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Booting and Installing Windows 10 from a Downloaded ISO with Rufus
Installing Windows 10 from a downloaded ISO file, also known as a «USB installation media,» can be a convenient method for creating backups, transferring operating systems to a new device, or even reinstalling an old system. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create and boot your PC using Rufus to install Windows 10 from a downloaded ISO.
Preparation is Key
Before you begin, make sure:
- You have a USB drive with enough space: Ensure that your computer has at least 4GB of free disk space available.
- The ISO file is in the correct format: Make sure the downloaded Windows 10 ISO file is in the UEFI or UEFI Legacy Boot Mode compatible format (more on this later).
- You have Rufus installed: Download and install Rufus from the official website, as it’s a popular tool for creating bootable USB drives.
Creating the Bootable Media
To create a bootable USB drive using Rufus:
- Open Rufus on your computer.
- Select the ISO file you want to use for installation (make sure it matches the format requirements mentioned earlier).
- Choose the USB drive as the destination and select the «ISO» option.
- Click «Create» to start creating the bootable media.
UEFI Boot Mode (Recommended)
Windows 10 requires UEFI boot mode to work correctly. If you’re using a Legacy BIOS-based system, you’ll need to switch to UEFI first:
- Open Rufus and select the ISO file.
- Choose «Legacy» instead of «UEFI».
- Click «Create» to create the bootable media.
Boot from the USB Drive
To boot directly from the USB drive:
- Plug in your computer’s power cord.
- Insert the USB drive into a free USB port on the back of your computer (the one that connects to the motherboard).
- Restart your computer and immediately start tapping F12 or Del during the boot process.
- Select «Boot from USB Device» or press F11.
Initial Setup
After booting, you’ll be prompted for language, time and keyboard layout, and other basic information.
- Choose your preferred language and keyboard settings.
- Accept the license agreement.
- Follow any additional prompts to complete the Windows installation process.
Post-Installation Tasks
Once the installation is complete:
- Restart your computer in normal mode.
- Install drivers for all hardware devices (this may not be necessary, but it’s a good idea to do so).
- Activate Windows 10 by entering your product key and following on-screen instructions.
By following these steps, you can successfully install Windows 10 from a downloaded ISO file using Rufus.