Buzz
There are various methods to create a Bootable USB drive. However, applying different methods with multiple steps can easily confuse users or lead to errors due to missed instructions. Therefore, the safest and simplest way to create a Bootable USB drive is by using Command Prompt (CMD). Refer to the following Mytour article to learn how to create a Bootable USB drive using CMD.
Before we begin, Mytour will introduce you to some common terms related to Bootable USB drives.
Key Terms Related to Bootable USB
- Bootloader Options: This bootloader is responsible for loading the operating system. Sometimes, you can choose the bootloader when installing a specific operating system.
- grub4dos: A bootloader package designed to allow users to choose between multiple operating systems installed on a system.
Preparation
1. Firstly, prepare an ISO file of the operating system with bootmgr.
2. A USB drive (Pendrive) with a minimum capacity of 8GB, depending on the ISO file size.
3. Check whether the system supports UEFI. Depending on the system, you can create a UEFI or Legacy Capable Bootable USB drive.
Create Bootable USB Drive using CMD
The simplest and safest way to create a Bootable USB drive is by using CMD. This also means you don't need to rely on any third-party software or tools.
Follow the steps below to create a Bootable USB drive using CMD:
First, plug the USB drive into the computer. Next, open Command Prompt by typing
In the Command Prompt window, enter the following command to run the DISKPART utility:
diskpart
Now, the Command Prompt window will display the line DISKPART>. Your task is to enter the following command and press Enter:
list disk
This command will enumerate all storage devices connected to your computer. The screen will display a list of all storage devices, including hard drives, connected to the computer. Identify the number of the USB drive, then enter the following command and press Enter:
select disk X
In the above command, X is the drive number you identified earlier.
Next step is to erase all records and data displayed on the drive. To do this, run the following command and press Enter:
clean
Use the command below to create a new primary partition for the drive:
create part pri
After creating the primary partition, the next step is to select that partition. To do this, use the following command and press Enter:
select part 1
Use the command below to format the partition, displaying it for regular user use:
format fs=ntfs quick
Note: If your system supports UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface), replace NTFS with FAT32 in the above steps.
Next, enter the following command and press Enter:
Active
Finally, enter the following command and press Enter to exit the utility:
exit
After completing the preparation of the operating system image, save it to the root folder on the USB storage device.
Free Software for Creating Bootable USB Drive
Here are some free tools and software that support creating Bootable USB drives for your reference:
ZOTAC WinUSB Maker
ZOTAC WinUSB Maker stands out as a reliable tool, a Bootable USB drive creator that you can opt for.
Key features of this tool include compatibility with Windows XP and higher versions, requiring .NET Framework 4.0, operating with a simple GUI, fast performance, support for x64 and x86 as well as UEFI.
Download ZOTAC WinUSB Maker and install it here: ZOTAC WinUSB Maker
Rufus
Rufus is another well-known free software tool for creating Bootable USB drives. The software supports various USB devices such as Pendrives, Keys, Memory Sticks, etc. Similar to ZOTAC WinUSB Maker, Rufus also supports Windows XP and higher versions. Additionally, Rufus is open-source software, supporting both UEFI and GPT installations.
Download Rufus and install it here: Rufus
Windows USB/DVD Download Tool
To create a Bootable USB drive using Windows USB/DVD Download Tool, all you need is a USB drive and an ISO file. First, select the ISO file, check the target drive, and all other boot settings. Click Next to follow the on-screen instructions and complete the process of creating a Bootable USB drive.
Download Windows USB/DVD Download Tool and install it here: Windows USB/DVD Download Tool
PowerISO
Lastly, PowerISO is a must-mention. With PowerISO, you can create different images from storage or folders, and you can also create Bootable USB drives quickly. Additionally, PowerISO is portable software, requiring minimal system resources.
Download PowerISO and install it here: PowerISO
In this article, Mytour has just guided you through the steps to create a Bootable USB drive using CMD and introduced you to some free tools and software for creating Bootable USB drives. If you have any doubts or questions that need clarification, readers can leave their comments below the article. Besides, you can also explore how to create a bootable USB to fix Windows errors when needed.
