If your PC feels sluggish, buggy, or just plain outdated, installing a fresh copy of Windows 10 can give it a brand-new life. And the easiest way to do that? By using a bootable USB drive.
Whether you’re upgrading from an older version of Windows or doing a clean installation, installing Windows 10 from USB is simple—once you know the steps. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything: creating a bootable USB, changing BIOS settings, and completing the installation.
Why Install Windows 10 from USB?
You might be wondering: Why not use a DVD or direct upgrade?
Here’s why USB is the best option:
-
✅ Faster installation compared to DVDs.
-
✅ More reliable since many modern PCs don’t even have DVD drives.
-
✅ Portable—you can use the same USB to install Windows on multiple PCs.
-
✅ Easy to update with the latest Windows 10 version.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before diving into the process, make sure you have:
-
A USB drive (at least 8 GB) – This will hold the Windows 10 installation files.
-
A working PC with internet access – To download the installation files.
-
Windows 10 product key (if doing a fresh install).
-
Backup of important files – Installation may wipe your data.
Step 1: Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool
Microsoft provides an official tool for creating installation media.
-
Go to Microsoft’s official Windows 10 download page.
-
Click Download tool now.
-
Once downloaded, run the tool.
Pro tip: Always download from Microsoft’s official site to avoid viruses or fake software.
Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive
Now, let’s make your USB ready for installation.
-
Insert your USB drive into the PC.
-
Open the Media Creation Tool.
-
Accept the license terms.
-
Select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC.
-
Choose the language, edition, and architecture (64-bit is most common).
-
Select USB flash drive and click Next.
-
Pick your USB from the list.
-
The tool will download and create the bootable drive.
⚠️ Warning: This will erase all data on the USB drive.
Step 3: Change Boot Order in BIOS/UEFI
To boot from USB, you need to adjust your PC’s startup settings.
How to Access BIOS/UEFI
-
Restart your PC.
-
During startup, press the correct key (usually F2, F12, Delete, or Esc).
-
Look for a message like “Press F2 to enter Setup”.
Change Boot Priority
-
In BIOS, go to the Boot menu.
-
Move USB drive to the top of the boot order.
-
Save changes and exit.
Step 4: Boot from the USB Drive
With boot order set, restart your PC:
-
It should now load from the USB.
-
You’ll see the Windows logo and setup screen.
Step 5: Start the Windows 10 Installation
Here’s where the fun begins:
-
Select your language, time, and keyboard preferences.
-
Click Install Now.
-
Enter your Windows 10 product key (or skip if you’ll enter it later).
-
Choose the Windows 10 edition (Home, Pro, etc.).
-
Accept the license terms.
Step 6: Choose Installation Type
You’ll get two options:
-
Upgrade – Keeps your files, apps, and settings.
-
Custom (Clean Install) – Wipes everything and installs a fresh copy.
If your PC has issues, go for Custom.
Step 7: Partition the Hard Drive
This step decides where Windows 10 will be installed.
-
Select the drive where you want to install Windows.
-
Delete old partitions if needed (⚠️ this erases data).
-
Click Next.
Windows will automatically create the required partitions.
Step 8: Wait for Installation to Complete
The installer will:
-
Copy Windows files.
-
Install features and updates.
-
Restart several times.
This may take 20–45 minutes depending on your system.
Step 9: Complete Windows 10 Setup
After installation, you’ll go through the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE):
-
Select region and keyboard layout.
-
Connect to Wi-Fi.
-
Sign in with a Microsoft account or create a local account.
-
Set privacy preferences.
Step 10: Install Drivers and Updates
Once you’re on the desktop:
-
Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
-
Download the latest updates and drivers.
-
Restart your PC if required.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. PC Doesn’t Boot from USB
-
Check if boot order is correctly set.
-
Recreate the bootable USB using Media Creation Tool.
2. “Windows Cannot Be Installed on This Disk”
-
Check if your drive uses MBR or GPT.
-
Adjust BIOS mode (Legacy/UEFI) accordingly.
3. No Product Key
-
Skip key entry. Windows 10 can be installed without activation, but features may be limited until you activate.
Advantages of Installing Windows 10 from USB
-
Fast and reliable.
-
Works on modern devices.
-
Easy to carry and reuse.
-
Lets you troubleshoot PCs that won’t boot.
Alternative Methods
If USB installation isn’t an option, you can:
-
Use a DVD installer (old-school, slower).
-
Install via network boot (PXE) in enterprise environments.
-
Mount an ISO file if doing an in-place upgrade.
Conclusion
Installing Windows 10 from a USB is one of the simplest and most effective ways to refresh or repair your PC. With just a bootable USB drive and a few BIOS tweaks, you can install Windows in under an hour.
Whether you’re upgrading, repairing, or setting up a new system, following this guide will make the process hassle-free.
FAQs
1. Do I need a product key to install Windows 10?
No, you can skip it during installation. But you’ll need one to activate Windows fully.
2. How big should my USB be for Windows 10 installation?
At least 8 GB, though 16 GB is safer.
3. Can I use the same USB on multiple PCs?
Yes, once you create the bootable USB, you can use it on multiple devices.
4. How long does it take to install Windows 10 from USB?
Usually 20–45 minutes, depending on your hardware.
5. Will installing Windows 10 delete my files?
If you choose Upgrade, your files may be kept. If you do a Custom install, all files will be erased—so always back up first.