How to Resolve "Windows 11 Won't Install from USB" | 2023 Guide?

Key Takeaways

• Errors with the USB drive, insufficient disk space, corruption on the USB, or incorrectly configured settings can result in the inability to install Windows 11 from a USB drive.
• Resolving these issues by checking the USB, creating a bootable USB, updating the USB driver, freeing up storage space, etc., can assist in fixing the error where Windows 11 cannot be installed from a USB.
• This article will also introduce one of the best all-in-one tools, Partition Master, to aid you in resolving this problem.

As the latest version of the operating system, Windows 11 has attracted many users to install Windows 11 from USB.

However, numerous issues can result in the failure of Windows 11 installation. To assist you in resolving errors such as "Windows 11 won't install from USB" or "Windows 11 won't install on new PC," tools offer various effective solutions to ensure a successful installation of Windows 11 on your computer.

How to Fix: Windows 11 Won't Install from USB

To resolve the "Windows 11 won't install from USB" error, we've provided some quick troubleshooting tips and a comprehensive solution below. Follow the steps to successfully install Windows 11 on your computer.

Quick tips to fix the "Windows 11 won't boot from USB" error: 1. **Check USB Drive**: Ensure that your USB drive is properly formatted and contains a valid Windows 11 installation media. Use the official Microsoft tool, "Media Creation Tool," to create the installation media. 2. **Boot Settings**: Enter your computer's BIOS or UEFI settings and change the boot order to prioritize USB devices. Press the appropriate key (usually F2, F10, F12, or Del) during startup to access these settings. 3. **Secure Boot**: Disable Secure Boot in the BIOS if it's enabled, as it might prevent booting from a USB drive. Enable it again after installation. 4. **USB Port**: Try different USB ports on your computer, as some may not support booting. 5. **ISO File Integrity**: Verify the integrity of the Windows 11 ISO file by comparing its checksum with the official one provided by Microsoft. 6. **Driver Issues**: If your PC has trouble recognizing the USB drive, update your motherboard's chipset drivers to the latest version. 7. **Legacy vs. UEFI**: Make sure you're using the correct boot mode (Legacy or UEFI) for your Windows 11 installation media. UEFI is recommended for most modern systems. 8. **USB 3.0 Compatibility**: Some motherboards have issues with USB 3.0 ports during boot. Try using a USB 2.0 port instead. 9. **Recreate Installation Media**: If all else fails, recreate the Windows 11 installation media using the Media Creation Tool, ensuring you're following all steps correctly. 10. **Professional Assistance**: If the issue persists, consider seeking help from a professional or contacting the computer manufacturer's support for further assistance.

✔️Check compatibility: Please use the PC Health Check app to ensure your device meets the minimum system requirements.

✔️Try a different USB port: Plug the USB into another port, install Windows 11, and verify that the USB port isn't damaged.

✔️Verify if the USB drive is bootable: Launch Windows 11 from the Quick Start menu and use File Explorer to inspect the USB drive:

Here are the translations for the given languages into English:
• Restart the computer and press F2 to access the Advanced Boot Options screen.
• Select "Use a device" and choose the target bootable USB drive.

If the computer starts up successfully from the USB, the USB disk is bootable. If not, recreate the bootable installation USB drive.

The following solution applies to resolving the error where Windows 11/10/8/7 cannot be installed from a USB drive:

Here are the translations of the provided text into English:
1. Method 1. Create a Bootable Installation USB Drive
2. Method 2. Free Up Space on System Drive for Windows 11 Installation
3. Method 3. Update the USB Driver
4. Method 4. Check for USB Corruption
5. Method 5. Format the USB Drive
6. Method 6. Reset UEFI Firmware Settings
7. Method 7. Run Windows Troubleshooter
8. Method 8. Try a Different USB Drive

Method 1: Create a Bootable Installation USB Drive

When installing from a USB drive, use an official Windows ISO file and create bootable installation media with a professional ISO burning tool. The tools Partition Master Professional offers a dedicated Burn ISO feature for installing Windows 11/10 from USB. This simplifies the process of making a bootable USB and increases the likelihood of a successful Windows 11 installation.

Follow the steps below to recreate the bootable installation USB and install Windows 10/11 from USB.

**Stage 1. Download the ISO:**

Stage 2. Burn the ISO file using Partition Master tools

The tool features a straightforward and intuitive interface that enables you to tackle issues like a computer expert, even if you are new to the field.

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant and go to the Bootable Media section. Click "Burn ISO" and click "Next".

Step 2. Choose the ISO file you downloaded on your computer and click "Open."

Step 3. Click "Next" and choose the target USB drive as the destination, then click "Burn" to perform the process.

