Guide: Creating a USB Boot via Command Prompt

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1. Format USB Boot with CMD

2. Copy files from the Boot USB to USB using CMD

Making a USB Boot with Command Prompt is a complex process, involving numerous commands compared to the simpler Rufus software. If you want to enhance your USB Boot creation skills using CMD, follow the instructions in the article below.

Before proceeding with this method, ensure you have the ISO file for the USB Boot, such as Windows or Hiren Boot, and a USB with a capacity of 4GB or more.

1. Format USB Boot with CMD

Step 1: Open CMD with Administrator rights. To open cmd with Admin rights on Windows 10, go to Search (1) => type cmd (2) => Run as administrator (3).

Step 2: Enter the command diskpart => press Enter.

Step 3: Type the command list disk => press Enter. At this point, the system will display the available drives on your computer, and you can identify your USB based on its capacity.

Example: A 32GB USB will show Size as 28GB and be identified as Disk 1 in the sample image below.

Step 4: Enter the command select disk 1 => press Enter.

In this step: select disk 1 can be replaced with select disk 2, select disk 3… depending on your USB order.

Step 5: Type the command clean => press Enter to erase the USB partition.

Step 6: Enter the command create partition primary

=> press Enter to create the main partition for the USB.

Step 7: Enter the command select partition 1 => press Enter.

Step 8: Type the command active => press Enter to activate the partition on the USB.

Step 9: Enter the command format fs=ntfs quick => press Enter to format the USB as NTFS.

For Boot USB with a capacity less than 4GB, you can use the command format fs=fat32 quick to quickly format the USB in FAT32 format.

Step 10: Enter the command assign letter=X => press Enter to assign a shortcut name to the USB. You can replace X with another drive letter like D, E, F, G, H…

Finally, type the command exit => press Enter to exit Disk Part and proceed to the next operation.

2. Copy files from the Boot USB to USB using CMD

Step 1: Extract the ISO Boot file to a virtual drive. On Windows 10, you can extract the file by right-clicking the ISO file (1) => Mount (2). After successfully mounting to the virtual drive, you will see a new drive containing the installation file (3).

Step 2: Take note of the drive letter for the virtual drive (1) and USB (2) , and accurately copy files from the virtual drive containing Boot to the USB.

In the illustration below, drive D is the virtual drive mounted from the ISO file, and drive X is the USB created in part 1.

Step 3: Return to the Command Prompt and enter the command D: => press Enter.

Where D: is the drive letter of the virtual drive containing the Boot files.

Step 4: Enter the command cd boot => press Enter.

Step 5: Type the command bootsect /nt60 X: => press Enter.

Where X: is the drive letter of your USB.

Step 6: Enter the following command => press Enter.

xcopy D:\*.* X:\ /E /F /H

- Where:

D: is the virtual drive name

X: is the USB drive name

/E: Executes the copy command for all folders and subfolders excluding empty ones.

/F: Displays source and destination files during copying.

/H: Executes the copy command for files with attributes and hidden files. By default, the xcopy command does not allow copying of files with attributes and hidden files.

After successful copying and no error messages, consider it done. Close the Command Prompt window.

Step 7: After successfully creating the Boot USB, remember to eject the USB and virtual drive by right-clicking the drive (1) => Eject (2).

Following the instructions in this article, you've learned an innovative way to create a Boot USB without relying on supporting software, using the Command Prompt (CMD). If you encounter difficulties during the process, feel free to ask questions on Mytour in the comments section below!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What steps are involved in creating a USB Boot using Command Prompt?

Creating a USB Boot using Command Prompt involves formatting the USB, partitioning it, and copying boot files from an ISO. Key commands include 'diskpart', 'clean', 'create partition primary', and 'xcopy'. Ensure you have the ISO file and a USB with at least 4GB capacity.

Is it necessary to format the USB before making it bootable?

Yes, formatting the USB is essential before making it bootable. This process clears existing data, sets up a partition, and prepares the USB to accept boot files, ensuring compatibility with booting operations.

Can I use any USB drive to create a Boot USB?

No, not all USB drives are suitable. You need a USB drive with a minimum capacity of 4GB to accommodate the boot files. Larger USBs are recommended for better performance and storage.

What should I do if I encounter errors during the USB Boot creation process?

If you encounter errors while creating the USB Boot, carefully check each command entered for accuracy. Ensure the ISO file is correctly mounted, and verify that you're using the correct drive letters in your commands.

Why might someone prefer using Command Prompt over software like Rufus?

Some users prefer using Command Prompt for creating Boot USBs due to its flexibility and control over the process. It eliminates the need for additional software and allows for customization during the creation of bootable media.