How to Make a Windows 10 Bootable USB on Linux
Creating a Windows 10 bootable USB drive on Linux is easier than you think. You’ll need a Windows 10 ISO file, a USB stick with at least 8 GB of space, and a few handy Linux commands. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a bootable USB drive ready in no time.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Make a Windows 10 Bootable USB on Linux
In the following steps, you’ll learn how to create a Windows 10 bootable USB using a Linux system. This will involve downloading the ISO file, preparing the USB drive, and using a couple of Linux commands to finish the job.
Step 1: Download the Windows 10 ISO file
First, you need to download the Windows 10 ISO file from Microsoft’s official website.
Head over to the Microsoft website and select the version of Windows 10 you want to download. Save the ISO file to a location you’ll remember.
Step 2: Insert the USB Drive
Next, insert your USB drive into your Linux computer.
Make sure it has at least 8 GB of storage space. All data on this USB drive will be erased, so back up any important files before continuing.
Step 3: Identify the USB Drive
Open a terminal and type lsblk to identify the USB drive location.
This command lists all block devices. Find your USB drive in the list, noting its path (e.g., /dev/sdb). Be extremely careful to select the correct drive to avoid data loss.
Step 4: Format the USB Drive
Format the USB drive using the mkfs.vfat command.
Type sudo mkfs.vfat /dev/sdx (replace sdx with your specific USB drive path). This prepares the USB drive to receive the ISO files.
Step 5: Mount the ISO and USB Drive
Create two directories to mount the ISO file and USB drive.
Type mkdir ~/iso and mkdir ~/usb to create these directories. Use sudo mount -o loop /path/to/windows.iso ~/iso and sudo mount /dev/sdx1 ~/usb to mount them.
Step 6: Copy Files to USB Drive
Copy all files from the ISO directory to the USB directory.
Use the command sudo cp -r ~/iso/* ~/usb/ to transfer the files. This step may take a few minutes, so be patient.
Step 7: Make the USB Bootable
Use the sync command to make sure all files are written to the USB drive.
Simply type sync and press Enter. This ensures the data is properly stored on your USB drive.
After you complete these steps, you can boot from the USB drive to install Windows 10. Restart your computer, enter the BIOS or UEFI settings, and select the USB drive as the boot device. Install Windows 10 by following the on-screen instructions.
Tips for Making a Windows 10 Bootable USB on Linux
- Always double-check the drive location (
/dev/sdx) to avoid formatting the wrong drive. - Keep a backup of your important data before formatting the USB drive.
- Ensure your USB drive has a minimum of 8 GB storage space.
- Close all unnecessary applications to speed up the copying process.
- If you encounter errors, try using a different USB port or drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any USB drive to create a bootable USB?
Yes, as long as the USB drive has at least 8 GB of storage space.
What if I download the wrong ISO file?
You can download the correct version from Microsoft’s website and start the process again.
Do I need any special software on Linux to create a bootable USB?
No, you can create a bootable USB using built-in Linux commands.
Will this process work for other versions of Windows?
Yes, you can use similar steps for other versions, but ensure you download the correct ISO file.
What should I do if my computer doesn’t recognize the bootable USB?
Check the BIOS or UEFI settings and ensure the USB drive is set as the primary boot device.
Summary
- Download the Windows 10 ISO file.
- Insert the USB drive.
- Identify the USB drive.
- Format the USB drive.
- Mount the ISO and USB drive.
- Copy files to USB drive.
- Make the USB bootable.
Conclusion
Creating a Windows 10 bootable USB on Linux might seem daunting, but it’s quite straightforward if you follow the steps outlined above. Whether you’re a Linux newbie or a seasoned pro, you can easily accomplish this task with a little patience and attention to detail.
By following these steps, you transform your ordinary Linux machine into a versatile tool capable of installing Windows 10. Need to set up a new PC or fix an old one? This bootable USB will come in handy.
Remember to always keep a backup of your data and double-check your commands. If you want more in-depth reading, consider exploring other Linux utilities like dd or WoeUSB for creating bootable USB drives. Happy computing!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.