In today’s digital age, having a bootable USB drive can be incredibly useful. Whether you need to install a new operating system, recover your computer, or simply want a portable way to access your files, a bootable USB can come in handy in numerous situations. Making a bootable Windows 10 USB on Linux may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and steps, it becomes a straightforward process. In this blog post, we will guide you through the methods to create a bootable Windows 10 USB drive using Linux.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Make A Bootable Windows 10 USB on Linux
There are several reasons why you might need to create a bootable Windows 10 USB on Linux. Here are a few common scenarios where having a bootable USB drive can be beneficial:
1. Installing or reinstalling Windows 10: If you want to perform a fresh installation of Windows 10 or need to reinstall it on your computer, a bootable USB allows for a faster and more convenient installation process.
2. Repairing or recovering your computer: When your computer encounters critical errors or fails to boot, having a bootable USB can be a lifesaver. It enables you to access troubleshooting tools or recovery options to fix the issue.
3. Upgrading older operating systems: If you are currently using an older version of Windows and want to upgrade to Windows 10, a bootable USB provides a clean installation method, ensuring a smooth transition.
4. Portability and convenience: Having a bootable USB drive allows you to carry your operating system and files wherever you go. You can use it on multiple computers without the need for installation, making it ideal for work or travel.
With these reasons in mind, let’s explore the methods to create a bootable Windows 10 USB on Linux.
Method 1: Using Etcher
Etcher is a popular cross-platform tool that simplifies the process of creating bootable USB drives. Follow the steps below to create a bootable Windows 10 USB on Linux using Etcher:
1. Download the Windows 10 ISO file from the official Microsoft website.
2. Install Etcher on your Linux system, which can be downloaded from the official Etcher website.
3. Launch Etcher and click on the "Select image" button. Browse and select the Windows 10 ISO file you downloaded earlier.
4. Insert your USB drive into your Linux machine.
5. Etcher should automatically detect the USB drive. If not, click on the "Select target" button and choose your USB drive.
6. Verify that the correct target drive is selected and click on the "Flash!" button to start the process.
7. Etcher will now write the Windows 10 ISO to the USB drive. Wait for the process to complete.
8. Once the process is finished, safely remove the USB drive from your Linux machine.
Pros:
– Etcher provides a user-friendly interface, making it easy for beginners to create bootable USB drives.
– It supports various operating systems, including Linux, macOS, and Windows.
– Etcher automatically verifies the flashed USB drive to ensure the integrity of the data.
Cons:
– Etcher may require administrative privileges to access and write to devices.
– Occasionally, Etcher may encounter compatibility issues with specific USB drives.
Method 2: Using UNetbootin
Another popular method to create a bootable Windows 10 USB on Linux is by using UNetbootin. Follow the steps below to use UNetbootin:
1. Download the Windows 10 ISO file from the official Microsoft website.
2. Install UNetbootin on your Linux system, which can be downloaded from the official UNetbootin website.
3. Launch UNetbootin and select the "Diskimage" option.
4. Click on the "…" button and browse to the location where you saved the Windows 10 ISO file.
5. Make sure the correct USB drive is selected under the "Drive" dropdown menu.
6. Leave the "Space used to preserve files across reboots" option at the default value.
7. Click on the "OK" button to start the process.
8. UNetbootin will now extract the Windows 10 ISO to the USB drive. Wait for the process to complete.
9. Once the process is finished, safely remove the USB drive from your Linux machine.
Pros:
– UNetbootin is a lightweight and easy-to-use tool.
– It supports a wide range of Linux distributions and operating systems, including Windows.
– UNetbootin allows you to create bootable USB drives for various purposes, not just Windows installations.
Cons:
– UNetbootin may encounter compatibility issues with specific Linux distributions.
– As UNetbootin uses an older booting mechanism, it may not work on UEFI-based systems.
Method 3: Using WoeUSB
WoeUSB is a specialized tool designed specifically for creating bootable Windows USB drives from Linux. Here’s how to use WoeUSB:
1. Ensure that you have enabled the universe repository in your Linux distribution.
2. Open a terminal and enter the following command to install WoeUSB:
"`
sudo apt install woeusb
"`
3. Download the Windows 10 ISO file from the official Microsoft website.
4. Insert your USB drive into your Linux machine.
5. Launch WoeUSB from the application menu or execute the following command in the terminal:
"`
sudo woeusb –device /path/to/windows-10.iso /dev/sdX
"`
Replace "/path/to/windows-10.iso" with the actual path to your downloaded Windows 10 ISO file and "/dev/sdX" with the corresponding device name of your USB drive.
6. WoeUSB will prompt for confirmation before proceeding. Type "Y" and press Enter to continue.
7. The tool will format and write the Windows 10 ISO to the USB drive. Wait for the process to complete.
8. Once the process is finished, safely remove the USB drive from your Linux machine.
Pros:
– WoeUSB is specifically designed for creating bootable Windows USB drives from Linux, ensuring compatibility and reliability.
