How to Create a Bootable Windows USB Drive (Complete Guide 2026)

How to create a bootable Windows USB drive — Complete 2026 guide

Want to reinstall Windows, repair your computer, or install Windows on a new PC? The simplest and most reliable solution is to create a bootable Windows USB drive. This drive will let you start your computer and install Windows 10 or Windows 11 easily, even if your current system no longer works.

In this complete guide, we explain step-by-step how to create a bootable Windows USB drive, whether you’re using Windows 10 or Windows 11.

💡 Good to know: if you’ve already purchased your Windows license from Licence24.ch, you have everything you need to proceed with the installation.

What you need before you start

Before creating your bootable Windows USB drive, make sure you have the following:

• A USB drive of at least 8 GB (16 GB recommended)
• A working computer with internet access
• A stable internet connection
• A valid Windows activation key (you can get one at Licence24.ch)

⚠️ Important: creating a bootable USB drive will erase all content on the drive. Be sure to back up your files before starting.

Simplified option: ready-to-use USB drive

If you prefer to avoid technical steps, Licence24.ch also offers ready-to-use Windows USB drives with the license included. This is the ideal solution to save time and install Windows without any prior setup.

Method 1 — Media Creation Tool (recommended)

The Media Creation Tool is the tool provided by Microsoft to create a Windows installation USB drive. It’s the simplest and most direct method.

Steps:

1. Download the Media Creation Tool from the official Microsoft website
2. Insert your USB drive into your computer
3. Run the program as administrator (right-click → Run as administrator)
4. Accept the Microsoft license terms
5. Select Create installation media for another PC
6. Choose the language, Windows edition, and architecture (64-bit recommended)
7. Select USB drive as the media type
8. Choose your USB drive from the list
9. Click Next

Once finished, your bootable Windows USB drive is ready to use.

Method 2 — Rufus (for advanced users)

Rufus is a free and open-source software very popular for creating bootable USB drives. It offers more options than the Media Creation Tool and is especially useful if you already have a Windows ISO file.

Steps:

1. Download Rufus from the official website rufus.ie
2. Download the Windows ISO image from the Microsoft website
3. Launch Rufus (no installation required)
4. In the Device section, select your USB drive
5. Click Select boot then choose the Windows ISO file
6. Keep the default settings (GPT, UEFI)
7. Click Start

Rufus will create your bootable USB drive in a few minutes.

Start from the USB drive

Once the bootable USB drive is created, here’s how to start your computer from it:

1. Insert the USB drive into your computer
2. Restart the PC
3. Press the key to open the BIOS or boot menu (usually F2, F12, DEL, or ESC depending on the manufacturer)
4. In the Boot menu, set the USB drive as the first boot device
5. Save and restart

Your computer will automatically boot into the Windows setup program.

Activate Windows after installation

Once Windows is installed, you will need to activate your system with a valid license key. If you don’t have one yet, you can get one directly from Licence24.ch — instant delivery by email, activation in a few minutes.

👉 Get a Windows 10 or Windows 11 license

To learn how to activate your Windows step by step, check out our dedicated guide:

👉 How to activate Windows 10/11 with a product key

Why choose Licence24.ch for your Windows license?

• 📦 Instant delivery by email after payment confirmation
• 🔑 Perpetual digital licenses — one purchase, valid for life, no subscription
• 🇨🇭 Company based in Switzerland — responsive customer support 7 days a week in French, German, Italian, and English
• 💳 Secure payment — Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Twint, Apple Pay, and more
• 🔄 Lifetime replacement guarantee in case of activation issues

In summary

Creating a bootable Windows USB drive is a simple process that usually takes less than 30 minutes. Whether you use the Media Creation Tool or Rufus, you have a reliable solution to install or reinstall Windows 10 or Windows 11. Once the installation is complete, you just need to activate your system with a valid digital license.

⚠️ Disclaimer — Licence24.ch is an independent reseller of perpetual digital software licenses. We are not affiliated with Microsoft Corporation, nor are we official partners or authorized agents. The product names, trademarks, and logos mentioned (Windows, Microsoft, Media Creation Tool, Rufus) are the exclusive property of their respective owners. All licenses offered can be activated directly through Microsoft servers, in accordance with the applicable European and Swiss legal framework for software license resale.