Installing Windows 11 has never been easier, thanks to Rufus. Whether you are upgrading your PC, doing a clean install, or helping a client, creating a Rufus bootable USB Windows 11 is the fastest and most reliable way.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- How to download the official Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft
- How to use Rufus to create a bootable USB for Windows 11
- Correct GPT and UEFI settings for modern PCs
- Step-by-step screenshots of Rufus settings
- FAQs (FAT32 vs NTFS, USB not detected, GPT/MBR issues)
By the end, you’ll have a 100% working Windows 11 bootable USB drive ready to install the operating system on any compatible PC.
🎥 Prefer watching instead of reading? Here’s my full YouTube tutorial you can follow along with:
Why Use Rufus for Windows 11 Bootable USB?
There are many tools that can create bootable USB drives, but Rufus is:
- ✅ Free and lightweight
- ✅ Compatible with all modern Windows versions
- ✅ Works with both BIOS and UEFI
- ✅ Fast (creates a bootable drive in minutes)
- ✅ Regularly updated (latest version Rufus 4.9 in 2025)
For IT professionals, Rufus is the go-to choice for deploying Windows on multiple PCs.
What You Need Before You Start
Before creating your Windows 11 USB with Rufus, prepare the following:
- A USB flash drive (minimum 8 GB, 16 GB recommended)
- A stable internet connection
- A PC running Windows 10/11 to set it up
- Rufus (download from rufus.ie)
- Windows 11 ISO (download from Microsoft’s official page)
Step 1 – Download the Windows 11 ISO
- Visit Microsoft’s official Windows 11 download page.
- Scroll to Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices.
- Select Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO) → click Confirm.
- Choose your product language → click Confirm again.
- Click 64-bit Download → save the ISO (approx. 5.5 GB).
💡 Pro Tip: Always download from Microsoft to avoid corrupted or unsafe ISOs.
Step 2 – Download Rufus
- Go to rufus.ie.
- Scroll to the Latest Release section.
- Download the version that matches your system (use rufus-4.9.exe for Windows x64 in 2025).
- Save it in your Downloads folder.
No installation is required — Rufus runs as a portable program.
Step 3 – Create Windows 11 Bootable USB Using Rufus
Now let’s set up the bootable USB:
- Plug in your USB flash drive.
- Open Rufus as Administrator.
- Configure the settings as follows:
| Setting | Recommended Option | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Device | Select your USB drive | Ensure correct drive to avoid wiping others |
| Boot Selection | Select → choose Windows 11 ISO file | |
| Image Option | Standard Windows Installation | |
| Partition Scheme | GPT | Works with modern UEFI systems |
| Target System | UEFI (non-CSM) | Default for most PCs |
| Volume Label | WIN11_USB (or any name you prefer) | Just a name tag |
| File System | NTFS (use FAT32 if NTFS won’t boot) | |
| Cluster Size | Leave at default |
- Click Start → confirm warning (USB will be wiped).
- Rufus will begin creating the bootable USB.
- Once the status changes to READY, you’re done!
Step 4 – (Optional) Rufus Customization
Rufus allows extra tweaks:
- Skip TPM and Secure Boot check (for older PCs).
- Auto-create a local account.
- Disable data collection in setup.
⚠️ Use these only if you know what you’re doing. For most users, the default settings are best.
How to Boot from USB to Install Windows 11
Although this guide is focused on creating the bootable USB, here’s a quick overview:
- Insert the USB into your PC.
- Restart → press the Boot Menu key (e.g., HP = F9, Dell = F12, ASUS = F8, Lenovo/Acer = F12).
- Select the USB drive.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 11.
👉 See our full guide: How to Install Windows 11 from USB (Step-by-Step).
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Common Problems & Fixes
1. USB Not Detected in Boot Menu
- Try another USB port
- Format USB as FAT32 instead of NTFS
- Recreate the bootable USB
2. GPT/MBR Partition Error
- Check if BIOS is set to UEFI (for GPT)
- If using Legacy BIOS, select MBR in Rufus
3. “This PC Can’t Run Windows 11”
- Ensure TPM & Secure Boot are enabled in BIOS
- Rufus can bypass these checks if needed
FAQ – Rufus Bootable USB Windows 11
Q1: Can I use an 8GB USB?
Yes, but a 16GB drive is safer because the ISO is large.
Q2: Which is better — NTFS or FAT32?
NTFS works best, but FAT32 may be required for some UEFI firmware.
Q3: Is Rufus safe?
Yes. Download only from the official website: rufus.ie.
Q4: Can I use the same USB for other purposes later?
Yes, but you’ll need to reformat it, which erases all files.
Why This Matters in 2025
With more PCs shipping without optical drives, bootable USBs are the only reliable way to install Windows 11. Rufus remains the top choice because it adapts to changes in Microsoft’s requirements (Secure Boot, TPM).
Final Thoughts
Creating a Rufus bootable USB Windows 11 is simple, fast, and essential for anyone who wants to install or repair Windows 11. By using the official ISO and Rufus with the correct GPT/UEFI settings, you’ll avoid installation errors and save hours of troubleshooting.
🚀 Ready to try it? Download Rufus and the Windows 11 ISO today, and create your bootable USB in less than 10 minutes.
