Before you start
- A USB drive of 8 GB or more (everything on it will be deleted)
- A Windows PC with internet
- A Windows license or digital license for the PC you install on
Method 1 Create the USB with Media Creation Tool
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Step 1: Download the tool
Go to microsoft.com/software-download/windows11 and under Create Windows 11 Installation Media click Download Now.
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Step 2: Run it
Insert the USB drive, run mediacreationtool.exe, and accept the license terms.
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Step 3: Choose language and edition
Keep the recommended options for this PC, or untick the box to choose a different language.
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Step 4: Choose USB flash drive
Select USB flash drive, pick your drive from the list and click Next.
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Step 5: Wait
The tool downloads Windows (several GB) and prepares the drive. It can take 20–60 minutes depending on your internet.
Method 2 Alternative: Rufus with an ISO file
Rufus is handy on PCs where the Media Creation Tool fails, and lets you create the drive from an ISO you already have.
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Step 1: Download the ISO
On the same Microsoft page, under Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO), choose the edition and language and download the ISO.
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Step 2: Open Rufus
Download Rufus from rufus.ie (free, open source) and run it.
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Step 3: Create the drive
Select your USB drive, click SELECT to choose the ISO, keep GPT and UEFI for modern PCs, and click START.
Method 3 Boot from the USB
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Step 1: Plug it in and restart
Insert the USB into the PC you want to install Windows on and restart it.
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Step 2: Open the boot menu
As it starts, press the boot menu key repeatedly: commonly F12 (Dell, Lenovo), F9 (HP), F8 or Esc (ASUS), F11 (MSI). Choose the USB drive (often labelled UEFI: [drive name]).
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Step 3: Start Windows Setup
Choose your language and click Install now, or Repair your computer for recovery tools.
Troubleshooting
The PC doesn’t show the USB in the boot menu
Try a different USB port (preferably USB-A on the back of desktops), disable Fast Boot in the BIOS, and check that UEFI boot is enabled.
The Media Creation Tool shows an error code
Run it as administrator, temporarily disable third-party antivirus, use a different USB drive, or use the ISO with Rufus.
“This PC can’t run Windows 11”
The PC doesn’t meet Windows 11 requirements. Check TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, or use Windows 10 media for older hardware.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a product key?
Not if you’re reinstalling on a PC that already had activated Windows: it reactivates automatically with its digital license. Choose I don’t have a product key.
Can I use the USB on multiple PCs?
Yes. The installer works on any compatible PC; each needs its own license.
Can I still use the USB drive for files?
You can copy files onto it, but it’s best to keep it as a dedicated installer.
Summary
Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft, choose USB flash drive, and let it build your installer. Boot from it with your PC’s boot menu key to install or repair Windows.
