This guide introduces how to create a bootable USB drive for formatting or performing a clean installation of the Windows 11 operating system.

While there is an option to reset Windows through its default settings, I chose to create a reinstallation USB for a clean install, as I was formatting my system after several years.

We will use the official tool provided by Microsoft. Since support for Windows 10 is scheduled to end in October 2025, this guide focuses on Windows 11.

Prerequisites

• An empty USB flash drive with at least 8GB of storage space.
  (Note: Data on the USB drive will be deleted during the creation process, so backing up important files beforehand is crucial.)
• An internet connection.
  (The necessary files for the USB drive will be downloaded and applied via the internet.)

Creating the Bootable USB

1. Access the official Microsoft Windows 11 download page.

2. Under the “Create Windows 11 Installation Media” section, click [Download now] to download the tool.

3. Run the downloaded mediacreationtool.exe file and proceed with the setup.
· You must click [Accept] on the “Applicable notices and license terms” page to continue.

4. Select the language and edition.
· Checking “Use the recommended options for this PC” will automatically configure settings based on your current computer.

5. Choose which media to use.
· Since the purpose is to create a USB for a clean installation, select “USB flash drive” and click [Next].
· Ensure your USB drive is connected to the computer before proceeding, as you will need to select it in the next step.

6. Select a USB flash drive where you want to install the media, then click [Next].
· Warning: This process will erase all data currently on the selected USB drive. Please double-check and back up any necessary files before proceeding.

7. When the message “Your USB flash drive is ready” appears, the USB creation process is complete. Click [Finish] to close the tool.
· The time required for creation can vary depending on your computer’s performance and internet speed. It may take some time, so it’s advisable to perform this when you are not in a rush.

8. Open the created USB drive in File Explorer to verify that the necessary files have been created successfully.

Performing a Clean Installation Using the Created USB

To start the clean installation using the USB drive, you first need to enter your computer’s BIOS/UEFI settings and change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive.

The method for entering BIOS/UEFI varies by manufacturer, but common keys pressed during startup include F2 or Del.

Check your manufacturer’s official website for specific instructions.

For example, my laptop is a Lenovo, and their support page provides instructions on how to boot from a USB disk.

Here is a brief overview of the clean installation process:

1. Shut down your computer completely. Power it back on and immediately start pressing the appropriate key (e.g., F2, Del) repeatedly to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup screen.

2. Navigate to the Boot menu (or a similarly named section). Change the boot order so that the “USB Device” (or the name of your USB drive) is listed first. Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI setup (often labeled “Save and Exit“).

3. The computer will restart and begin booting from the USB drive, starting the Windows installation process.

4. Follow the on-screen prompts. Most steps involve clicking [Next] or agreeing to terms.
· If prompted to activate Windows, you can select [I don’t have a product key] for now. You can activate Windows later after the installation is complete.

5. The installation process involves several restarts. You may need to configure some settings along the way, so monitor the process.

6. Once the installation is fully complete and you reach the Windows desktop, remove the USB drive. You can now install your desired applications and use your newly installed Windows 11 system.