💾 How to Create a Bootable Pen Drive (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)

💾 How to Create a Bootable Pen Drive (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)

A bootable pen drive is used to install or repair an operating system like Windows 10, Windows 11, Linux. This guide will help you create a bootable USB easily even if you are a beginner.

📌 Uses of Bootable Pen Drive:

• Install Windows on a new computer
• Reinstall Windows if PC is not starting
• Format and repair system
• Install Linux OS

What You Need Before Starting

• ✅ Pen Drive (Minimum 8GB)
• ✅ Computer / Laptop
• ✅ Windows ISO file
• ✅ Rufus Software (Free Tool)

⚠️ Important: All data in the pen drive will be deleted. Take backup first.

Method 1: Create Bootable Pen Drive Using Rufus (Best Method)

Step 1: Download Windows ISO File

• Go to Microsoft official website
• Download Windows 10 / 11 ISO

Step 2: Download Rufus Tool

• Search Rufus USB Tool
• Download latest version (No installation needed)

Step 3: Insert Pen Drive

• Insert USB pen drive into computer
• Make sure it is detected

Step 4: Open Rufus Software

• Double-click rufus.exe
• No setup required

✔ Rufus automatically detects your USB drive

Step 5: Select Required Options

• Device: Select your pen drive
• Boot Selection: Select ISO file
• Partition Scheme: GPT (UEFI) / MBR (Legacy)
• File System: NTFS

Step 6: Start Bootable Process

• Click START
• Click OK on warning message
• Wait for process to complete

✔ Bootable Pen Drive Created Successfully

Method 2: Create Bootable Pen Drive Using CMD (Advanced)

Steps:

• Press Windows + R → Type cmd
• Type diskpart → Enter
• Type list disk
• Select USB disk carefully
• Format and make active

⚠️ Warning: CMD method is risky for beginners. Use Rufus if possible.

How to Boot Computer Using Bootable Pen Drive

• Restart computer
• Press Boot Menu Key (F12 / F9 / ESC)
• Select USB Storage Device
• Press Enter

Boot Menu Keys:
Dell – F12 | HP – F9 | Lenovo – F12 | Acer – F12

Common Problems & Solutions

• USB not detected: Change USB port
• Boot failed: Check BIOS mode (UEFI/Legacy)
• ISO error: Download fresh ISO

Conclusion

Creating a bootable pen drive is very easy if you follow the right steps. Rufus is the safest and fastest tool for beginners. Now you can install or repair Windows anytime without help.

✔ If this guide helped you, share it and bookmark for future use.