How to Create a Bootable Pendrive / USB Flash Drive

Creating a bootable USB flash drive is a powerful skill for anyone who wants to install or repair operating systems, run diagnostic tools, or carry portable utilities. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a bootable pendrive or USB flash drive, ensuring you have everything you need to get started.

1. Gather Your Materials

Before you start, make sure you have:

A USB Flash Drive: At least 8GB is recommended, but the size may vary depending on the OS or tool you’re installing.
An ISO File: The operating system or tool you want to install. You can usually download this from the official website.
A Tool for Creating Bootable USB Drives: Some popular options include Rufus, Balena Etcher, and the Windows Media Creation Tool.

2. Download and Install the Software

For this guide, we’ll use Rufus as an example, but the process is similar for other tools:

Download Rufus: Go to the official Rufus website and download the latest version.
Install Rufus: Launch the application; no installation is necessary as it runs directly from the executable.

3. Insert Your USB Flash Drive

Connect the USB Drive: Plug your USB flash drive into an available USB port on your computer.
Backup Data: Ensure you’ve backed up any important data from the USB drive, as creating a bootable drive will erase all existing data.

4. Open Rufus and Configure Settings

Launch Rufus: Open the Rufus application you downloaded.
Select Your USB Device: In the “Device” dropdown, choose your USB flash drive.
Choose the ISO File: Click on the “SELECT” button next to “Boot selection” and browse to the location of your ISO file.

5. Configure Partition Scheme and File System

Partition Scheme: Choose the appropriate option for your system. For most modern systems, select GPT. For older systems, select MBR.
File System: Choose FAT32 for most operating systems. If your ISO file is larger than 4GB, you might need NTFS.

6. Start the Process

Verify Settings: Double-check all settings to ensure everything is correct.
Click Start: Press the “START” button to begin creating your bootable USB drive.
Confirm Warning: A warning will appear indicating that all data on the USB drive will be erased. Click “OK” to proceed.

7. Wait for Completion

Process Time: The process may take several minutes. Rufus will display a progress bar and notify you when the process is complete.
Safely Eject: Once finished, safely eject the USB drive from your computer.

8. Test the Bootable USB Drive

To ensure your bootable USB drive is working correctly:

Restart Your Computer: With the USB drive inserted, restart your computer.
Enter BIOS/UEFI: Access the BIOS/UEFI settings by pressing a specific key (usually F2, F12, ESC, or DEL) during startup.
Set Boot Order: Change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive.
Save and Exit: Save your changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings. Your computer should boot from the USB drive.

Watch the Video for a Detailed Walkthrough

For a visual guide on creating a bootable USB flash drive, check out our detailed YouTube video here. The video covers the process step-by-step and provides helpful tips to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Feel free to explore our other tutorials and tips to make the most of your tech tools and improve your tech skills!