Microsoft rolled out Windows 10 globally on Wednesday, and the platform has received glowing reviews all over. Users who had already reserved a copy of Windows 10 are receiving a free upgrade. Though upgrading to Windows 10 is incredibly easy, you should ensure that you have a bootable install drive of the new OS in case a fresh install or upgrade is required.
Microsoft has released Windows 10 media creation tool that lets you download the OS and create a bootable USB drive or burn to a DVD. Here’s the step-by-step guide to creating a bootable Windows 10 USB flash drive for installation on your PC.
Creating a bootable Windows 10 USB flash drive
Make sure that you have a 4GB or larger USB drive. Format it before going ahead because if there is any data in your USB drive, it will be erased during the process. If you are installing the OS for the first time, get a valid Windows product key.
Step-1
Go to this link to download the Windows 10 media creation tool. The tool is available for 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Download the one you need.
Step-2
Plug in your USB flash drive to a free USB port. You can also use a microSD card if you like.
Step-3
Now run the media creation tool you just downloaded. You will be asked whether you want to upgrade the PC you are on to Windows 10 or “Create installation media for another PC.” Select the second option and click “Next.”
Step-4
The next screen will prompt you to select the language, the Windows 10 edition, and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit). Make sure that the edition you choose matches the Windows license key you have. Select your desired choices and hit the ‘Next’ button.
Step-5
On the next screen, select the ‘USB flash drive’ option. If you choose the ‘ISO file,’ you will have to burn it to DVD later. Hit the ‘Next’ button.
Step-6
Now you’ll be prompted to choose the relevant USB drive you have plugged into your desktop. Click the ‘Next’ button and the tool will start downloading Windows 10. The download may take a while depending on your Internet connectivity.
Step-7
Hit the ‘Finish’ button when the download is complete to end the process. Now you have a bootable Windows 10 USB drive that can be used to upgrade an existing system or install on a new PC.
