Installing Windows 10 with a bootable flash drive is one of the easiest and most reliable methods. It lets you perform a clean installation or upgrade on almost any computer. Below is a complete step-by-step guide that covers creating the bootable USB using Rufus, understanding partition schemes, and installing Windows 10.
Step 1: Prepare a USB Flash Drive
- Get a USB flash drive with at least 8GB of storage.
- Back up any files on the USB because the process will erase all data.
Step 2: Download Windows 10 ISO
- Visit Microsoft’s official website and download the Windows 10 ISO file.
- Save it to your computer where it can be easily accessed.
Step 3: Download and Install Rufus
- Go to the Rufus official site and download the latest version.
- Launch Rufus; it runs directly without installation.
Step 4: Create a Bootable USB with Rufus
- Insert your USB flash drive into the computer.
- Open Rufus and select your USB drive from the “Device” dropdown.
- Under “Boot selection,” click “Select” and choose the Windows 10 ISO you downloaded.
- Under “Partition scheme,” you will see two options: MBR and GPT.
- MBR (Master Boot Record): Choose this if the computer uses Legacy BIOS. It works with drives up to 2TB and allows 4 primary partitions.
- GPT (GUID Partition Table): Choose this if the computer uses UEFI. It supports larger drives and more partitions.
- In the “File system” option, select NTFS.
- Click “Start.” Rufus will warn that all data on the USB will be erased. Confirm and continue.
- Wait for Rufus to finish creating the bootable USB, then safely eject the drive.
Step 5: Boot from the USB Drive
- Insert the bootable USB into the computer where you want to install Windows 10.
- Restart the computer and press the required key to enter BIOS/UEFI (common keys: F2, F12, Delete, or Esc).
- In the BIOS, set the USB flash drive as the first boot device.
- Save changes and restart. The computer should boot from the USB.
Step 6: Install Windows 10
- When the installer loads, choose your language, time, and keyboard preferences, then click “Next.”
- Click “Install now.”
- Enter your Windows 10 product key if available, or select “I don’t have a product key” and choose the edition you want.
- Accept the license terms.
- Choose “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)” for a fresh installation.
- Select the partition where you want to install Windows 10. You can delete old partitions if needed, create a new one, then click “Next.”
- The installer will copy files, install features, and restart the computer several times.
Step 7: Complete Windows Setup
- After installation, the setup wizard will guide you through region, keyboard, and network settings.
- Sign in with a Microsoft account or create a local account.
- Set a password and configure privacy settings.
Step 8: Finalize and Update
- Once setup completes, you will arrive at the Windows 10 desktop.
- Install necessary drivers from your computer manufacturer.
- Run Windows Update to download the latest updates and security patches.
Your Windows 10 installation is now complete using a bootable flash drive created with Rufus.
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