Stage 3. Set up the installation process This stage involves configuring and preparing the installation process for the software or system. It typically includes the following steps: 1. **Download or obtain the installation package**: Acquire the necessary setup files, whether it's an installer executable, ISO image, or other distribution method. 2. **Check system requirements**: Ensure that your computer or device meets the minimum hardware and software specifications needed to run the application or operating system. 3. **Backup important data**: Before installing anything new, it's always a good idea to backup any crucial files and data to prevent potential loss. 4. **Create a restore point**: On some systems, creating a system restore point allows you to revert changes if the installation causes issues. 5. **Close running programs**: Close all unnecessary applications and processes to avoid conflicts during the installation. 6. **Run the installer**: Double-click on the installation package to initiate the setup process. 7. **Follow the on-screen instructions**: Read and respond to the prompts provided by the installer, which may include accepting licenses, selecting installation options, and choosing installation locations. 8. **Customize settings (optional)**: Depending on the software, you might have the option to customize settings, such as choosing components to install or setting up user accounts. 9. **Wait for the installation to complete**: The time this takes will vary depending on the size of the software and the speed of your system. 10. **Reboot if required**: Some installations may need to restart your computer to finalize the setup. 11. **Post-installation configuration**: After rebooting, you may need to configure additional settings or activate the software. 12. **Verify the installation**: Launch the newly installed program or access the new feature to ensure it's working correctly. By following these steps, you can successfully set up the installation process for various software and systems.

If you're familiar with the installation process, you can successfully install Windows 11 using the bootable installation media you've created. If not, you can refer to the article:

How to Install Windows 11 from USB Step by Step

This article guides you through the process of installing Windows 11 from a USB drive. Methods include installing from a bootable USB or using the Windows Media Creation Tool. Additionally, learn how to directly migrate OS to an HDD/SSD for a new PC with Windows 11.

Method 2: Free Up Space on the System Drive to Install Windows 11

Windows 11 requires at least 64GB of free space on your system drive and over 20GB on the USB drive. If you don't have sufficient space, Windows 11 won't install from the USB. To address the low disk space issue, you can delete unnecessary files and uninstall applications.

The most efficient method is to extend the system partition using tools like Partition Master. This partition management software can effortlessly expand/resize the partition on Windows 11 to free up space, ensuring that Windows 11 has sufficient room for reinstallation.

Option 1: Extend the System C drive with unallocated space

1. Right-click on the System C: drive and select "Resize/Move". 2. Drag the system partition end into the unallocated space to add it to the C: drive, then click "OK". 3. Click "Execute Task" and "Apply" to perform the operations and extend the C drive.

Option 2. Extend System C drive without unallocated space This option refers to expanding the System C drive (typically the primary drive where the operating system is installed) even if there is no contiguous unallocated space available. This usually involves resizing or moving other partitions to create room for the C drive expansion. Various tools, such as disk management utilities or third-party software, can be used to perform this task. The process ensures that the C drive gets more storage capacity without having to manually delete or redistribute data.

1. Right-click on a large partition with sufficient free space on the system disk and select "Allocate Space." 2. At the "Allocate Space From (*) To" section, select the system drive, then drag the end of the System C drive into the unallocated space. Click "OK" to confirm. 3. Click "Execute Task." This will display the pending operations. Finally, click "Apply" to save the changes and extend the C drive.

0:00-0:26 Extend System Drive with Unallocated Space; 0:27-0:58 Extend System Drive without Unallocated Space.

Moreover, the utility also offers additional functionalities like a disk space analyzer and app mover to assist you in managing your storage more efficiently. Download the tool for free and explore its advanced features!

Method 3: Update USB Driver

Outdated USB drivers can also prevent Windows 11 from installing from a USB drive. To resolve this, please follow these steps to update your USB driver:

Step 1. Right-click on the Windows icon on your desktop and select Device Manager.

Step 2. Expand the category labeled Universal Serial Bus Controllers, then right-click on the problematic USB device and select Update driver.

Update Driver Reinstall or update drivers for your computer

Step 3. Choose Automatic or Manual Update, then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

Method 4: Check for USB Corruption

If the USB drive has bad sectors or is too old, Windows 11 cannot be installed from it. You can use a third-party utility or the Command Prompt to check the USB drive:

Step 1. Run the Command Prompt application as an administrator.

Step 2. Use the CHKDSK command to check the USB, and then press Enter: chkdsk c:/f/r

Once the error is fixed, try installing Windows 11 from USB to see if it works.

