How to Create a Windows 11 Installation USB

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How to Create a Windows 11 Installation USB

A Windows 11 installation USB lets you reinstall Windows, repair a PC that won't start, or set up a new drive. Microsoft provides a free tool that builds it for you - there's no need for third-party tools or ISO files from other websites. This guide shows how to make the USB and how to start a PC from it.

What You Need

A working Windows PC with an internet connection (it can be a different PC from the one you want to fix).
A blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of space. Everything on it will be erased - copy anything you need off it first.
A Windows licence for the PC you'll install on. Most PCs that came with Windows 10 or 11 activate automatically once installed; you may be asked for a product key, which you can skip if Windows was already activated on that PC.
The target PC must meet the Windows 11 requirements (such as TPM 2.0 and a supported processor). Settings > System > About or the PC Health Check app on the current PC can tell you.

Step 1: Download the Media Creation Tool

Go to Microsoft's official Download Windows 11 page: https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11
Under Create Windows 11 Installation Media, select Download now.
Run the downloaded file (named something like mediacreationtool.exe) and choose Yes if Windows asks for permission.

Only download Windows from Microsoft. "Pre-activated" or modified copies from other sites can contain malware.

Step 2: Create the USB

Accept the licence terms.
Choose the language and edition. By default the tool uses the options for this PC; untick Use the recommended options for this PC if you're making a USB for a PC with a different language.
Choose USB flash drive and select Next.
Select your USB drive from the list. Double-check it's the right drive - it will be wiped.
Wait while the tool downloads Windows 11 and copies it to the USB. This can take 30 minutes or more on a slow connection. You can keep using the PC.
When you see Your USB flash drive is ready, select Finish.

(The tool can also save an ISO file instead, if you need it for a virtual machine.)

Step 3: Boot the PC From the USB

Back up first if the target PC still starts - see how to back up your Windows 11 PC. A clean install erases the drive.

Plug the USB into the PC you want to repair or reinstall.
Turn it on and press the boot menu key straight away. It depends on the maker - often F12, F11, F10, F9 or Esc. The start-up screen or your maker's support site shows the right key.
Choose the USB drive (sometimes shown as "UEFI: " followed by the drive name).

If the USB isn't listed, the boot order or firmware settings may need a change - see how to enter BIOS or UEFI settings. Don't change settings you're unsure of, especially Secure Boot or storage mode.

If Windows still starts on that PC, there's an easier way: open Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now, then choose Use a device and select the USB.

Step 4: Repair or Install

When Windows Setup opens, choose your language and keyboard, then:

Repair your computer (bottom-left) - opens the recovery tools: Startup Repair, System Restore, Command Prompt, uninstall updates. Try these before reinstalling. See how to use System Restore.
Install now - starts a clean install. If you choose Custom and delete or format partitions, everything on them is erased.

A Safer Way to Reinstall (Keeps Files)

If Windows still starts, you don't have to boot from the USB at all:

Open the USB in File Explorer from inside Windows.
Run setup.exe.
Choose to keep personal files and apps. This repairs Windows while keeping your data (a backup is still wise).

Windows 11 also has Reset this PC in Settings > System > Recovery, which can reinstall Windows without a USB.

Common Problems

The tool says it can't find the USB - use a different port (directly on the PC, not a hub) or a different drive.
"There was a problem running this tool" - restart the PC, make sure Windows Update isn't running, and run the tool again as administrator.
The USB doesn't boot on an older PC - Windows 11 needs UEFI with Secure Boot capability; very old PCs may not support it.

Keep the USB

Label the drive and keep it somewhere safe. The next time a PC won't start, you'll already have the repair tools ready. If you'd rather have someone walk you through a reinstall, the GetQuickTechSupport team can help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How big does the USB drive need to be for Windows 11?

Microsoft asks for a blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of space. Everything on the drive is erased when the tool creates the installer.

Is the Media Creation Tool free?

Yes. Download it only from Microsoft's official Download Windows 11 page. You still need a valid Windows licence to activate Windows after installing.

Can I use the Windows 11 USB to repair my PC without reinstalling?

Yes. Boot from the USB, choose your language, then select Repair your computer instead of Install now. That opens the recovery tools such as Startup Repair and System Restore.

Does installing Windows from the USB delete my files?

A clean install that deletes or formats partitions erases everything on them. Back up first. Running setup from inside Windows and choosing to keep files is the safer way to reinstall.