Highlights
- Navigate to the Boot menu in the BIOS setup and select the USB drive as the first boot device.
- A faster USB drive will speed up the process of creating the bootable USB drive and installing Windows 10.
- Creating a bootable Windows 10 USB drive on your Mac is a straightforward process that can be accomplished with the right tools and a little guidance.
Are you a Mac user who needs to install or reinstall Windows 10 on a PC? Creating a bootable USB drive is the easiest way to do it. This guide will walk you through the process of making a bootable Windows 10 USB drive on your Mac, step-by-step.
Why Create a Bootable USB Drive?
A bootable USB drive is essential for installing or reinstalling Windows 10 on a PC. It allows you to boot your computer from the USB drive instead of the hard drive, enabling you to install Windows 10 without needing an existing operating system.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
- A Mac computer: You’ll need a Mac to create the bootable USB drive.
- A USB flash drive: Make sure the USB drive has at least 8GB of free space. Any data on the drive will be erased during the process, so back up any important files.
- Windows 10 ISO file: You can download the Windows 10 ISO file from Microsoft’s website.
- A tool to create the bootable USB drive: We’ll be using the free and open-source tool **BalenaEtcher**.
Download and Install BalenaEtcher
1. Download BalenaEtcher: Visit the BalenaEtcher website (https://www.balena.io/etcher/) and download the latest version for your Mac.
2. Install BalenaEtcher: Open the downloaded file and follow the onscreen instructions to install BalenaEtcher.
Download the Windows 10 ISO File
1. Visit the Microsoft website: Go to the Microsoft website and navigate to the Windows 10 download page.
2. Select your preferred language and edition: Choose the language and edition of Windows 10 you want to install.
3. Download the ISO file: Click on the “Download tool now” button to download the Windows 10 setup file.
4. Run the setup file: Open the downloaded setup file and follow the onscreen instructions to download the Windows 10 ISO file.
Create the Bootable USB Drive
1. Open BalenaEtcher: Launch the BalenaEtcher application.
2. Select the Windows 10 ISO file: Click on the “Select Image” button and choose the Windows 10 ISO file you downloaded earlier.
3. Select the USB drive: Click on the “Select Drive” button and choose your USB flash drive. **Be careful to select the correct drive, as any data on the drive will be erased.**
4. Flash the image: Click on the “Flash!” button to start creating the bootable USB drive.
5. Wait for the process to complete: BalenaEtcher will flash the Windows 10 ISO file onto the USB drive. This process may take some time depending on the size of the ISO file and the speed of your USB drive.
Restart Your PC and Install Windows 10
1. Connect the USB drive: Plug the bootable USB drive into the PC you want to install Windows 10 on.
2. Boot from the USB drive: Restart your PC and press the appropriate key to enter the BIOS setup menu. The key you need to press will vary depending on your motherboard. Look for a message on the screen that tells you which key to press.
3. Choose the USB drive as the boot device: Navigate to the Boot menu in the BIOS setup and select the USB drive as the first boot device. Save the changes and exit the BIOS setup.
4. Follow the onscreen instructions: The Windows 10 setup process will begin. Follow the onscreen instructions to install Windows 10 on your PC.
Tips for Creating a Bootable USB Drive
- Use a fast USB drive: A faster USB drive will speed up the process of creating the bootable USB drive and installing Windows 10.
- Make sure the USB drive is formatted correctly: The USB drive should be formatted as FAT32.
- Check the size of the USB drive: The USB drive should have at least 8GB of free space.
- Back up any important data on the USB drive: Any data on the USB drive will be erased during the process.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Basics
Creating a bootable Windows 10 USB drive on your Mac is a straightforward process that can be accomplished with the right tools and a little guidance. Remember to always back up your data before proceeding with any installation process. With this guide, you can confidently install Windows 10 on your PC and enjoy its features.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Can I use a different tool to create a bootable USB drive?
A: Yes, you can use other tools like Rufus or UNetbootin. However, BalenaEtcher is a popular and user-friendly option.
Q: What happens to the data on the USB drive?
A: All data on the USB drive will be erased during the process. Make sure to back up any important files before proceeding.
Q: Can I use a Mac to install Windows 10 on another Mac?
A: No, you cannot use a Mac to install Windows 10 on another Mac. Macs run macOS, and Windows 10 is designed for PCs.
Q: What if I encounter an error during the process?
A: If you encounter an error, try restarting the process or using a different USB drive. You can also consult the BalenaEtcher documentation or search for solutions online.
Q: Can I create a bootable USB drive for a different version of Windows?
A: Yes, you can create a bootable USB drive for other versions of Windows, such as Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, using the same process. Just ensure you download the correct ISO file for the desired version.