Are you having trouble installing Windows 10 from a USB drive? You’re not alone. Many users have reported issues with the Windows 10 installer not booting from USB, leaving them frustrated and unsure of what to do. In this article, we’ll explore the possible reasons behind this issue and provide step-by-step solutions to help you troubleshoot and resolve the problem.
Understanding the Boot Process
Before we dive into the troubleshooting process, it’s essential to understand how the boot process works. When you insert a USB drive into your computer and restart, the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) firmware is responsible for detecting the USB drive and loading the operating system installer.
The boot process involves several stages:
Stage 1: BIOS/UEFI Detection
The BIOS or UEFI firmware detects the USB drive and checks if it’s bootable. If the USB drive is not bootable, the BIOS/UEFI will skip it and move on to the next device in the boot order.
Stage 2: Bootloader Loading
If the USB drive is bootable, the BIOS/UEFI loads the bootloader, which is responsible for loading the operating system installer.
Stage 3: Installer Loading
The bootloader loads the Windows 10 installer, which then takes over the boot process.
Common Reasons for Windows 10 Installer Not Booting from USB
Now that we understand the boot process, let’s explore some common reasons why the Windows 10 installer may not be booting from USB:
Reason 1: Incorrect Boot Order
If the BIOS/UEFI is not set to boot from the USB drive first, the installer will not load. Make sure to check the boot order in the BIOS/UEFI settings and set the USB drive as the first boot device.
Reason 2: Corrupted or Incomplete Installer
A corrupted or incomplete installer can prevent the Windows 10 installer from booting. Try re-creating the USB drive using the Media Creation Tool or downloading the ISO file again.
Reason 3: USB Drive Not Bootable
If the USB drive is not bootable, the BIOS/UEFI will skip it. Make sure to use a bootable USB drive and check the USB drive’s properties to ensure it’s set as bootable.
Reason 4: BIOS/UEFI Settings
BIOS/UEFI settings can prevent the Windows 10 installer from booting. Check the BIOS/UEFI settings to ensure that:
- UEFI mode is enabled (if your computer supports it)
- Secure Boot is set to UEFI mode (if your computer supports it)
- The USB drive is set as a trusted device
Reason 5: Hardware Issues
Hardware issues can prevent the Windows 10 installer from booting. Try using a different USB port or a different computer to rule out any hardware issues.
Troubleshooting Steps
Now that we’ve explored the common reasons behind the issue, let’s move on to the troubleshooting steps:
Step 1: Check the Boot Order
- Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, F12, or Del).
- Check the boot order and ensure that the USB drive is set as the first boot device.
- Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings.
Step 2: Re-create the USB Drive
- Download the Media Creation Tool from the official Microsoft website.
- Run the Media Creation Tool and select the option to create a bootable USB drive.
- Follow the prompts to create the USB drive.
Step 3: Check the USB Drive’s Properties
- Insert the USB drive into your computer.
- Open the File Explorer and right-click on the USB drive.
- Select Properties and ensure that the USB drive is set as bootable.
Step 4: Check the BIOS/UEFI Settings
- Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings.
- Check the UEFI mode and Secure Boot settings.
- Ensure that the USB drive is set as a trusted device.
Step 5: Try a Different USB Port or Computer
- Try using a different USB port on your computer.
- If the issue persists, try using a different computer to rule out any hardware issues.
Advanced Troubleshooting Steps
If the above steps don’t resolve the issue, you can try the following advanced troubleshooting steps:
Step 1: Check the Event Viewer Logs
- Open the Event Viewer (Windows key + R and type “eventvwr”).
- Check the System and Application logs for any errors related to the Windows 10 installer.
Step 2: Run a System File Checker
- Open the Command Prompt as an administrator (right-click on the Start button and select Command Prompt (Admin)).
- Run the command “sfc /scannow” to scan for corrupted system files.
Step 3: Run a DISM Scan
- Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Run the command “dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth” to scan for corrupted system files.
Conclusion
The Windows 10 installer not booting from USB can be a frustrating issue, but by following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the problem. Remember to check the boot order, re-create the USB drive, and check the BIOS/UEFI settings. If the issue persists, try using a different USB port or computer, and run advanced troubleshooting steps such as checking the Event Viewer logs and running a System File Checker and DISM scan.