Method 5: Format the USB Drive Step 1: Connect the USB drive to your computer. Step 2: Open File Explorer on Windows or Finder on Mac. Step 3: Locate the USB drive in the list of drives or devices. It usually appears as a removable disk with a label such as "USB Drive," "Flash Drive," or a brand name. Step 4: Right-click (Windows) or Control-click (Mac) on the USB drive and select "Format" from the context menu. Step 5: A formatting window will appear. For Windows: - Choose a file system: Select "NTFS" for regular use on Windows, or "FAT32" for compatibility with older systems or Mac. - Allocation unit size: Leave the default setting unless you have specific requirements. - Give the drive a new label if desired. For Mac: - Choose a format: Select "ExFAT" for compatibility with both Windows and Mac, or "MS-DOS (FAT)" for older Windows systems. - Scheme: Choose "Master Boot Record" or "GUID Partition Map" depending on your needs. Step 6: Check the "Quick Format" option on Windows to speed up the process. On Mac, this option is not available. Step 7: Click "Start" on Windows or "Erase" on Mac to begin the formatting process. A warning message will appear, reminding you that all data on the drive will be erased. Step 8: Confirm the action by clicking "OK" or "Erase" again. Wait for the formatting to complete. Step 9: Once done, the USB drive is now formatted and ready to use. Note: Always back up any important data before formatting a drive, as the process permanently deletes all files.

If your PC is booting in UEFI mode, you need to ensure that the bootable installation USB is formatted in FAT32. Other USB formats will render it incompatible with Windows 11, preventing the installation from USB. You can format the bootable USB drive using built-in Windows tools or tools like Partition Master.

This utility can overcome the limitations of Windows-native tools and bypass numerous errors. Furthermore, if your USB drive is formatted in NTFS, it supports converting it to FAT32 without any data loss.

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant, right-click the partition on your external hard drive/USB/SD card which you want to format and choose the "Format" option.

Step 2. Assign a new partition label, file system (NTFS/FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4/exFAT), and cluster size to the selected partition, and then click "OK".

Step 3. In the Warning window, click "Yes" to continue.

Step 4. Click the "Execute 1 Task(s)" button in the upper-left corner to review the changes, and then click "Apply" to begin formatting your external hard drive, USB, or SD card.

How to Format a USB Drive That Doesn't Show Up

If you're searching for a solution to format a USB drive that doesn't appear, you've come to the right place. This guide offers three methods to format an unrecognized USB drive.

Method 6: Reset UEFI Firmware Settings

If an incorrect UEFI configuration is preventing you from installing Windows 11 via USB, please reset the UEFI firmware settings:

Step 1. Go to Windows Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup, and click Restart now.

Step 2. Restart your computer and select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings.

UEFI firmware settings

Step 3. Click Restart, go to BIOS Configuration, and change the UEFI Firmware Settings on your PC.

Method 7: Run Windows Troubleshooter

If you're unable to determine the reason behind the inability to install Windows 11 from a USB drive, you can also try utilizing the troubleshooting tool built within Windows. This tool can assist in automatically resolving some issues related to the operating system.

Step 1. Use the Windows search box to look up "Troubleshoot," then choose Options > Troubleshoot.

Step 2. Go to Windows Update and select Run.

Method 8: Try a Different USB Drive

If none of the above methods resolve the "Windows won't install from USB" issue, you can purchase a new USB drive, ideally one with a more recent USB 3.0 port. Afterwards, utilize tools like Partition Master to format and create a bootable USB drive.

Here's the comprehensive guide to resolving issues with installing Windows 11 from a USB drive. Don't forget to share this article to assist more individuals!

Why Windows 11 Won't Install from USB Why You Can't Install Windows 11 from a USB Drive There could be several reasons why you might encounter issues installing Windows 11 from a USB drive. Here are some possible explanations and solutions: 1. **Incompatible Hardware or Software**: Windows 11 has stricter system requirements than its predecessor, Windows 10. Ensure your computer meets the minimum specifications, including a compatible processor, at least 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. Additionally, your PC must have a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 and support Secure Boot. 2. **Incorrectly Prepared USB Drive**: To create a bootable Windows 11 USB, use the official Microsoft tool, Media Creation Tool. If you used a third-party application, it might not have formatted the USB correctly, leading to installation issues. 3. **BIOS/UEFI Settings**: Your computer may not be set to boot from USB. Enter your BIOS or UEFI settings by restarting your PC and pressing the appropriate key (usually F2, F10, F12, or Del). Change the boot order to prioritize USB devices. 4. **Insufficient Space on USB**: Make sure the USB drive has enough space to accommodate the Windows 11 installation files. A minimum of 8GB is recommended. 5. **Corrupted ISO Image**: The Windows 11 ISO file you downloaded might be corrupted. Download it again from the official Microsoft website to ensure its integrity. 6. **Outdated Drivers**: Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause installation problems. Update your drivers before attempting to install Windows 11. 7. **Windows Update Assistant Issues**: If you're trying to upgrade from within Windows 10 using the Update Assistant, some systems might face issues. Try using the Media Creation Tool instead to create a USB installer. 8. **Activation Problems**: If you're upgrading from a licensed version of Windows 10, activation should be seamless. However, if you encounter issues, make sure you have a valid product key or are connected to the internet during the installation process. 9. **Third-Party Security Software**: Some antivirus or security software can interfere with the installation process. Temporarily disable these programs before installing Windows 11. 10. **Error Messages**: Specific error messages during the installation can provide more clues. Research the error code online to find targeted solutions. If none of these suggestions solve the problem, consider seeking assistance from Microsoft support forums or a professional technician.

