How to Make a Pendrive Bootable: A Step-by-Step Guide Using Windows' Built-in Tools and Third-Party Software

When your computer's operating system fails or refuses to load, a bootable USB device, also known as a bootable pendrive, might come in handy. You may use a bootable pendrive to start your computer and conduct activities such as diagnostics or installing a new operating system. In this post, we'll show you how to make a pendrive bootable using two common methods: third-party software and Windows' built-in functionality.

Method 1: Using Windows' Built-in Tools

Step 1: Insert the USB Drive

Put the USB drive you wish to make bootable into a computer port that is accessible for USB devices.           

Step 2: Open the Command Prompt

Choose "Command Prompt" from the list of search results after typing "cmd" in the search box on the Windows Start menu.             

Step 3: Run Diskpart

In the Command Prompt window, type "diskpart" and hit Enter. This will open the Diskpart utility.

Step 4: Select the USB Drive

Type “list disk” and hit Enter. This will show you a list of all the disks connected to your computer. Note the number of the disk that corresponds to your USB drive.

Type "select disk #" (replace “#” with the number of your USB drive) and hit Enter.

Step 5: Clean the Disk

Type “clean” and hit Enter. This will erase all the data on your USB drive.

Step 6: Create a Bootable Partition

Press Enter after typing “create partition primary.” On your USB drive, this will make a brand-new main partition.

Step 7: Format the Partition

Press Enter after typing “format fs=fat32 quick". The FAT32 file system will be used to format the new partition as a result.

Step 8: Mark the Partition as Active

Hit Enter after entering "active." In order for the partition to be bootable, this will declare it as active.            

Step 9: Copy the Bootable Files

On your USB device, copy the bootable files. You may accomplish this by downloading the files from the internet or copying them from a bootable CD/DVD.          

Step 10: Test the Pen drive

Eject the USB drive and try booting your computer from it to make sure it works properly.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Software

Step 1: Download and Install a Bootable Pen drive Maker

There are many third-party software applications available that can help you create a bootable USB drive, such as Rufus & Etcher. Download and install the software of your choice.

Step 2: Insert the USB Drive

Put the USB drive you wish to make bootable into a computer port that is accessible for USB devices.

Step 3: Select the ISO File

Open the bootable pendrive creator program, then choose the ISO file for the operating system or program you wish to convert to bootable media.    

Step 4: Choose the USB Drive

Decide the USB drive you wish to convert into a bootable one from the list of accessible drives.      

Step 5: Create the Bootable Drive

To build the bootable USB device, click the "Create" or "Start" button. Depending on the size of the ISO file and the speed of your USB device, this operation might take some time.       

Step 6: Test the Pendrive

To check that the USB device is functioning correctly, eject it and attempt to boot your computer from it.        

Windows' built-in utilities or third-party applications may be used to easily make a pendrive bootable. Both approaches work well and are simple to apply. A bootable USB stick may be a useful tool for performing diagnostics or installing new operating systems.