How to create a bootable USB in Windows

Creating a bootable USB drive in Windows using built-in command line tools offers a reliable way to prepare installation media for various operating systems. Utilities like DiskPart and Command Prompt provide direct, low-level control over formatting and partitioning. This ensures compatibility with both modern UEFI hardware and older BIOS environments.

Employing DiskPart to configure disk partitions allows for accurate selection of partition schemes, such as GPT for UEFI or MBR for BIOS. Formatting the USB drive with FAT32 or NTFS accommodates the target operating system’s boot requirements. Correct partition setup helps avoid boot errors and supports smooth installations on different architectures.

Relying on standard Windows components eliminates the need for external utilities and reduces potential compatibility risks. DiskPart and related commands enable precise control over the partitioning process, ensuring each configuration step aligns with specific system needs. This method leverages only core Windows features to produce fully functional installation media.

1. Insert the USB drive.

   Ensure the USB drive is at least 8GB in size, especially for modern operating system images like Windows 10 or Ubuntu Desktop.

2. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

   C:\Windows\system32> diskpart

3. Run DiskPart.
4. List connected disks.

   DISKPART> list disk
   
     Disk ###  Status         Size     Free     Dyn  Gpt
     --------  -------------  -------  -------  ---  ---
     Disk 0    Online          465 GB   1024 KB
     Disk 1    Online           14 GB      0 B

   Identify the USB drive based on its size.

5. Select the USB disk.

   DISKPART> select disk 1
   
   Disk 1 is now the selected disk.

   Ensure you select the correct disk number to avoid data loss on other drives.

6. Clean the USB drive.

   DISKPART> clean
   
   DiskPart succeeded in cleaning the disk.

7. Create a primary partition.

   DISKPART> create partition primary
   
   DiskPart succeeded in creating the specified partition.

8. Select the partition.
9. Mark the partition as active.

   DISKPART> active
   
   DiskPart marked the current partition as active.

10. Format the drive.

    DISKPART> format fs=fat32 quick
    
      100 percent completed
    DiskPart successfully formatted the volume.

    Use NTFS if the system does not support UEFI.

11. Assign a drive letter.

    DISKPART> assign
    
    DiskPart successfully assigned the drive letter or mount point.

12. Exit DiskPart.
13. Mount the ISO file.
14. Copy ISO files to the USB drive.

    Ensure that the file transfer completes before safely ejecting the USB drive.

15. Remove the USB safely.