Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesTo create a bootable Windows 11 USB, download Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool, then run it with a reliable internet connection and a blank USB flash drive that has at least 8 GB of space. The tool erases the selected drive, so back up anything on it first.
What you need before you start
- A reliable internet connection.
- A blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of space. Microsoft says the creation process deletes the contents of the selected drive, so use one that contains no files you need. Microsoft’s installation-media instructions list these requirements.
Create the Windows 11 installation USB
- Open Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page.
- Under Create Windows 11 Installation Media, select Download Now.
- Connect to the internet and insert the blank USB drive. Confirm that it has at least 8 GB of space and contains nothing you need to keep.
- Run
MediaCreationTool.exeand follow the on-screen instructions to create the installation media. The tool downloads the files and prepares the USB drive.
Choose how you will use the media
Install or reinstall from a working Windows PC
If Windows starts on the target PC, you can open the USB drive in File Explorer and run setup.exe. Microsoft’s reinstall guidance says the setup process offers choices to keep personal files and apps, keep personal files only, or keep nothing. Review the selected option before continuing. See Microsoft’s instructions for reinstalling Windows with installation media.
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Start the PC from the USB for a clean install
Booting from the USB can start a fresh Windows installation. A clean install removes personal files, apps, manufacturer customizations, and settings. Back up any files you need before proceeding. The key or procedure for opening the boot menu varies by PC manufacturer and model, so follow the computer maker’s instructions rather than relying on a universal key. Microsoft outlines the installation routes in Ways to install Windows 11.
Check compatibility before installing
Creating installation media does not confirm that the target PC meets Windows 11 requirements. Check the device’s current eligibility before you install, and use the PC manufacturer’s documentation for its boot procedure. Microsoft’s installation guidance distinguishes an upgrade from a fresh installation; the path you choose affects what happens to existing data.
#1 Best Overall
- Less chaos, more calm. The refreshed design of Windows 11 enables you to do what you want effortlessly.
- Biometric logins. Encrypted authentication. And, of course, advanced antivirus defenses. Everything you need, plus more, to protect you against the latest cyberthreats.
- Make the most of your screen space with snap layouts, desktops, and seamless redocking.
- Widgets makes staying up-to-date with the content you love and the news you care about, simple.
- Stay in touch with friends and family with Microsoft Teams, which can be seamlessly integrated into your taskbar. (1)
USB or ISO: which should you create?
For installing on a physical PC, the USB option gives you bootable installation media. Microsoft also lets you create an ISO file, which it identifies as an option for a virtual machine or for making DVD installation media. Choose the format that fits where you plan to install Windows.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Large Data Storage Capacity: Flash Drive with 128GB capacity, meet your needs of daily use on work, school, home and travelling for photos, music, videos, files storage and transfer
- Easy to use: The thumb drive is plug and play without any software installation; Supports Windows 7/8/10 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, also compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports; Storage is fast, safe and stable
- Wide Compatibility: USB flash drive support TV, desktop, notebook computer, car, audio and other device; It is your great data storage and transfer companion with traveling and working
- Retractable Desgin: The usb drive's retractable design can effectively protect the USB interface; The capless design can avoid losing of cap; Weight: 7g, Size: 2.6 × 0.8 × 0.4 inch. Portable to take your digital world anywhere
- What You Get: 1 x 128GB USB Flash Drive Thumb Drive, All of usb drives have been rigorously tested and formatted before leaving the factory; The default format of the USB stick is exFAT
Rank #4
- [Dual Flash Drive] This 2-in-1 USB flash drive is designed with a Type-C plug and a USB-A plug at each end, working across all your Type-C Android phones, iPhone 15/15 Pro/15 Pro Max, iPhone 16/16Pro/16E, tablets, iPad Pro, Macs and USB-A computers, game consoles, car audios, and more (Not for Lightning iPhone/iPad).
- [Fast Speed] Optimizing the USB 3.0 technology, this USB-C flash drive fast transfers and backs up your high-res photos, videos, music, and heavy files at a read speed of up to 130MB/s and a write speed of up to 35MB/s, 10X faster than USB 2.0 flash drives.
- [Wide Use] This Type-C flash drive supports Windows, Android, Linux, and Mac OS, and is backward compatible with USB 2.0 ports. Plug and play, no need to install any software, working seamlessly with USB-C and USB-A devices.
- [Durable and Reliable] This dual USB 3.0 flash drive adopts superb memory chips thus ensuring extremely reliable performance, plus the premium plastic enclosure offers excellent heat dissipation. The cap protects the connectors from dust and damage, providing extended durability and security.
- [Compact and Portable] Constructed in a mini size of 63.5x17.8x8.4mm/2.5x0.7x0.3inch, this slim USB-C thumb drive can fit into your pocket, letting you enjoy the instant large capacity at any time.
Rank #3
- MICROSOFT WINDOWS 11 PRO (INGLES) FPP 64-BIT ENG INTL USB FLASH DRIVE
Rank #2
- High-speed USB 3.0 performance of up to 150MB/s(1) [(1) Write to drive up to 15x faster than standard USB 2.0 drives (4MB/s); varies by drive capacity. Up to 150MB/s read speed. USB 3.0 port required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, usage conditions, and other factors; 1MB=1,000,000 bytes]
- Transfer a full-length movie in less than 30 seconds(2) [(2) Based on 1.2GB MPEG-4 video transfer with USB 3.0 host device. Results may vary based on host device, file attributes and other factors]
- Transfer to drive up to 15 times faster than standard USB 2.0 drives(1)
- Sleek, durable metal casing
- Easy-to-use password protection for your private files(3) [(3)Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Mac OS X v10.9 plus; Software download required for Mac, visit the SanDisk SecureAccess support page]
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