By following these steps, you should be able to get the Windows 10 installer to boot from USB and complete the installation process successfully.
| Reason | Solution |
|---|---|
| Incorrect Boot Order | Check the boot order in the BIOS/UEFI settings and set the USB drive as the first boot device. |
| Corrupted or Incomplete Installer | Re-create the USB drive using the Media Creation Tool or download the ISO file again. |
| USB Drive Not Bootable | Use a bootable USB drive and check the USB drive’s properties to ensure it’s set as bootable. |
| BIOS/UEFI Settings | Check the BIOS/UEFI settings to ensure that UEFI mode is enabled, Secure Boot is set to UEFI mode, and the USB drive is set as a trusted device. |
| Hardware Issues | Try using a different USB port or a different computer to rule out any hardware issues. |
By following these steps and solutions, you should be able to resolve the issue and get the Windows 10 installer to boot from USB successfully.
What are the common causes of Windows 10 installer not booting from USB?
The Windows 10 installer not booting from USB can be caused by several factors, including a corrupted or incomplete ISO file, incorrect USB drive formatting, or issues with the boot order in the BIOS settings. Additionally, the USB drive may not be bootable or may be damaged, preventing the installer from loading.
To resolve this issue, it’s essential to identify the root cause of the problem. Start by verifying that the ISO file is correct and complete, and then check the USB drive’s formatting and bootability. If the issue persists, try adjusting the boot order in the BIOS settings or using a different USB drive.
How do I create a bootable USB drive for Windows 10 installation?
To create a bootable USB drive for Windows 10 installation, you’ll need a USB drive with at least 8GB of free space, a Windows 10 ISO file, and a tool like Rufus or the Media Creation Tool. Start by downloading the ISO file from Microsoft’s official website and then use Rufus or the Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB drive.
When using Rufus, select the USB drive and the ISO file, and then choose the bootable option. The tool will format the USB drive and copy the necessary files. If you’re using the Media Creation Tool, select the “Create installation media” option and follow the prompts to create a bootable USB drive.
What are the BIOS settings I need to check for USB booting?
To enable USB booting in the BIOS settings, you’ll need to access the BIOS setup utility and adjust the boot order. The exact steps may vary depending on your motherboard model, but generally, you’ll need to press a key like F2, F12, or Del to enter the BIOS setup.
Once in the BIOS setup, look for the boot order settings and ensure that the USB drive is listed as the first boot device. Save the changes and exit the BIOS setup. If you’re still having trouble booting from the USB drive, try disabling Secure Boot or adjusting the UEFI settings.
How do I fix a corrupted Windows 10 ISO file?
If you suspect that the Windows 10 ISO file is corrupted, you can try re-downloading it from Microsoft’s official website or verifying its integrity using a tool like Microsoft’s ISO verification tool. If the ISO file is indeed corrupted, you’ll need to re-download it or obtain a new copy from a trusted source.
To verify the ISO file’s integrity, use a tool like Microsoft’s ISO verification tool or a third-party utility like HashTab. These tools will check the ISO file’s hash values and verify its integrity. If the ISO file is corrupted, you’ll need to re-download it or obtain a new copy.
What are the common USB drive issues that prevent Windows 10 installation?
Common USB drive issues that can prevent Windows 10 installation include a damaged or corrupted USB drive, incorrect formatting, or insufficient free space. Additionally, the USB drive may not be bootable or may be using an incompatible file system.
To resolve USB drive issues, try re-formatting the USB drive using a tool like Rufus or the Disk Management utility. Ensure that the USB drive has sufficient free space and is using a compatible file system like FAT32 or NTFS. If the issue persists, try using a different USB drive.
How do I troubleshoot Windows 10 installation issues using the Event Viewer?
To troubleshoot Windows 10 installation issues using the Event Viewer, you’ll need to access the Event Viewer utility and look for error messages related to the installation process. The Event Viewer logs events and errors that occur during the installation process, which can help you identify the root cause of the issue.
To access the Event Viewer, press the Windows key + R and type “eventvwr” in the Run dialog box. Then, navigate to the Windows Logs section and look for error messages related to the installation process. You can also use the Event Viewer to filter events by date, time, or event ID.
What are the alternative methods for installing Windows 10 if the USB drive is not booting?
If the USB drive is not booting, you can try alternative methods for installing Windows 10, such as using a DVD or a network installation. You can also try using a different USB drive or a different computer to create a bootable USB drive.
To perform a network installation, you’ll need to set up a network share with the Windows 10 installation files and then use the Windows Setup utility to install Windows 10 over the network. Alternatively, you can try using a DVD to install Windows 10, but this method may require a DVD drive and a blank DVD disc.