Making a bootable USB for Windows 10 using CMD is an essential skill for anyone looking to install or repair the operating system. This guide breaks down the process into manageable steps, helping you get the job done quickly and efficiently. By following these instructions, you’ll transform your USB drive into a tool that can load Windows 10 on any compatible machine.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Make Bootable USB Windows 10 Using CMD
This tutorial will walk you through the steps to create a bootable USB for Windows 10 using the Command Prompt (CMD). This approach doesn’t require any special software—just your USB drive and the Windows 10 ISO file.
Step 1: Insert Your USB Drive
First, insert your USB drive into your computer’s USB port.
Ensure your USB drive is at least 8GB and back up any important files, as this process will erase all data on the drive.
Step 2: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Next, open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
To do this, search for "cmd" in the Start menu, right-click on "Command Prompt," and select "Run as administrator."
Step 3: Use Diskpart to Format the USB Drive
Type "diskpart" and press Enter to launch the Diskpart utility.
Diskpart will help you manage your computer’s drives and partitions through the command line.
Step 4: List the Available Drives
Type "list disk" and press Enter to see a list of all drives connected to your computer.
Identify your USB drive from the list. Note its disk number, as you’ll need it for the next step.
Step 5: Select the USB Drive
Type "select disk X" (replace X with the disk number of your USB drive) and press Enter.
This command tells Diskpart to focus its operations on your USB drive.
Step 6: Clean the USB Drive
Type "clean" and press Enter to erase all data on the USB drive.
This step ensures that any existing partitions or data are removed, providing a clean slate for your bootable drive.
Step 7: Create a New Partition
Type "create partition primary" and press Enter to create a new primary partition on the USB drive.
This partition will hold the Windows 10 installation files.
Step 8: Select the New Partition
Type "select partition 1" and press Enter to select the newly created partition.
This step prepares the partition for formatting.
Step 9: Format the Partition
Type "format fs=ntfs quick" and press Enter to format the partition using the NTFS file system.
The "quick" option speeds up the formatting process.
Step 10: Assign a Drive Letter
Type "assign letter=E" and press Enter to assign a drive letter to the USB drive (you can choose any available letter).
This step makes it easier to locate and copy files to the USB drive.
Step 11: Exit Diskpart
Type "exit" and press Enter to close the Diskpart utility.
You will return to the standard Command Prompt window.
Step 12: Copy Windows 10 Files to the USB Drive
Use the "xcopy" command to copy the Windows 10 installation files from the ISO to the USB drive.
For example, type "xcopy D:*.* /s/e/f E:" (replace D: with the drive letter of your ISO file and E: with your USB drive’s letter).
Once the files are copied, your USB drive will be ready to boot and install Windows 10 on other computers.
What Happens After You Complete the Steps
After following these steps, your USB drive will be bootable with Windows 10 installation files. You can use it to install or repair Windows 10 on any compatible PC. Simply insert the USB drive into the target computer, restart, and boot from the USB drive to begin the installation process.
Tips for How to Make Bootable USB Windows 10 Using CMD
- Make sure your USB drive has at least 8GB of storage capacity.
- Always back up any existing data on your USB drive before starting, as this process will erase it.
- Keep your Windows 10 ISO file handy and ensure it is the correct version for your needs.
- If your computer doesn’t recognize the USB drive, try using a different port or checking the drive for errors.
- Use a high-quality USB drive to avoid potential issues during the installation process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a USB drive smaller than 8GB?
No, an 8GB USB drive is the minimum requirement because the Windows 10 files are too large for smaller drives.
Do I need Windows 10 ISO file?
Yes, without the ISO file, you won’t have the necessary files to install Windows 10.
How do I change the boot order to use the USB drive?
You need to enter the BIOS or UEFI settings on your computer and change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive.
Can I create a bootable USB on a Mac?
Yes, but the process involves different commands and tools specific to macOS.
Is it possible to undo the bootable USB creation?
You can reformat the USB drive to use it for regular storage again, but any data will be lost.
Summary
- Insert Your USB Drive
- Open CMD as Administrator
- Use Diskpart to Format the USB
- List Available Drives
- Select the USB Drive
- Clean the USB Drive
- Create a New Partition
- Select the New Partition
- Format the Partition
- Assign a Drive Letter
- Exit Diskpart
- Copy Windows 10 Files to USB
Conclusion
Creating a bootable USB for Windows 10 using CMD is a straightforward and essential process for anyone who deals with computers regularly. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a student, or just someone who wants to have a backup plan, these steps ensure you have a reliable tool at your disposal. Remember, the key to success is following each step carefully and double-checking your work. Once you’ve mastered this, you’ll have a valuable skill that can save time and hassle in the future.
For further reading, consider looking into additional command line tools and options that Windows offers. These can enhance your troubleshooting and system management capabilities. So, gear up, follow the steps, and transform that USB drive into a powerful bootable tool!
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.