How to Create a Bootable USB Using Rufus

by | Sep 1, 2023 | Windows

Are you tired of being reliant on physical DVDs or CDs to install your operating system or run diagnostics on your computer? Perhaps you’re just a tech enthusiast wanting to explore different OS versions. Whatever the reason, creating a bootable USB is a handy skill to have. 

This guide aims to take you step by step through the process of creating a bootable USB drive using Rufus, demystifying the procedure and making it accessible to users of all experience levels. Whether for troubleshooting, system installation, or experimentation with different operating systems, understanding how to create a bootable USB drive with Rufus is a valuable skill that brings flexibility and efficiency to your computing experience.

Why Create a Bootable USB?

Bootable USB drives are like virtual CDs or DVDs that contain all the essential files to install or run an operating system directly from the USB drive..

What is Rufus?

Rufus is a free software that makes creating bootable USB drives a breeze for installing windows on the computer system. Whether you’re a tech expert or a beginner, Rufus simplifies the process, turning it into a task that anyone can accomplish.

Preparing Rufus

Creating a bootable USB drive with Rufus is an easy and simple process, but the user needs to do some preparation which are mentioned below:

1: System Requirements

  1. Operating System: Rufus is compatible with Windows 7 or later versions so make sure your computer is running one of these supported OS versions.
  2. USB Flash Drive: You’ll need a USB flash drive with at least 8GB of free space and this space is essential to accommodate the ISO file of the desired operating system and any additional files required for booting.
  3. ISO File: An ISO file is a disk image file that contains all the information necessary to create a bootable USB drive. You will need the ISO file of the Windows or tool you want to put on the USB drive. The user can download it form the official website of the operating system vendor.

2: Downloading Rufus

Rufus is available for free from its official website. Follow these steps to download Rufus:

  1. Visit the Website: Head inside the Rufus homepage from the web browser.
  2. Find the Download Link: Scroll down to the download section. You’ll find different versions available. Choose the latest one to ensure compatibility and access to the newest features.
  3. Download the File: Click on the download link, and the file will begin downloading. Rufus is a portable application, meaning that it doesn’t require installation. You can run it directly from the downloaded file.
  4. Verify the Download (Optional): For security-conscious users, Rufus provides checksums that you can use to verify the integrity of the downloaded file. This step ensures that the file has not been tampered with and is safe to use.

By completing these preparations, you equip yourself with all the necessary tools and files to create a bootable USB drive using Rufus. The process has been designed with user-friendliness in mind, making it accessible to both seasoned tech experts and those new to creating bootable USB drives.

Step by Step Guide to Using Rufus

Creating a bootable USB drive using Rufus is a streamlined process. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you do it with ease:

1: Opening Rufus

  1. Locate the Rufus File: Find the Rufus file you downloaded earlier.
  2. Run Rufus: Double-click on the Rufus file to run it. Since Rufus is a portable application, it doesn’t require installation. If prompted, click “Yes” to allow Rufus to make changes to your device.

2: Selecting the USB Drive

  1. Insert the USB Drive: Plug the USB flash drive into an available USB port on your computer.
  2. Choose the USB Drive in Rufus: In Rufus’s main interface, use the “Device” dropdown menu to select your USB drive. Make sure you’ve selected the correct drive, as all data on it will be erased.

3: Choosing the ISO File

  1. Click the ‘SELECT’ Button: In Rufus, click the “SELECT” button located next to the “Boot selection” field.
  2. Navigate to the ISO File: Find and select the ISO file you’ve prepared for creating the bootable USB.
  3. Open the ISO File: Click “Open” to load the ISO file into Rufus.

4: Configuring Rufus Settings

  1. Partition Scheme: Choose the appropriate partition scheme for your system. Most modern computers use “GPT,” while older systems might use “MBR.”
  2. File System: Typically, you can leave this set to “FAT32,” the default option.
  3. Cluster Size: Usually, the default value here is fine. It determines how the storage space on the USB drive is allocated.
  4. Volume Label: You can name your USB drive if desired; otherwise, leave the default name.

5: Starting the Process

  1. Click ‘START’: After configuring the settings, click the “START” button in Rufus.
  2. Confirm Data Deletion: Rufus will warn that all data on the USB drive will be destroyed. Confirm that you’ve selected the correct USB drive and click “OK.”
  3. Wait for Completion: Rufus will now create the bootable USB drive. This process can take several minutes, depending on the size of the ISO file and the speed of the USB drive.

6: Finalizing the Bootable USB

  1. Check for Completion: Rufus will display a “READY” message when the process is complete.
  2. Safely Eject the USB Drive: Close Rufus and safely eject the USB drive from your computer by right-clicking on the USB drive icon in your system tray and selecting “Eject.”

Now, you have a bootable USB drive created using Rufus. This drive can be used to install or run the operating system or tool contained in the ISO file, providing you with a portable and reusable solution. By following these detailed steps, you can easily create bootable USB drives for various purposes, regardless of your technical expertise.

Conclusion

Creating a bootable USB drive using Rufus is a practical and efficient process that offers a modern solution to installing and running various operating systems and tools. With its user-friendly interface and robust functionality, Rufus simplifies what used to be a complex procedure, making it accessible to all levels of users. By following the step-by-step guide provided, anyone can transform a regular USB flash drive into a powerful bootable device, ready for various applications, from system installations to troubleshooting tasks.