Guide: How to create Windows 10 install media using tools

Thanks to everyone that posted comments on our original article for creating and installing Windows 10 from USB media. We've taken that feedback and created another two guides detailing both the more simple and complex ways you can install Windows 10, focusing specifically on a non-destructive method.

First, we'll cover the USB media tools that you are using to create Windows installation media, not just for the 10 TP, but for 7, 8 and 8.1.

Rufus is  “a utility that helps format and create bootable USB flash drives, such as USB keys/pendrives, memory sticks, etc” and it especially useful in case where “you need to create USB installation media from bootable ISOs (Windows, Linux, UEFI, etc.)”

We’ve used version 1.4.10, available here. From here on in, we will assume that you already have one, or both of the Windows 10 Technical Previews already downloaded. Again, this is all being done from a Windows 8.1 Pro client machine. So plug your USB disk in and let’s crack on!

1. Download Rufus and run the application.
   1. There might be a case for right clicking and choosing Run as administrator, so keep that in mind
2. From the screenshot below, you will see the settings we’ve used to format the disk
    

   

   1. Please ensure you choose the correct Device from the ones available
   2. Click the disc/drive image beside the ISO Image dropdown to load your downloaded ISO
      1. This ISO will change the New volume label
3. Click Start and wait for the process to complete
   1. As detailed by you, our readers, in about 15 minutes I had a fully working and bootable Windows 10 USB install media

In the end, a very straightforward process, and depending on the speed of your USB media, you could be done in 5 minutes or less.

Now onto the Windows 7 USB/DVD Tool, which can be download from here.

Note: This tool does not support UEFI installs, so use this only if your computer doesn't support UEFI.

1. Download and install the application
   1. As with Rufus, there might be a case for using Run as administrator, so keep that in mind
2. Step 1 of 4: Click Browse to choose the ISO and click Next once it’s loaded
   
   
    
3. Step 2 of 4: Click USB Device
   
   
    
4. Step 3 of 4: Choose your USB disk from the dropdown list
   1. If it doesn’t show in the list, try reseating the disk and clicking Refresh
      1. If this doesn’t work, Run as administrator
5. Click Begin copying and sit back and wait
   1. You will likely be presented with messages to erase the USB disk, which you can click yes/okay to
6. You should get a message saying that the Bootable USB device created successfully

Again, straightforward and speedy. But, what about the more technical methods for installing and testing Windows 10? For that see our more detailed guide, How to Install Windows 10 using VHDs.