Many users encounter this issue when installing Windows 11 from a USB drive. Some users have reported this problem on the Microsoft forums:

No need to worry. To spare you from encountering issues with installing Windows 11 from USB again, we've compiled a list of possible reasons:

Here are the translations of the provided text into English:
• Error with Windows 11 bootable USB drive: The USB drive is not set to bootable.
• USB is damaged or defective: This can result in the USB drive not appearing in the BIOS.
• USB formatting error: Legacy BIOS mode should use the NTFS file system, while UEFI mode should use the FAT32 format.
• Outdated USB driver: Windows 11 does not support older USB devices.
• Too old USB driver: For example, USB 1.0 or USB 2.0 will not function with Windows 11.
• Inadequate space on the PC: The system drive requires at least 64GB of free space to install Windows 11.
• Incorrect UEFI firmware settings: Incorrectly configured UEFI settings might disrupt the installation process.

The above issues could result in Windows 11 not installing from USB. If your desktop or laptop is unable to boot from the USB Windows 11 UEFI/BIOS, you can attempt the solutions to assist you in resolving the issue.

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Conclusion

If the installation of Windows 11 on your computer fails or you're unable to install Windows 11 from a USB drive, please refer to the guide in this article: Partition Master tools can assist you in recreating a bootable installation USB, freeing up space on your system drive, and formatting the USB.

Furthermore, you can also update the USB driver, inspect the USB, or reset the UEFI firmware settings if the installation failure is due to other reasons. In short, you'll find the most comprehensive solution on this page to successfully install Windows 11 from a USB drive.

Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Windows 11 from USB

This section also offers additional tips concerning the issue of Windows 11 not installing from a USB drive. Please continue reading:

< strong >1. Why isn't my bootable USB working?< /strong >

There are numerous reasons why a bootable USB might not be functioning properly:

1. USB format error: Most external USB drives are formatted as NTFS and need to be reformatted as FAT32. 2. USB not displayed: Issues with the USB port or cable can result in the USB drive not being displayed or recognized in the BIOS. 3. Outdated USB driver: An outdated USB driver may cause Windows to fail to recognize the device.

To force Windows 11 to boot from a USB drive, here's what you need to do: 1. **Restart your PC**: First, shut down your computer and plug in the USB drive with the Windows 11 installation media. 2. **Access BIOS/UEFI settings**: As your PC starts up, hit the key to enter BIOS or UEFI settings. Typically, this is one of: `F2`, `F10`, `F12`, `Esc`, `Del`, or `Shift + F10` – it depends on your PC maker. Watch for a prompt on the screen telling you which key to press. 3. **Modify the boot order**: In the BIOS/UEFI menu, head to the "Boot" or "Startup" area. Find the setting to change the boot order, like "Boot Priority," "Boot Sequence," or "UEFI Boot Order." 4. **Put USB at the top**: Use the arrow keys to move the USB drive to the top of the boot order list. This makes your PC try to boot from the USB first. 5. **Save and Exit**: Once the USB is set as the primary boot device, save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings. Your PC will restart and attempt to boot from the USB. 6. **Install Windows 11**: Assuming everything's working, you'll now see the Windows 11 setup screen. Just follow the on-screen prompts to continue with the installation. Don't forget, after installing Windows 11, switch the boot order back to your main storage device (hard drive) so your computer loads the new OS by default.

Please use the Windows Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB first, and then boot from USB:

Step 1. Plug the USB into your Windows PC and select Start > Settings > Update and Security > Recovery.

Step 2. Under Advanced Booting, select Restart Now and choose Use USB storage.

3. Why won't Windows 11 install on my new PC?

The most likely reason Windows 11 isn't installing is that your computer is incompatible with this version of Windows and doesn't meet the minimum hardware requirements. Another possibility is that your installation media is incorrect.