How to Create Windows 11 Installation Media

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Welcome, fellow tech enthusiasts! Today, we’ll be diving into the exciting world of Windows 11 installation media creation. So, put on your dancing shoes and get ready to groove with me as we explore the step-by-step process of creating your very own Windows 11 installation media. Let’s get started!

How to Create Windows 11 Installation Media

Using the Media Creation Tool

To create Windows 11 installation media using the Media Creation Tool, follow these steps:

  1. Check system requirements: Before you start, ensure that your PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11. You can find the requirements on the official Windows 11 webpage.
  2. Backup your data: Before upgrading or installing a new operating system, it’s always a good idea to back up your important files and data to avoid potential loss during the process.
  3. Download the Media Creation Tool: Go to the official Windows 11 download page (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11) and click on the “Download now” button to download the Media Creation Tool.
  4. Run the Media Creation Tool: Locate the downloaded file (usually in the “Downloads” folder) and double-click on it to run the Media Creation Tool.
  5. Accept the license terms: Read the license terms, and if you agree, click on “Accept” to proceed.
  6. Choose the media creation method: Select “Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC” and click “Next.”
  7. Select language, architecture, and edition: Choose the appropriate language, Windows 11 edition, and architecture (32-bit, 64-bit, or both) for the installation media. If you’re not sure about the architecture, you can check your current system’s properties. Click “Next” to continue.
  8. Choose the media type: Select the media type you want to use for creating the installation media. You can choose between a USB flash drive (with at least 8GB of space) or an ISO file that you can burn to a DVD later. Click “Next” to continue.
  9. Prepare the USB flash drive or ISO file:a. If you chose a USB flash drive, connect it to your PC, select it from the list, and click “Next.” The tool will format and create the installation media on the USB drive. This process may take some time.b. If you chose to create an ISO file, click “Next,” choose a location to save the file, and click “Save.” The tool will create an ISO file, which you can burn to a DVD later.
  10. Finish the process: Once the Media Creation Tool has finished creating the installation media, click on “Finish” to close the tool.

You can now use the USB flash drive or DVD to install or upgrade to Windows 11 on a compatible PC. Make sure to change the boot order in the BIOS/UEFI settings to boot from the installation media.

Read Also: How to Fix “Try Connecting Your Device Again” Windows 11

Using Rufus

Rufus is a popular tool for creating bootable USB drives. To create a Windows 11 installation media using Rufus, follow these steps:

  1. Check system requirements: Ensure that your PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11. You can find the requirements on the official Windows 11 webpage.
  2. Backup your data: Before upgrading or installing a new operating system, it’s always a good idea to back up your important files and data to avoid potential loss during the process.
  3. Download Windows 11 ISO file: Visit the official Windows 11 download page (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11) and download the Windows 11 ISO file using the Media Creation Tool, or acquire the ISO from another legitimate source.
  4. Download Rufus: Go to the Rufus official website (https://rufus.ie/) and download the latest version of the software. It’s a portable application, so no installation is required.
  5. Prepare a USB flash drive: Make sure you have a USB flash drive with at least 8GB of storage space. Connect it to your PC. Note that all data on the USB drive will be erased during this process, so back up any important files on the drive before proceeding.
  6. Run Rufus: Locate the downloaded Rufus executable file and double-click on it to run the application.
  7. Configure Rufus settings:
    • a. In the “Device” section, select the USB flash drive you want to use for creating the installation media.
    • b. In the “Boot selection” section, click on “Select” and locate the Windows 11 ISO file you downloaded earlier. Open the file.
    • c. In the “Partition scheme” section, choose “GPT” if your PC uses UEFI, or “MBR” if it uses BIOS. If you’re unsure, check your system’s documentation or the BIOS/UEFI settings.
    • d. In the “File system” section, select “NTFS” or “FAT32” (NTFS is recommended for Windows 11).
    • e. You can leave the “Cluster size” as the default setting.
    • f. In the “Volume label” section, you can assign a name to the USB drive (e.g., “WIN11”).
    • g. Ensure that the “Quick format” and “Create extended label and icon files” options are checked.
  8. Start the process: Click on the “Start” button. Rufus will display a warning that all data on the USB drive will be destroyed. Confirm that you want to proceed by clicking “OK.” Rufus will format the drive and create the bootable Windows 11 installation media. This process may take some time.
  9. Close Rufus and safely eject the USB drive: Once Rufus has finished creating the installation media, close the application and safely eject the USB drive from your PC.

You can now use the bootable USB drive to install or upgrade to Windows 11 on a compatible PC. Make sure to change the boot order in the BIOS/UEFI settings to boot from the installation media.

Read Also: How to Install Windows 11 on Your Surface Pro 3

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