– It offers a command-line interface, making it ideal for advanced users or automation purposes.
Cons:
– WoeUSB may not be available in all Linux distributions by default and requires additional installation steps.
– Some users may find the command-line interface overwhelming, especially if they are not familiar with the terminal.
Method 4: Via Rufus in Wine
If none of the above methods work for you or if you prefer a Windows-based tool, you can also use Rufus via Wine on Linux. Here are the steps:
1. Install Wine on your Linux system using your package manager. For example, on Ubuntu, you can use the following command:
"`
sudo apt install wine
"`
2. Download Rufus for Windows from the official Rufus website.
3. Right-click on the Rufus executable file, select "Open With Wine Windows Program Loader," and wait for Rufus to launch.
4. Insert your USB drive into your Linux machine.
5. In Rufus, select your USB drive under the "Device" dropdown menu.
6. Click on the "Select" button next to the "Boot selection" section and browse to the location where you saved the Windows 10 ISO file.
7. Ensure that the partition scheme is set to "MBR" and the file system to "NTFS."
8. Click on the "Start" button to begin the process.
9. Rufus will format and write the Windows 10 ISO to the USB drive. Wait for the process to complete.
10. Once the process is finished, safely remove the USB drive from your Linux machine.
Pros:
– Rufus is a powerful and feature-rich tool for creating bootable USB drives on Windows.
– Using Rufus via Wine allows Linux users to leverage the functionality of Rufus without switching to a Windows system.
Cons:
– Running Windows applications through Wine might not always be as stable or perform as well as running them natively.
– Rufus via Wine is an indirect method and may encounter compatibility issues or limitations.
What to Do If You Can’t Make A Bootable Windows 10 USB on Linux
If you encounter issues while attempting to create a bootable Windows 10 USB on Linux, here are some potential fixes to try:
1. Verify the integrity of the Windows 10 ISO file: It is essential to ensure that the ISO file you downloaded is not corrupted. Try downloading the file again or use checksum verification tools to confirm its integrity.
2. Check USB drive compatibility: Not all USB drives are suitable for creating bootable drives. Try using a different USB drive or make sure the drive is not write-protected.
3. Reformat the USB drive: If your USB drive has been used for other purposes or formatted in a different file system, try formatting it using a tool like GParted and then attempt to create the bootable USB again.
4. Try a different USB port: Sometimes, certain USB ports may have compatibility issues. Try using a different USB port on your Linux machine.
5. Use a different tool: If one method doesn’t work, try using a different tool like Ventoy or WinUSB to create the bootable Windows 10 USB on Linux.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to enhance your experience of creating a bootable Windows 10 USB on Linux:
1. Use high-quality USB drives: To ensure reliability and optimal performance, use high-quality USB drives from reputable manufacturers.
2. Keep your Windows 10 ISO file up to date: Windows 10 receives regular updates and feature enhancements. Periodically check for new ISO releases on the official Microsoft website.
3. Backup your important files: Before creating a bootable Windows 10 USB, it’s always a good practice to backup your important files to avoid any potential data loss during the installation or recovery process.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I use a Windows-based tool to create a bootable Windows 10 USB on Linux?
A: Yes, you can use Windows-based tools like Rufus via Wine to create a bootable Windows 10 USB on Linux. However, it’s recommended to use native Linux tools or specialized tools like WoeUSB for better reliability and compatibility.
Q2: Can I use the created bootable USB for multiple installations of Windows 10?
A: Yes, you can use the same bootable USB to install Windows 10 on multiple computers. However, note that the license key used during the installation process should be valid for each installation.
Q3: Can I create a bootable USB for Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 using the same methods?
A: Yes, the methods mentioned in this blog post can also be used to create bootable USB drives for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. Simply replace the Windows 10 ISO file with the corresponding ISO file for the desired Windows version.
Q4: Can I dual boot Linux and Windows 10 using a bootable USB drive?
A: No, a bootable USB drive is primarily used for installation or recovery purposes and does not support persistent installations. To dual boot Linux and Windows 10, you’ll need to create separate partitions on your hard drive and install each operating system on its respective partition.
Q5: Can I update my bootable Windows 10 USB with the latest Windows updates?
A: Yes, after creating a bootable Windows 10 USB, you can update it with the latest Windows updates. Connect the USB drive to a Windows machine, launch Windows Update, and proceed with the update installation process.
Final Thoughts
Creating a bootable Windows 10 USB on Linux opens up a world of possibilities, whether you need to install Windows on a new computer or recover a malfunctioning system. By following the methods outlined in this blog post, you can easily create a bootable USB drive using Linux tools like Etcher, UNetbootin, or WoeUSB. Additionally, using Rufus via Wine provides a viable alternative for those who prefer a Windows-based tool. Remember to verify the integrity of your ISO file, use high-quality USB drives, and keep your Windows 10 ISO up to date for the best experience.