Burn ISO to USB in Windows 11: Bootable USB Guide

Burning an ISO to USB lets you install, repair, or recover Windows from a bootable drive. The process usually erases the USB drive, so copy important files elsewhere first.

Before Creating the USB

• Use an 8GB or larger USB drive for Windows installation media.
• Download ISO files only from trusted sources.
• Use GPT/UEFI for most Windows 11 PCs.
• Use MBR/Legacy only for older computers that do not support UEFI.

Use Windows Media Creation Tool

1. Connect the USB drive to the Windows 11 PC.
2. Open the Media Creation Tool and accept the license terms.
3. Choose USB flash drive and select the correct USB device.
4. Wait for the tool to download files and create the bootable drive.
5. Restart the PC and choose the USB drive from the boot menu if you need to install or repair Windows.

Back Up the USB or System First

If the USB contains files or the PC is unstable, back up before creating bootable media. Qiling Backup can create a system image before reinstall or repair work.

• Free Download

Step 1. Open Qiling Backup and choose a system or file backup task.

Step 2. Save the backup image to an external disk that will not be formatted.

Step 3. Review the task and confirm the USB target is not your backup destination.

Step 4. Click Proceed, then create the bootable ISO USB after the backup completes.

Conclusion

Creating a bootable ISO USB is straightforward, but it overwrites the USB drive. Use the correct boot mode and keep a backup before reinstalling or repairing Windows.

Related Articles

• Windows 11 Setup Without Internet
• Create Recovery Drive for Another Computer

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