Recommended Free Tools
You can use a USB drive to start Windows Setup without putting Windows on the USB itself. The USB is the installer; during Setup, choose the computer’s separate internal drive or partition as the destination. Check the displayed drive details carefully before installing or deleting partitions.
Understand the USB’s two different roles
There are two separate choices that are easy to confuse:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Installation media: A USB flash drive containing the files that start Windows Setup. Creating this media erases the USB’s existing contents.
- Installation destination: The internal disk or partition where Windows will be installed. You select it in Windows Setup; it is not automatically the USB just because you booted from that device.
Microsoft’s Windows installation-media instructions call for a blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB. Back up anything on the USB before creating the installer.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteChoose the right route for what you want to do
| Starting point | Goal | Route | Data considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows starts and works | Upgrade or reinstall while choosing what to keep | Open the installation media in Windows and run setup.exe. |
Setup offers options that can keep personal files and apps, keep personal files only, or keep nothing. Read the selected option before continuing. |
| You want a fresh installation | Install Windows by starting the PC from the USB | Boot from the installation media, then select the intended internal disk or partition in Setup. | A clean installation can remove personal files, apps, manufacturer customizations, and settings. Back up important data first. |
| The PC cannot start Windows normally | Try repair tools rather than installing Windows | Boot from the USB and choose Repair your PC to open Windows Recovery Environment. | Choose repair options rather than proceeding with an installation if your goal is startup troubleshooting. |
Microsoft distinguishes running Setup from within Windows from booting the PC from installation media. See its Windows reinstallation guidance for the documented routes.
#1 Best Overall
- USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
- Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
Prepare the installation USB
- Back up files stored on the USB flash drive; creating installation media deletes its existing contents.
- Use a blank USB drive with at least 8 GB of capacity.
- Follow Microsoft’s current instructions on the Windows 11 download page to create the installation media.
Microsoft documents Windows 10 installation media as well, but says Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. For a current installation, check whether the PC is eligible for Windows 11 and confirm the live Microsoft download instructions before you begin.
Boot the computer from the USB and select the internal drive
- Back up important files on the computer. A clean installation can remove files, apps, customizations, and settings.
- Connect the installer USB to the computer where you intend to install Windows, then shut the computer down.
- Open the computer’s boot menu as it starts and select the Windows installation USB. The key or procedure varies by manufacturer and model; consult the computer’s documentation if you do not know it. Microsoft’s boot-from-USB guidance also directs users to device documentation when needed.
- Follow Windows Setup through the language and keyboard prompts.
- At the destination screen, identify the internal drive or partition where Windows should go. Use the displayed size and other identifying details to distinguish drives. Do not assume a disk number is the same on every computer.
- Proceed only after confirming the target. If your chosen clean-install route requires deleting partitions, verify that they belong to the intended disk and that you have backed up needed data. Do not change partitions on other disks.
- Complete Setup by following its prompts. When the applicable digital license is available, Microsoft says Windows normally reactivates after the device goes online.
Fix common problems
The PC returns to the first Setup screen after restarting
The computer may still be starting from the USB. After Setup copies files and restarts, use the boot menu or firmware instructions for that PC to start from the installed internal drive instead. The exact control depends on the manufacturer.
Rank #2
- [Win OS Install or reinstall] — Boot from the USB to install or reinstall Win 11, 10, or 7 Home & Pro editions. Includes OS installations and reinstallations media plus WinPE Utility Suite.
- [WinPE Repair & Recovery Tools] — Boot into the included WinPE utility suite to backup system and important files, troubleshoot startup problems, repair boot issues, recover data, recover Win User accounts password, and diagnose common PC problems.
- [All-in-One PC Rescue USB] — Combines Win 11, 10, and 7 installation media with PC repair, recovery, and diagnostic tools on one bootable 64GB USB drive, helping you troubleshoot and restore a computer without needing multiple discs or downloads.
- [Support] — Full instructions are included in packaging plus a printable copy of the instructions with troubleshooting information on the device. Also, a video “How to boot from a bootable USB drive.mp4” to help guide you through starting a PC from a USB drive. If you need help using the USB please contact us for assistance, we are here to help.
- [Video] - If you are new to booting from a USB drive or need a refresher see our video "How to boot from USB drive" both in description and on USB device.
The internal drive is missing from Setup
There is no universal storage-driver or firmware fix established for every PC. Check the computer or motherboard manufacturer’s current support instructions before changing firmware settings or loading drivers; do not guess at storage settings.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →You only want to repair startup
Start the computer from the installation USB and choose Repair your PC to reach Windows Recovery Environment. Do not continue into a clean installation if you only intend to troubleshoot startup.
Rank #3
- 【16GB Flash Drive】USB flash drives with 16GB capacity, meet your needs of daily use on work, school, home and travelling for photos, music, videos, files storage and transfer. IMEASON thumb drives can be used to store different files, easy to data backup.
- 【Metal Swivel Cap Design】USB thumb drive is metal swivel cover provides extra protection for the usb thumbdrive connector, no usb drive cap to lose; keychain design makes it easier to carry without worrying lose it.
- 【Wide Compatibility】USB drive supports Windows 7/8/10/11 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, also Supports USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports. USB Stick support TV, desktop, notebook computer, car, audio and other device. The USB Memory Stick is your great data storage and transfer companion with traveling and working.
- 【Easy to use】usb memory stick is plug and play without any software installation. Just simply plug the Flashdrive into the port of your USB-compatible devices such as computer, laptop to start data storage or transmission.
- 【What You Get】16 GB USB Flash Drive Thumb Drive, The default format of the usb storage flash drive is FAT32.
You want to keep files or apps
If Windows still runs, start setup.exe from the installation media inside Windows and review the available keep options. Booting from the USB to perform a clean installation is a different route and can erase data on the selected destination.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 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]
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
