️⃣ Select your Pendrive in Device section
5️⃣ Click on SELECT and choose your ISO file
6️⃣ Select Partition Scheme as per your PC motherboard:
- GPT → For UEFI systems
- MBR → For Legacy BIOS systems
7️⃣ File System should be NTFS
8️⃣ Click Start
9️⃣ Wait until completed
🔟 Your USB is ready to boot!
The installation process usually takes 5–10 minutes depending on speed.
How to Boot USB Pendrive in Laptop/PC (BIOS/UEFI Settings)
After creating the bootable drive, now we need to boot from USB.
Here’s how:
Step-by-Step Boot Menu Guide
1. Plug your USB drive into the computer
2. Restart your PC
3. Press your laptop’s Boot Menu Key repeatedly before Windows logo appears
4. Select USB Device from boot options
5. Press Enter
6. Installation screen will appear and now you can install OS
Boot Menu Keys for Popular Brands
| Brand | Boot Menu Key | BIOS Key |
|---|---|---|
| Acer | F12 | F2 |
| ASUS | Esc | F2 |
| Dell | F12 | F2 |
| HP | Esc / F9 | F10 |
| Lenovo | F12 | F1 / F2 |
| MSI | F11 | Del |
| Sony | F11 / Assist Key | F2 |
| Toshiba | F12 | F2 |
If none works, try pressing Esc or F8 repeatedly.
Difference Between GPT and MBR (Important Selection)
| Feature | GPT | MBR |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | New Systems (UEFI) | Old Systems (Legacy BIOS) |
| Max Partitions | Unlimited | 4 primary partitions |
| OS Support | Windows 10/11, Linux | Windows 7 & older |
| >2TB disk support | Yes | No |
If you don’t know what your system supports, choose GPT for latest laptops.
How to Boot USB Pendrive on Windows 10/11
In most latest laptops, Secure Boot & UEFI protection is ON. So:
- Enter BIOS by pressing BIOS key (e.g., F2, F10, Del)
- Go to Boot / Security
- Disable Secure Boot
- Enable Legacy Support (if needed)
- Set USB as First Boot Priority
- Save & Exit
Now your system will detect bootable USB easily.
Common Problems & Solutions While Booting USB
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| USB not showing in boot menu | Secure Boot enabled | Disable secure boot in BIOS |
| “No Bootable Device” error | Wrong partition scheme | Try switching GPT ↔ MBR |
| Setup crashing | Corrupted ISO | Re-download latest ISO |
| Slow installation | Low USB speed | Use a USB 3.0 Pendrive |
| Pendrive not detected | Wrong USB port | Try other ports or check hardware |
Safety Tips While Using Bootable USB
- Always download ISO from official or trusted sources
- Don’t disconnect USB during installation
- Backup your important data before formatting PC
- Ensure your laptop battery is charged (more than 50%)
- Create a recovery disk for system restore later
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I reuse my bootable Pendrive later?
Yes, simply format the USB and you can use it again like a normal pendrive.
Q2: How much storage is required for Windows 10 USB boot?
Minimum 8GB, but 16GB recommended for better performance.
Q3: Which format should I select – NTFS or FAT32?
For Windows installation always use NTFS.
Q4: Can I make a bootable USB using my phone?
Yes, using OTG + apps like EtchDroid (Android only), but PC method is more stable.
Q5: Which is the best tool to create bootable USB?
Rufus is widely recommended because it is fast, lightweight, and error-free.
Conclusion
Creating a Bootable USB Pendrive is not a tough job if you follow the steps correctly. By using the Rufus tool and adjusting Boot Menu settings properly, anyone can easily install Windows or Linux on their laptop or desktop.
Now you know:
- What bootable USB is
- Why it’s important
- Which tools to use
- How to change BIOS/UEFI settings
- How to fix common errors
So next time your system crashes or you want to install a new OS, you can confidently create a bootable USB at home!