Forum Discussion
Helenkate
Jul 04, 2024Copper Contributor
How to reinstall Windows 10 from usb without losing files?
I need to reinstall Windows 10 on my computer and I've heard that it can be done using a USB drive. However, I'm not entirely sure about the steps involved in creating a bootable USB and then using i...
Ushaojin
Jan 20, 2025Iron Contributor
Reinstalling Windows 10 from a USB drive can be a bit complex, but it's a straightforward process. Here are the steps to reinstall Windows 10 from USB:
Step 1: Prepare the USB drive
- Insert the USB drive: Insert the USB drive into your PC.
- Open Rufus: Run Rufus and select your USB drive from the list.
- Select ISO file: Click the "Create a bootable disk using" drop-down menu and select the Windows 10 ISO file you downloaded.
- Setup settings: Make sure the following settings are correct:
- Boot selection: UEFI (non-Legacy)
- Partition scheme: GPT (non-MBR)
- Target system: UEFI firmware - Boot process: Click "Start" to create a bootable USB drive.
Step 2: Boot from the USB drive
- Restart your PC: Turn your PC off and back on. Press the key to enter the BIOS (usually F2, F12, or Del).
- Enter the BIOS: Use the arrow keys to navigate to the Boot section. Set the USB drive as the first boot device (usually option 1).
- Save and Exit: Save your changes and exit the BIOS.
Step 3: Reinstall Windows 10
- Boot from USB drive: Your PC should automatically boot from the USB drive.
- Windows 10 Setup: Windows 10 Setup will launch. Follow the prompts to select your language, time and currency format, and keyboard layout.
- Install Windows 10: Select the Custom installation option to reinstall Windows 10.
- Format Hard Drive: Select the drive you want to reinstall Windows 10 on, and then select the Format option.
- Wait to install: This process may take some time, depending on your system configuration.