How to Make a Pendrive Bootable A Step-by-Step Guide

Table of Contents

Introduction

A bootable USB drive, also known as a pen drive or flash drive, is a powerful tool that allows you to install or repair operating systems, run diagnostics, or create rescue disks. Creating a bootable pendrive is a straightforward process that requires a few simple steps. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to make a pendrive bootable, ensuring that you can harness the full potential of this versatile tool.

Prepare the Pendrive

The first step is to select a suitable pendrive with sufficient storage capacity (typically 8GB or more) to accommodate the bootable files. It’s important to note that the process will erase all existing data on the pendrive, so make sure to back up any important files beforehand.

Format the Pendrive

Next, you need to format the pendrive to create a clean slate for the bootable files. To do this, insert the pendrive into your computer’s USB port and open the Disk Management utility (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac). Locate the pendrive, right-click on it, and select the format option. Choose the file system as “FAT32” or “exFAT” and complete the formatting process.

Obtain Bootable Files

To make a pendrive bootable, you need the necessary bootable files. This depends on the specific purpose, such as installing an operating system or running a diagnostic tool. You can download these files from official websites or create them from installation media. Make sure to verify the authenticity and integrity of the files to avoid any potential security risks.

Use Bootable USB Creation Tool

To simplify the process, various bootable USB creation tools are available. These tools automate the creation of a bootable pendrive by copying the necessary files onto it. Popular options include Rufus, UNetbootin, and Etcher. Download and install the preferred tool, launch it, and follow the on-screen instructions to select the downloaded bootable files and the target pendrive. Start the creation process, and wait for it to complete.

Adjust BIOS/UEFI Settings

Now that your pendrive is bootable, you need to adjust the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) settings of your computer to enable booting from USB. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI setup by pressing the designated key (often F2, F10, or Del) during the boot process. Locate the “Boot” or “Startup” section and change the boot order to prioritise USB devices. Save the changes and exit the setup.

Boot from Pendrive

With the BIOS/UEFI settings adjusted, insert the bootable pendrive into a USB port and restart your computer. It should now boot from the pendrive instead of the internal hard drive. Follow the on-screen instructions specific to the bootable files you’ve used. You can install or repair an operating system, run diagnostics, or perform other tasks depending on the purpose of the bootable pendrive.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What makes a USB stick bootable?

A bootable USB drive is a USB drive that allows you to use the file system stored in a flash drive to boot the computer rather than using hardware. A bootable USB drive has a lot of benefits. The most common use is to install and run operating systems such as Windows and macOS.

What is the maximum size of bootable USB?

The USB stick which gets formatted during creation of the boot media is formatted to FAT32. There is a limitation of a maximum 4Gb file size limit under FAT32. There are two ways to address this issue when storing large image files (where the total image size is beyond 4Gb).

Conclusion

Creating a bootable pendrive opens up a world of possibilities for system recovery, installation, and troubleshooting. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can harness the power of a bootable pendrive efficiently. Remember to exercise caution during the process, ensure the authenticity of the bootable files, and keep your pendrive and computer secure. With a bootable pendrive at your disposal, you’ll have a valuable tool for various computing needs.