Create Bootable USB for Windows & Ubuntu | Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a bootable USB is the first and most important step to install Windows or Ubuntu on any computer.
With a bootable USB, you can fresh install, reinstall, repair, or dual boot operating systems easily.

This guide explains how to create a bootable USB for Windows 11 and Ubuntu, step by step, in a simple and safe way 👇

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🔍 What Is a Bootable USB?

A bootable USB is a flash drive that contains:
✔ Operating system setup files
✔ Boot instructions
✔ Installation environment

It allows your PC to start (boot) directly from the USB.

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🧰 What You Need Before Starting

✔ USB drive (minimum 8 GB, recommended 16 GB)
✔ Windows 11 ISO or Ubuntu ISO
✔ A working PC
✔ One of these tools:

• Rufus (best for single OS)

• Ventoy (best for multiple ISOs)

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🪟 Method 1: Create Bootable USB for Windows 11 Using Rufus

✅ Best for: Windows 11 / Single ISO

🔧 Steps:

1. Download & open Rufus

2. Insert your USB drive

3. Rufus will auto-detect USB

4. Click Select → Choose Windows 11 ISO

5. Set options:

   • Partition Scheme: GPT

   • Target System: UEFI (non-CSM)

   • File System: FAT32

6. Click Start

7. Confirm warnings (USB will be formatted)

8. Wait until READY

✔ Windows 11 bootable USB is created

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🐧 Method 2: Create Bootable USB for Ubuntu Using Rufus

✅ Best for: Ubuntu Desktop / Server

🔧 Steps:

1. Open Rufus

2. Select your USB drive

3. Click Select → Choose Ubuntu ISO

4. Set options:

   • Partition Scheme: GPT (or MBR for old PCs)

   • Target System: UEFI

   • File System: FAT32

5. Click Start

6. Choose ISO Image Mode

7. Wait for completion

✔ Ubuntu bootable USB is ready

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🔁 Method 3: Create One USB for Windows & Ubuntu Using Ventoy (Recommended)

✅ Best for: Multiple ISOs / Dual Boot Users

🔧 Steps:

1. Download & open Ventoy

2. Insert USB drive

3. Select USB → Click Install

4. Confirm (USB will be formatted once)

5. After install, copy ISO files directly:

   • Windows 11 ISO

   • Ubuntu ISO

6. Safely eject USB

✔ One USB → Multiple bootable ISOs

💡 No need to format again when adding new ISOs.

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🧠 How to Boot From USB

1. Insert bootable USB

2. Restart PC

3. Press Boot Menu key (F12 / ESC / F9 / F10)

4. Select UEFI: USB

5. Installer will start

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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using wrong partition scheme
❌ Booting UEFI USB in Legacy mode
❌ Using corrupted ISO files
❌ Removing USB during creation

Always match UEFI ↔ GPT for modern PCs.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1. Which tool is better: Rufus or Ventoy?
Rufus for single OS, Ventoy for multiple OS.

Q2. Can I use the same USB again?
Yes. Reformat or reuse with Ventoy.

Q3. Does creating bootable USB delete data?
Yes. Backup your USB data first.

Q4. Is internet required during creation?
No. Only ISO file is needed.

Q5. Can I install both Windows & Ubuntu from one USB?
Yes, using Ventoy.

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🏁 Conclusion

Creating a bootable USB for Windows and Ubuntu is easy when done correctly.

💾 Rufus → Simple & fast
🔁 Ventoy → Multiple OS in one USB
⚙ Correct settings → No boot errors
🚀 Ready for install anytime

Once your bootable USB is ready, you’re fully prepared to install Windows, Ubuntu, or set up dual boot.

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Download Ventoy

📥 Download

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Complete Video Guide/Tutorial

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