Step-by-Step Guide: Make Bootable USB for Windows or Linux

How to Make a Bootable Pendrive (CMD, Rufus, BalenaEtcher)

📝 Introduction

A bootable USB pendrive is essential for installing operating systems like Windows or Linux, recovering systems, or running live OS environments. In this post, you'll learn three easy ways to create a bootable USB:

1. Using Command Prompt (CMD)

2. Using Rufus (Windows)

3. Using BalenaEtcher (Windows, macOS, Linux)

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🧰 What You'll Need:

• A USB pendrive (8GB or larger)

• ISO file of the OS (Windows/Linux)

• A computer

• Optional tools: Rufus or BalenaEtcher

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💻 Method 1: Using Command Prompt (CMD)

🔹 Steps:

1. Insert the USB drive into your computer.

2. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

3. Type the following:

   diskpart
   

4. List disks:

   list disk
   

5. Identify your USB (e.g., Disk 1) and select it:

   select disk 1
   

6. Clean the USB:

   clean
   

7. Create a new partition:

   create partition primary
   select partition 1
   active
   format fs=ntfs quick
   assign
   

8. Mount your ISO file or insert your OS DVD.

9. Copy ISO contents to USB:

   xcopy D:\* E:\ /E /F /H
   

   Replace D: with your ISO/DVD drive and E: with your USB.

Now your USB is bootable.

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🔧 Method 2: Using Rufus (Windows Only)

🔹 Steps:

1. Download Rufus from https://rufus.ie.

2. Open the tool (no install needed).

3. Insert your USB drive.

4. In Rufus:

   • Device: Choose your USB.

   • Boot Selection: Click "SELECT" and browse your ISO file.

   • Partition Scheme:

     • GPT + FAT32 for UEFI systems.

     • MBR + NTFS for BIOS systems.

   • Volume label: Optional.

5. Click START.

6. Confirm formatting, and let Rufus do the work.

Once complete, your bootable USB is ready.

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🧪 Method 3: Using BalenaEtcher (Windows/macOS/Linux)

🔹 Steps:

1. Download BalenaEtcher from https://www.balena.io/etcher/.

2. Install and launch the app.

3. Insert your USB drive.

4. In Etcher:

   • Select Image: Choose your ISO file.

   • Select Target: Your USB drive.

   • Click Flash!

5. Wait for flashing and auto-verification to finish.

That’s it! Your bootable USB is ready on any platform.

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💡 Tips:

• Back up your USB before starting—this process will erase everything.

• Use GPT + FAT32 for modern PCs (UEFI), MBR + NTFS for older systems.

• If it doesn't boot, check BIOS/UEFI settings and set USB as the first boot device.

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🎯 Conclusion

Whether you’re using CMD for manual control, Rufus for speed and simplicity, or BalenaEtcher for cross-platform compatibility, creating a bootable pendrive is easy and essential for tech users. Choose the method that suits your skill level and system.

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