How to Create a Bootable USB Stick with UEFI for Installing an Operating System

If you're setting up a new computer or need to install an operating system, creating a bootable USB stick using UEFI can be a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through the steps to create a bootable USB stick with UEFI, using the popular tools Rufus and Hirens Boot Disk.

What is UEFI?

UEFI ( Unified Extensible Firmware Interface ) is an industry standard that replaced the Basic Input/Output System ( BIOS ) in modern computers. UEFI offers better security, support for larger hard drives, and faster boot times. However, if you’re using a USB drive, it doesn’t require firmware; instead, it relies on the UEFI settings in your computer to boot from it.

Tools Needed

To create a bootable USB stick with UEFI, you'll need the following tools:

Hiren's Boot Disk 2020 - A comprehensive bootable disk with various utilities. Rufus - A free and open-source tool for creating bootable USB drives. Microsoft Windows ISO Downloader Tool - A tool to download Windows ISO files needed for installation.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to create a bootable USB stick with UEFI:

Step 1: Download and Install Rufus

First, download Rufus from the official website (). Install Rufus on your computer.

Step 2: Download Hirens Boot Disk

Next, download Hirens Boot Disk 2020 from the official site (). This tool will help you create the bootable USB stick with the necessary system files.

Step 3: Download the Windows ISO

Download the version of Windows you need. You can use the Microsoft Windows and Office ISO Download Tool () to download the ISO file. Ensure that you choose the correct version of Windows that matches your hardware and needs.

Step 4: Create the Bootable USB Stick Using Rufus

Insert the USB drive into your computer. Open Rufus and select the USB drive you just inserted. Under the 'Boot' tab, select your ISO file (Hiren's Boot Disk 2020) to be the boot device. Under the 'Partition scheme' tab, select 'MBR' (Master Boot Record) if you are using an older version of Rufus, or 'GPT' for newer versions, which is suitable for UEFI systems. In the 'Target System' dropdown, select 'UEFI: FAT' to create a UEFI bootable USB stick. Click on 'Start' to begin the process. This might take some time, depending on the size of your USB drive and the speed of your computer.

Step 5: Download and Use the Windows ISO Downloader Tool

After creating the bootable USB stick with Rufus, you'll need to add the Windows ISO to it. Here’s how to do it:

Insert the USB drive into your computer and open Rufus. Under the 'Boot' tab, select your downloaded Windows ISO file. Ensure the 'Partition scheme' is set to either 'MBR' or 'GPT' as mentioned earlier. Select 'UEFI: FAT' under the 'Target System' dropdown. Click 'Start' to begin the process. Once the process is complete, you should have a bootable USB stick that can install Windows.

Additional Tips and Considerations

Check the BIOS/UEFI Settings: Ensure that your computer's BIOS/UEFI settings are configured to boot from USB drives. Look for options like 'Secure Boot', 'Boot Order', and 'UEFI Boot' settings. Test the USB Stick: Test the USB stick on another computer to ensure it can boot from UEFI. This will help you avoid frustration if the USB stick only works on a specific computer. Clean Boot Drive: Before creating the bootable USB stick, ensure that your computer's hard drive is clean and free of any system files that might interfere with the UEFI process.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can create a bootable USB stick with UEFI that can be used to install a wide range of operating systems, including Windows. Rufus and Hirens Boot Disk make the process straightforward and user-friendly. Remember to test the USB stick on multiple computers to ensure it works as expected.

Key Terms and Related Keywords:

Bootable USB UEFI Rufus Hirens Boot Disk Windows ISO