Step-by-Step Guide to Create a Bootable Windows 11 USB Using Command Prompt

UPDATED 3/5/2025: In this guide, I will walk you through the process of creating a bootable USB drive for Windows 11 utilizing Command Prompt along with the DiskPart tool. This method is a reliable alternative to other available tools like the Media Creation Tool or third-party solutions such as Rufus.

To get started, ensure you have a USB drive with a minimum capacity of 8GB. This guide is not only applicable for Windows 11 installations but also works for those using Windows 10.

How to Create a Windows 11 Bootable USB Using Command Prompt

Follow the steps outlined below to successfully create a bootable USB for Windows 11:

Visit the Microsoft Support website.

Quick note: If you already possess the Windows 11 ISO file, you can move directly to step 7.
Select the Windows 11 option under the section labeled “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices”.
Click the Download button to initiate the download.
Choose an installation language from the dropdown menu.
Click on the Confirm button to proceed.
Select the 64-bit Download option to save the Windows 11 ISO file on your computer.
Open the Start Menu.
Look for Command Prompt, right-click on it, and choose the Run as Administrator option.
Type the following command to launch the DiskPart tool and hit Enter:

diskpart
Input the command below to list the available disks and press Enter:

list disk
To clear the existing data on the USB flash drive, type the following command and hit Enter:

clean
Create a new primary partition by typing the following command and pressing Enter:

create partition primary
Select the newly created partition by typing the command below and pressing Enter:

select partition 1
Make the flash drive bootable by entering this command and hitting Enter:

format FS=NTFS quick
Assign a drive letter to the USB flash drive with the following command and press Enter:

assign letter=X

Replace X with any available letter that you’d like to assign.
Exit DiskPart by typing the following command and pressing Enter:

exit
To mount the Windows 11 ISO file, type the following command and hit Enter:

PowerShell Mount-DiskImage -ImagePath "C:\path\to\Windows11.iso"

In the command, ensure you update the path with the actual location of the Windows 11 ISO file.
Re-enter DiskPart to set up the USB by typing:

diskpart
List the drive letters associated with the mounted ISO file by entering the command below and pressing Enter:

list volume
Exit DiskPart again by typing:

exit
Change the drive to access the mounted ISO by typing:

E:
Access the “boot” directory by entering the following command and pressing Enter:

cd boot
Update the volume boot code for the USB drive by typing:

bootsect /nt60 X:
Return to the root of the mounted drive by entering:

cd..
Finally, copy all the installation files from the mounted ISO to your USB flash drive by typing:

xcopy E:*.* X: /E /F /H

Make sure to replace the “E” and “X” letters with the respective drive letters for your system.

Upon completing these steps, your USB flash drive will be ready for use, allowing you to boot the computer and install Windows 11 effortlessly. Remember, taking care to follow the steps accurately will save you time and potential issues during installation.

Update March 5, 2025: This guide has been thoroughly revised to ensure it includes current methods and instructions.

Additional Insights

1. What is the minimum USB size required for creating a Windows 11 bootable drive?

You need at least an 8GB USB flash drive to create a bootable drive for installing Windows 11. It’s crucial to ensure that your drive is empty, as this process will format it.

2. Can I use these steps for installing Windows 10?

Yes, these instructions can also be used for creating a bootable USB drive for installing Windows 10. The process is nearly identical, and the DiskPart commands remain the same.

3. What should I do if I encounter errors while using DiskPart?

If you experience errors while using DiskPart, ensure that you have administrative privileges, the USB drive is correctly connected, and that you have selected the right disk. Double-check each command for accuracy as well.

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