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How to Create a Windows 11 Installation USB

By SpecCairn · Published October 28, 2026 · Documentation-based explanation, not a hands-on review

A plain black USB flash drive lying on a white surface.
Illustrative photo, not a product test. Photo by Barry A on Unsplash. License & image notes.
A generic laptop with a dashed arrow pointing to a plain USB flash drive, representing creating installation media; no operating-system screen shown.
A generic laptop with a dashed arrow pointing to a plain USB flash drive, representing creating installation media; no operating-system screen shown. Original conceptual illustration, not a tested configuration.

Short answer: Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool makes a bootable Windows 11 USB drive for a reinstall or clean install. It only makes media for PCs with x64 processors, not Arm-based PCs.1

How this guide was made: SpecCairn did not run the tool for this guide. The steps follow Microsoft’s Download Windows 11 page.

Before you begin

  • A license: you need a license to install Windows 11, or a Windows 10 device that qualifies for an upgrade.2
  • A blank USB flash drive with at least 8GB of space. Everything on it will be deleted.2
  • An internet connection and enough free storage.2
  • Check the PC you’ll install on. It needs a 64-bit CPU: look under Settings > System > About, at System Type. Microsoft warns that installing on a PC that doesn’t meet the Windows 11 requirements isn’t supported and that the PC won’t be entitled to updates.3
  • Note its language. You’ll need to choose the same language when you install.3

Step-by-step

  1. On Microsoft’s Download Windows 11 page, under Create Windows 11 Installation Media, download the media creation tool.1
  2. Run the tool. You need to be an administrator.4
  3. Review the license agreement; proceed with Accept only if you accept its terms.4
  4. On What do you want to do?, select Create installation media for another PC, then Next.4
  5. Select the language, edition and architecture (64-bit).43
  6. Choose USB flash drive, with the blank drive attached, and follow the remaining screens.42

How to check it worked

Use the drive on the PC you want to install on: attach it and restart. If the PC starts from the USB drive, the Install Windows page asks for your language, time and keyboard preferences.5 You can stop there if you’re not ready to install. Creating installation media does not itself reinstall Windows; it erases the selected USB drive. Installation is a separate action.62

Troubleshooting

ProblemWhat to do
The PC starts Windows as usual instead of the USB driveOpen the boot menu or change the boot order. You typically press a key such as F2, F12, Delete or Esc right after turning the PC on; check the PC maker’s documentation.5
The USB drive isn’t listed as a boot optionContact the PC manufacturer for instructions.56
The PC has an Arm processorThe tool can’t make media for it.1

Safe fallback

Before installing, save your work and back up the PC, as Microsoft recommends.5 If you’re not sure the PC meets the Windows 11 requirements, check them before installing.3

FAQ

Does making the USB drive erase my computer?

Creating installation media doesn’t itself reinstall Windows, but it erases the selected USB drive. Installing Windows is a separate action.26

Can I use this USB on an Arm-based PC?

No. The tool only creates media for x64 processors.1

What if I’d rather have a DVD?

The tool can save an ISO file instead, which you can burn to a DVD.4

About this guide

Not affiliated with Microsoft. See the methodology.

Scope: PCs with x64 processors; the Media Creation Tool does not make media for Arm-based PCs. Research-based from Microsoft; not device-tested.

Sources and reference notes

  1. Microsoft: Download Windows 11. Create Windows 11 Installation Media section, introduction and note; date not stated; accessed 2026-10-28; official. Back to text
  2. Microsoft: Download Windows 11. Before you begin using the media creation tool; date not stated; accessed 2026-10-28; official. Back to text
  3. Microsoft: Download Windows 11. Ensure the PC you want to install Windows 11 list; date not stated; accessed 2026-10-28; official. Back to text
  4. Microsoft: Download Windows 11. Using the Media Creation Tool to create installation media; date not stated; accessed 2026-10-28; official. Back to text
  5. Microsoft: Download Windows 11. Steps after the installation media is created; date not stated; accessed 2026-10-28; official. Back to text
  6. SpecCairn editorial guidance based on the cited sources; not a statement by a manufacturer or publisher. Back to text

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