We teach you how to use the tools provided by Microsoft to create USB drives to boot and recover Windows.
A boot disk is a detachable storage device which enables a computer to run a program when it is turned on.
Boot disks can be used to recover files, to solve hardware and software problems, to try out programs and to install an operating system. The process can be easily performed by using specialized software. To install Windows from a USB boot disk Microsoft offers its own free and easy-to-use tool.
Windows USB/DVD Download Tool
This tool is extremely easy to use, you just need to download it from the official site and run it when you want to create the boot disk. All you need is an ISO file with your chosen Windows version.
You will need a flash drive with at least 8GB to create any boot disk with Windows 7, 8.1 or 10.
Connect the USB device to your computer, run the program (it is portable and requires no installation) and select the Windows ISO file you wish to use.
Installing Windows
Then you just have to choose the device you’re going to use, which might be a DVD if you prefer that option. If you choose a flash drive you should bear in mind that it will be formatted and it will lose all the data you’ve saved, so use an empty one or back up what you have on it. Begin the copying and just wait for the process to end.
Your disk is now ready and you can boot from it to install Windows on any computer.
Creating a recovery drive
If you want to create a flash drive for peace of mind in the event of any problems with Windows, the operating system itself offers you the option of creating a recovery drive. This is included in Windows 8/8.1 and Windows 10 by default. You only need to type “Create a recovery drive” into the system search and press enter. You can also access it from the Control Panel.
You’ll need a flash drive with at least 256 MB of space (and much more if you want to back up your files) and all its contents will be deleted during the process. The drive created with this tool will be able to troubleshoot and reset the system, even if the computer does not start. In addition, if you make a backup of the system files on the drive, you will also be able to use it to reinstall Windows.
Obviously, you should ideally create this tool before problems arise and save it for emergencies.
