How to make the USB flash drive bootable

In today’s fast-paced technological world, USB flash drives have become an essential tool for transferring and storing data. However, did you know that you can also make a USB flash drive bootable? This feature allows you to install or run an operating system directly from your USB drive, eliminating the need for a CD or DVD. Whether you want to create a bootable USB drive for installing a new operating system or creating a rescue disk, this article will guide you through the process.

Before we begin, it’s important to note that creating a bootable USB drive requires a few prerequisites. Firstly, you will need a USB flash drive with sufficient storage capacity (at least 8GB is recommended). Secondly, you will need a computer with an internet connection and administrative access. Lastly, you will need the installation files of the operating system you want to make bootable. Now, let’s dive into the steps to make a USB flash drive bootable.

Step 1: Format the USB Flash Drive
The first step is to format your USB flash drive to ensure it’s ready to receive the bootable files. Plug in your USB drive and open the Disk Management utility on your computer. Locate your USB flash drive, right-click on it, and select the option to format. Choose the file system as FAT32 and select the Quick Format option. Click on the Format button to initiate the process.

Step 2: Create a Partition and Set it as Active
After formatting the USB drive, you need to create a primary partition and set it as active. Open the Disk Management utility again, right-click on the unallocated space on your USB drive, and select the option to create a new partition. Choose the default settings and click on the Next button. Once the partition is created, right-click on it, and select the option to mark it as active.

Step 3: Extract or Mount the ISO File
Now, you need to extract the contents of the ISO file of the operating system you wish to make bootable. If you don’t have an ISO file, you can download it from the official website or create one using tools like Rufus or PowerISO. Once you have the ISO file, right-click on it and select the option to extract or mount it.

Step 4: Copy the Bootable Files to the USB Drive
After extracting or mounting the ISO file, you will have access to its contents. Select all the files and folders within the ISO file and copy them to the root directory of your USB flash drive. Ensure that the files are pasted directly into the USB drive’s root directory and not inside any folder.

Step 5: Make the USB Drive Bootable
The last step is to make the USB drive bootable. Open the command prompt on your computer as an administrator. Type in the following command: “bootsect.exe /nt60 :” (without quotes), replacing “” with the actual drive letter of your USB flash drive. This command will make the USB drive bootable.

Congratulations! You have successfully created a bootable USB flash drive. Now, you can use it to install or run the operating system of your choice on any compatible computer. Remember to adjust the boot priority settings in your computer’s BIOS to prioritize booting from the USB drive.

In conclusion, making a USB flash drive bootable is a simple process that allows you to install or run an operating system directly from the USB. By following the steps outlined in this article and ensuring you have the necessary prerequisites, you can easily create a bootable USB flash drive. So, go ahead and explore the possibilities of this handy feature!