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Create a Bootable USB Drive

A bootable USB drive can be used to install Windows, Linux and Mac OS X on PC and Mac, it can also been used for different purposes such as low level firmware update or BIOS update purpose. However, the most common use of a bootable USB drive is to update the Windows, Clean install it and restore the windows or Update the Mac OS X or restore it to the factory settings on Mac devices. There are different methods to create a bootable USB drive depending upon the operating system installed on your PC. The most common and toughest method for Windows users is by using a command line, however, there are certain tools available to help you with this problem. Similarly, creating a bootable USB drive on Mac OS X drive is also not an easy feat, you have to write dozens of commands in the Finder, but there is a third party tool available for Mac OS X which will ease the process for you. Here’s the step by step guide to create a bootable USB Drive in the easiest way possible.

Creating a bootable USB drive in Windows:

  2. Using Microsoft Tool:

The most common method of creating a USB drive in windows is by using the Microsoft Tool, Windows 7 USB download Tool, however, if you are using an older version of windows, you can try out the Rufus as explained in the second part.

What you Need?

Step by step guide to create bootable USB drive using Microsoft Tool:

After downloading the Microsoft Windows 7 USB download tool, install it on your computer. Once the installation process is finished, run this tool as an Administrator. Right click on the tool and select “Run as an Administrator.


On the main scree, select the source of the ISO file, Click on “Browse” and select the already downloaded Windows ISO file or select the “DVD” and click on “Next”.


Now, as you want to create a bootable USB, select USB device


Connect your USB device with the computer and Click on “Begin Copying”


It will ask you to “Erase USB device”, click OK to continue.


Now, it will surely take some time, Sit tight and let it finish the task.


  2. Create Bootable USB using Rufus:

Rufus is simpler yet better way to create a bootable USB drive, you can either only create a bootable USB or can create a Bootable USB without windows DVD or ISO file.

Pre-Requisites:

How to create bootable USB using Rufus:

Rufus is a simple utility and it doesn’t have a setup to install, simply download it from the link given above and run it as Administrator.

Connect your USB device with PC. Rufus will automatically detect the USB.


Normally, you will not have to play with any settings, simply click on the DVD icon and select the ISO file from your computer.


However, if you don’t want to create bootable USB with Windows, you can simply uncheck the box “create a bootable disk using”.


Once you have completed the settings, Click on “Start” button to initiate the process to start creating bootable USB drive.

A pop-up will be show demonstrating that all data on your USB will be removed, Click on “OK” to continue.


It may take some time depending upon the size of your USB and ISO file. However, after completion of the process, a green bar and Ready. That’s it! You have successfully created the bootable USB drive.


Create Bootable USB Drive on Mac:

Requirements:

How to Create Bootable USB Drive on Mac:

Download the DiskMaker X on your Mac and move it to the applications folder. Now, Launch the DiskMaker X on your Mac.

Connect your USB drive with the PC.

After launching DiskMaker X, a window will pop up asking you version of OS X for which you want to create bootable USB Drive.


The best thing about DiskMaker X is that it will automatically detect the downloaded Mac OS X. Click on “Use this Copy”


Now, select which USB drive you want to use, select the drive and click on “Choose this disk”. It will warn you that all data on your USB drive will be erased. Click on “Erase and create the disk” and a new dialogue will appear, click on “Continue”.

Now, Sit tight and let’s DiskMaker X do its magic. It may take some time.


After some time, a new windows will appear showing you to either install the Mac OS X version or go back to the main screen.

That’s it! You have successfully create a bootable USB drive on Mac.