3 Techniques for Creating a Windows 11 Bootable USB

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Having a Windows 11 bootable USB is always a smart idea. Whether you’re restarting your PC or upgrading it. It’s a convenient way to reinstall Windows 11, speed up your PC and solve system problems. If you are wondering how to build a Windows 11 USB boot system without expert guidance, this comprehensive guide keeps you overwhelmed. It describes three working ways to create a bootable flash drive installer for Windows 11.

Build a Windows 11 Bootable USB in 3 Ways

Whether you are starting a reinstallation or are looking for a reliable recovery option. Having a Windows 11 boot USB is an inexpensive tool. In this tutorial, we will explore three different ways to create one. Each method has its own advantages and features. Suitable for different preferences and skill levels. No matter whether you give importance to simplicity, configuration or technical complexity. These methods allow you to confidently build a boot USB that fits your needs.

Preparation:

Before we go deeper into the method, here’s what you need:

  • Computer running: You will use this computer to build a Windows 11 boot USB.
  • USB drive: Make sure you have a USB drive with enough storage space (at least 8 GB) to support Windows 11 installation files.

Method 1: Create a bootable Windows 11 USB with a media generator.

The first method involves using the Microsoft Utility Media Generator, which allows you to upgrade your current PC to Windows 11 or create a USB/DVD installer for Windows 11 on another PC. This tool is especially useful in case your computer is malfunctioning. Here’s how you can use it:

  • Click “Download Now” under “Build Windows 11 Installation Media” on the Microsoft Windows 11 download page.
  • Open the downloaded file and click “Accept”.
  • Select a language from the drop-down and click “Next”.
  • Select “USB Flash Drive” and “Next”
  • Select the USB disk and click “Next” and “Finished”.
  • Setup makes your USB drive bootable.  

Method 2: Build Windows 11 Bootable USB with Rufus

The second approach involves using Rufus, an off-source utility that allows you to create and format bootable flash drives. RUFUS is well known for its speed and compatibility with many ISOs. Here’s how you can use RIFUS to build Windows 11 Bootable USB:

  • Visit Rufus’s website and download the utility.
  • Rufus is enabled by double-clicking the downloaded file.
  • Rufus’ “Application Settings” is below.
  • Click “Close” after selecting “Everyday” in “Check Updates”.
  • Select your USB drive from the removed list under Device after restarting Rufus.
  • Click “select” after selecting the downloaded Windows 11 ISO file under “Select Boot”. 
  • In a new window, select the Windows 11 ISO file and click “Open”
  • In the “Image Options” tab, select “Standard Windows 11 Installation”.
  • Maintain the default settings for “Partition Plan” and “Target System” and name your USB drive under the “Volume Label” section.
  • Save other options as default and check the box for “Quick Formatting” and “Create Extendable Label Files and Icons”.
  • Click “Start” to start the creation process.

Method 3: Build Windows 11 Bootable USB with Command Prompt

The last method uses Command Prompt. Windows’ standard command line program. The command instructions may help if your machine is in safe mode if the GUI interface is broken. Here’s how you can create a Windows 11 Bootable USB using the instructions:

  • Open the search bar and type “cmd” to open the Command Prompt.
  • Print “diskpart” and press Enter
  • Enter “Drive List” to view the list of existing disks and specify the USB driver.
  • Press Enter after selecting the USB driver with the “Select Disk 1” command (change “1” with your USB drive number).
  • Enter “clean” to format the USB disk and click Enter.
  • Enter these commands once by pressing Enter after formatting the USB drive:
  • Create a main list partition using a valid partition selection format. 1 fs=ntfs label=”bootableUSB” Quick release = X exit.
  • Enter “PowerShell Mount-DiskImage -ImagePath ‘C:\path\to\Windows11.iso'” to install the ISO file by replacing “Image Path” with the path of the iso file on your PC. Press Enter.
  • Enter the following commands once by pressing the Enter button after each command: “diskpart”, “list volume”, “exit”.
  • Finally, enter the following commands once by pressing the Enter button after each command to create a fully bootable Windows 11 USB: E: cd boot bootect /nt60 X: xcopy E:*.* X:\ /E /F /H

Note: Replace “X” and “E” with the appropriate letters associated with your ISO file and USB drive respectively.

How to Recover Data If Windows 11 Failed to Boot

If your Windows 11 computer fails to boot and you lose important files, don’t worry. You can use WinfrGUI. The user-friendly tool to recover lost and deleted files in just a few steps. This tool supports more than 1000 data types and formats and can recover data from various situations, following the following step instructions:

  • Enable WinfrGUI on your Windows 10 or 11 PC
  • Select “Hard drive and location” on the left.
  • Select the hard drive at the bottom of the “Hard Disk Drives” section, or select “Desktop” in the “Quick Access” bar.
  • Click “Start” to start the scan process.
  • This tool scans the selected location and displays it in real time on the screen. You can use a filter to minimize the result.
  • Once the scan is complete, you can view the recovered files and click on “Recover” to find them.
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Conclusion

A Windows 11 bootable USB drive is an essential tool for every Windows computer user even in an emergency situation. You can choose one of the three ways described above to easily create a boot USB. However, if you encounter data loss during the reinstallation process of Windows 11, it is recommended that you use WinfrGUI to recover your important data in three simple steps. Do not hesitate to try!

Also Read: 4 Methods to USB Flash Data Recovery [Free]