How to Use Rufus to Create Bootable USB
Wondering how to use Rufus to create bootable USB? This guide walks you through the process step by step — from downloading Rufus to writing an ISO image onto your USB drive so it’s ready to boot from. We’ll also cover what Rufus is and its key features further down, in case you’re new to the tool.
How to Download Rufus
Before you can use Rufus to create a bootable USB, download it from the official Rufus website. There are two versions available:
- Standard version — a regular executable you download and run
- Portable version — a Rufus portable build that runs from anywhere, including from another USB drive, with no trace left on the host PC
Both versions work identically once running — the only difference is portability. There’s no cost either way; Rufus is completely free.
How to Use Rufus to Create Bootable USB
Here’s exactly how to use Rufus to create a bootable USB from an ISO file, step by step.
1. Insert Your USB Drive
Plug in the USB drive you want to use. Make sure it’s empty or that you’ve backed up any important files — creating a bootable USB will erase everything on the drive.
2. Open Rufus and Select the Device
Launch Rufus. Under “Device,” select the correct USB drive from the drop-down list — double-check this if you have more than one drive connected.
3. Select the Boot Selection (ISO Image)
Click “Select” next to Boot Selection and choose the ISO file you want to use — this is how you turn a Rufus ISO to USB, writing the image directly onto the drive.
4. Choose Partition Scheme
Select GPT for modern UEFI systems (most PCs from the last several years) or MBR for older legacy BIOS systems. If you’re unsure, GPT is the correct choice for most current Windows 10/11 installs.
5. Click “Start”
Leave the remaining settings at their defaults unless you have a specific reason to change them, then click Start. Rufus will warn you that all data on the drive will be destroyed — confirm to proceed. The process usually takes a few minutes.
6. Done
Once the progress bar completes and shows “READY,” your bootable USB is ready to use. You can now boot from it by selecting the USB drive in your PC’s boot menu (usually accessed with F12, F2, Esc, or Del at startup, depending on your motherboard).
That’s it — now you know how to use Rufus to create a bootable USB and get a drive ready to install Windows, Linux, or any other bootable image.
What Is Rufus?
Rufus is a free, open-source Windows USB creation tool that formats and sets up USB flash drives as bootable media. It takes an ISO image — a Windows installation file, a Linux distro, or any other bootable disk image — and writes it to a USB drive so you can boot from it and install an operating system without needing a DVD.
Rufus is also a portable tool, meaning it doesn’t require installation. You simply download the executable and run it directly — nothing gets added to your Windows registry, and there’s nothing to uninstall afterward.
Rufus Features
Rufus is popular as a Windows bootable media tool because it’s fast, lightweight, and free. Key features include:
- Small download size — the entire program is only a couple of megabytes
- Portable — no installation required, just run the .exe file
- Fast write speeds — generally quicker than similar bootable USB tools
- Wide format support — works with ISO, IMG, and other common image formats
- Multiple partition schemes — supports both MBR (legacy BIOS) and GPT (UEFI) targets
- Checksum verification — can verify the integrity of the ISO before writing
- Free and open-source — no license fees, no bundled adware
Rufus vs. PowerISO: Which Bootable USB Tool Should You Use?
Both are solid options for creating bootable USB media, but they suit different needs:
- Rufus is a free, portable, single-purpose Windows USB tool — the fastest option if creating a bootable USB is all you need.
- PowerISO is a broader disk image management suite that also handles ISO editing, disc burning, and virtual drives, but it’s shareware.
If you just need a bootable USB creation tool, Rufus is the simpler, free choice. If you need to work with disk images more broadly, see our guide on using PowerISO to create a bootable USB.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use Rufus to create a bootable USB?
Download Rufus, insert your USB drive, select it under Device, choose your ISO under Boot Selection, pick the correct partition scheme, and click Start. See the full walkthrough above for details.
Is Rufus free?
Yes, Rufus is completely free and open-source, with no license fees or hidden costs.
Does Rufus need to be installed?
No. Rufus is available as a portable executable — just download and run it, no installation required.
Does Rufus work with Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Yes, Rufus works with both Windows 10 and Windows 11 ISOs, and runs on Windows 7 and later as the host system.