To create a bootable Windows 11 USB from an ISO, download the ISO that matches the target PC, then use Rufus to write it to a USB flash drive. The process erases the selected drive, so back up its contents and verify the destination before you start.
Choose the right method and Windows 11 ISO
If you already have a Windows 11 ISO, Rufus provides a direct ISO-to-USB workflow and lets you select boot-target settings. Alternatively, Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool downloads and creates x64 installation media in one guided process; it requires internet access and creates x64 media only. For an Arm-based PC, use Microsoft’s separate Arm64 ISO option rather than the x64-only Media Creation Tool.
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At the time Microsoft’s download page was checked on October 3, 2026, it identified Windows 11 2025 Update, version 25H2, as the current release. That label can change; check the Windows 11 download page for the currently offered release and choose the ISO matching the target PC’s architecture.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Prepare the USB drive
- Use a USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of space. Microsoft’s installation-media instructions specify “A blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of space.”
- Back up anything you need from the drive. Creating installation media deletes its contents.
- If practical, disconnect other removable drives so the intended USB device is easier to identify.
Write the ISO to the USB with Rufus
- Download Rufus from the official Rufus site and open it.
- Connect the USB drive. In Rufus, check the device selection and choose the intended USB.
- Use the boot selection control to select the Windows 11 ISO you downloaded.
- Choose the partition scheme and target system that match the destination PC’s firmware mode. Rufus explains the relationship in its FAQ: GPT with UEFI creates UEFI-mode media; MBR with BIOS or UEFI-CSM creates BIOS-mode media.
- Start the process only after confirming the selected device. Rufus formats the USB as it creates the bootable media, erasing the drive’s contents.
Downloading the ISO alone does not make a bootable USB: the ISO must be written to the drive using a media-creation tool such as Rufus.
#1 Best Overall
- 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]
Boot the target PC from the installer
- Insert the finished USB into the PC where you want to install Windows and restart it.
- If it does not start from USB automatically, open the boot menu or firmware settings during startup and select the USB drive.
- The key varies by manufacturer. Microsoft lists F2, F12, Delete, and Esc as examples; check the PC maker’s documentation for the correct key and instructions.
- Follow the prompts in Windows Setup. If you changed the boot order in firmware settings, restore it after installation so the PC starts from its internal drive again.
If the USB does not appear in the boot menu
- Check that Rufus finished creating the media and that you selected the correct USB device.
- Confirm that the partition scheme and target system match the PC’s boot mode. A mismatch can leave the USB unavailable as a boot option.
- Verify that the ISO matches the target PC’s architecture.
- Consult the PC manufacturer’s firmware instructions. Microsoft notes that some systems may require guidance about temporarily changing Secure Boot settings; do not disable Secure Boot as a blanket troubleshooting step.
Check Windows 11 compatibility separately
A bootable installer does not mean the target PC meets Windows 11 system requirements. Microsoft does not recommend installing Windows on an ineligible device and warns that it can cause compatibility problems and leave the device without update support. Check the PC’s eligibility before proceeding.
Quick Recap
Rank #2
- 1. COMPATIBLE WITH WINDOWS 11, 10, 8.1 & 7 Designed for compatible 64-bit PCs and laptops that support USB booting. Works with Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 installation and recovery options.
- 2. INSTALL, REINSTALL & REPAIR Provides access to installation and recovery options for startup failures, boot errors, system crashes, failed updates, system repair and reinstallation. Results depend on the condition of the computer and the cause of the problem.
- 3. READY-TO-USE BOOTABLE USB Reusable installation and recovery media that helps eliminate the need to download large system files or create bootable media yourself. Insert the USB drive, open the computer’s boot menu and select the appropriate installation or recovery option.
- 4. HELP KEEP OLDER PCS USEFUL Refresh, reinstall or maintain a compatible older computer before deciding whether replacement is necessary. Suitable for home computers, office workstations, PC enthusiasts and technicians who regularly work with supported systems.
- 5. IMPORTANT COMPATIBILITY & LICENSE INFORMATION Supports compatible 64-bit computers with UEFI or Legacy BIOS USB booting. No Windows license, activation key or product key is included. Activation may require an existing digital license or a separately purchased valid product key. Back up important files before installation or repair.
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