If you need to install Windows 11 on a computer, one of the most convenient options is to create a bootable USB stick. That way, you can boot your computer from the USB stick and install the operating system without needing a DVD (yes, there is one). In this article, we will teach you how to create a bootable Windows 11 USB stick.
Step 1: Get a Windows 11 ISO image
Before creating the bootable USB stick, you need to have a Windows 11 ISO image. You can download this image from the official Microsoft website or other trusted websites. Make sure you download the correct version of Windows 11 for your computer, i.e. the correct OS version for your processor and system architecture.
Step 2: Format the USB stick
Before creating the bootable USB stick, you need to format it to ensure it is clean and ready to receive the Windows 11 ISO image. Insert the USB stick into the computer and open Windows Explorer. Right-click on the flash drive icon and select “Format”. In the format window, make sure to select the “FAT32” file system and check the “Quick Format” option. Click "Start" to start formatting.
Step 3: Create bootable USB stick using Microsoft Media Creation Utility
The easiest way to create a bootable Windows 11 USB stick is to use Microsoft's Media Creation Utility. This utility is free and available on the Microsoft website. Download and run the utility and follow the on-screen instructions to create the bootable USB stick. During the process, you will be asked to select the Windows 11 ISO image that you downloaded earlier and choose the USB stick where you want to install the operating system.
Step 4: Start the computer from the bootable USB stick
After creating the bootable Windows 11 USB stick, you can use it to install the operating system on your computer. Insert the USB stick into the computer's USB port and restart it. When the computer is starting up, press the hotkey to access the boot menu (usually F12 or Esc). Select the USB stick from the list of boot devices and press Enter to start the Windows 11 installation process.
Creating a bootable Windows 11 USB stick is an easy and convenient task. You need a Windows 11 ISO image, a formatted USB stick, and the Microsoft Media Creation Utility. With these requirements, you can create a bootable Windows 11 USB stick within minutes and use it to install the operating system on your computer.
Remember to back up your data before installing Windows 11, as the installation process will format your computer's hard drive.