How to Resolve "Windows 11 Won't Install from USB" | 2024 Guide?

Updated by

Tracy King 

Written by

Cici 

Updated on April 23, 2024

Key Takeaways

• USB drive errors, insufficient disk space, USB corruption, or incorrect settings can prevent Windows 11 from installing from a USB drive.
• Checking the USB drive, creating a bootable USB, updating the USB driver, freeing up storage space, etc., can assist in resolving the issue of Windows 11 not installing from USB.
• This article will also introduce one of the best comprehensive tools, Partition Master, to help you address this problem.

As the latest iteration of the operating system, Windows 11 has enticed numerous users to install it from a USB drive.

However, numerous issues can result in the failure of Windows 11 installation. To assist you in resolving errors like "Windows 11 won't install from USB" or "Windows 11 won't install on a 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 troubleshooting tips and a comprehensive fix strategy. Follow these 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 has the correct bootable files. Use reliable software like Rufus or Microsoft's Media Creation Tool to create the bootable USB. 2. **Boot Settings**: Enter your computer's BIOS or UEFI settings and change the boot order to prioritize USB devices. Save the changes and exit. 3. **Secure Boot**: Disable Secure Boot in the BIOS/UEFI if it's enabled, as it may prevent booting from external media. 4. **USB Port**: Try different USB ports on your computer, as some may not support booting. 5. **Driver Issues**: Update your computer's motherboard drivers, particularly the USB controllers, to the latest version. 6. **ISO File**: Verify that the Windows 11 ISO file you're using is valid and hasn't been corrupted during download. 7. **Legacy vs. UEFI**: Make sure you're using the appropriate boot mode (Legacy or UEFI) for your system when creating the USB. 8. **Reset BIOS**: Reset your BIOS to default settings if other methods fail. 9. **System Repair**: If Windows 11 loads partially, try using System Repair or Safe Mode to troubleshoot further. 10. **Professional Help**: If all else fails, consult a professional or contact Microsoft Support for assistance.

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

✔️Try a different USB port: Insert the USB into another port, proceed with the Windows 11 installation, and confirm that the USB port is not damaged.

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

• Restart the computer and press F2 to access the Advanced Boot Options screen.
• Select "Use a device" and choose the target bootable USB drive.

For other solutions to install Windows without an Internet connection or product key, please refer to the following articles:

If the computer boots successfully from the USB, the USB disk is bootable. Otherwise, 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 given 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 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. Use 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.tools Partition Master Professional provides a Burn ISO feature specifically designed for installing Windows 11/10 from a USB drive. This feature streamlines the process of creating a bootable USB and enhances 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 tools Partition Master Step 2. Burn the ISO image 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. Select the ISO image that you've downloaded to your computer and click "Open."

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

**Stage 3. Set up the installation process**

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. You can either install it from a bootable USB or use the Windows Media Creation Tool for installation. Additionally, learn how to directly migrate OS to HDD/SSD for installing Windows 11 on a new PC.

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 utilize a tool like Partition Master to extend the system partition. This partition management software can effortlessly resize or extend the partition on Windows 11, freeing up space to ensure there is sufficient room for reinstalling Windows 11.

Option 1: Extend the System C drive with unallocated space

1. 1. Right-click on the System C: drive and select "Resize/Move".
2. 2. Drag the system partition end into the unallocated space to add it to the C: drive. Then click "OK".
3. 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 partition where the operating system is installed) even when there is no contiguous unallocated space available on the hard disk. In such a scenario, you might use specialized software or certain system tools to move or resize other partitions to create room for extending the C drive. This process usually involves merging adjacent partitions or adjusting their allocation without losing data. However, it's crucial to exercise caution and have a backup in place before proceeding with any disk manipulation.

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, choose the system drive, then drag the end of the System C drive into the unallocated space. Click "OK" to confirm. 3. Click "Execute Task". It will display the pending operations. Click "Apply" to save the changes and extend the C drive.

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

Furthermore, the utility also offers additional functions, 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 result in Windows 11 failing to install from a USB drive. To address this, please follow these steps to update your USB driver:

Step 1. Right-click 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

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:

< strong >Step 1. < /strong > Run the Command Prompt application as administrator.

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

CHKDSK in Command Prompt

Once the issue is resolved, you can attempt to install Windows 11 from the USB drive and check if it proceeds successfully.

Method 5: Format the USB Drive Step 1: Connect the USB Drive to Your Computer

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 utilities like Partition Master.

This utility can overcome the limitations of Windows built-in tools and bypass numerous errors. Moreover, if your USB drive is formatted in NTFS, it offers the capability to convert NTFS 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 isn't showing up, 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 encounter any issues with your Windows operating system, the built-in Troubleshooter can be a useful tool to diagnose and fix problems. Here's how to run it: 1. **Click on the Start button**: Located in the bottom-left corner of your screen, click the Windows logo to open the Start menu. 2. **Type "Troubleshoot"**: In the search bar at the top of the Start menu, type "troubleshoot" and press Enter. 3. **Select "Troubleshoot settings"**: From the search results, click on "Troubleshoot" or "Troubleshooting" to open the Troubleshooter settings window. 4. **Choose the problem you want to fix**: In the Troubleshooter settings window, you'll see a list of various troubleshooting tools. Click on the issue you're experiencing, such as "Internet Connections," "Audio Playback," or "Blue Screen." 5. **Run the troubleshooter**: Click on "Run the troubleshooter" for the selected issue. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. 6. **Apply fixes**: If the troubleshooter finds any issues, it will provide options to automatically fix them. Allow the troubleshooter to apply these fixes where appropriate. 7. **Restart your computer**: After the troubleshooter has completed its tasks, restart your computer to ensure that any changes take effect. 8. **Check if the issue is resolved**: Once your computer has restarted, check if the problem you were experiencing has been resolved. Remember that the available troubleshooters may vary depending on your version of Windows.

If you're unable to determine why Windows 11 isn't installing from a USB, you can also try utilizing the troubleshooting tool built into Windows. This can assist you in automatically resolving some operating system-related issues.

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

Click **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, preferably one with a newer USB 3.0 port. Afterwards, utilize tools like Partition Master to format and create a bootable USB drive.

Here are the comprehensive guides to resolving the issue of Windows 11 not installing from USB. 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 USB -------------------------------------- There could be several reasons why you're unable to install Windows 11 from a USB drive. Let's explore some common issues and their solutions. 1. **Incompatible System Requirements**: Ensure your PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11. This includes a 64-bit processor, at least 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and specific TPM and Secure Boot requirements. Check [Microsoft's official documentation](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11-specifications) for more details. 2. **Incorrectly Created Installation Media**: Make sure you've properly created the Windows 11 installation media using the [Windows Media Creation Tool](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11). Follow the steps carefully, and choose the right edition of Windows 11 for your needs. 3. **BIOS/UEFI Settings**: Your computer might not be set to boot from USB. Access your BIOS or UEFI settings during startup (usually by pressing F2, F10, F12, or Del, depending on your system) and change the boot order to prioritize USB devices. 4. **USB Drive Issues**: Sometimes, the USB drive itself can be the problem. Try using a different USB drive or formatting the current one in FAT32 or NTFS file systems before creating the installation media. 5. **Outdated Drivers**: Outdated or incompatible drivers can prevent a successful installation. Update your drivers, particularly storage and motherboard drivers, before attempting to install Windows 11. 6. **Windows 11 ISO Download**: Verify that you have downloaded the correct and genuine Windows 11 ISO file from an official source. 7. **Activation Issues**: If you're upgrading from Windows 10, ensure your current version is activated and eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11. 8. **Third-party Tools**: Some third-party tools designed to bypass Windows 11's system requirements may cause installation issues. Avoid using such tools if possible. 9. **Error Messages**: Specific error messages during the installation process can point to the issue. Research the error code online for potential solutions. If none of these solutions work, consider seeking assistance from Microsoft Support 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 for the provided text: 1. Error with Windows 11 bootable USB drive: The USB is not set to bootable. 2. USB is damaged or defective: This can prevent the USB drive from appearing in the BIOS. 3. USB format error: Legacy BIOS mode should use the NTFS file system, while UEFI mode should use FAT32 formatting. 4. Outdated USB driver: Windows 11 does not support older USB devices. 5. Too old USB driver: For instance, USB 1.0 or USB 2.0 will not function with Windows 11. 6. Lack of sufficient space on the PC: The system drive requires at least 64GB of free space to install Windows 11. 7. 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 these solutions to assist in resolving the issue.

Conclusion

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

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 and 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?

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

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

< strong > 2. How do I force Windows 11 to boot from USB? To force Windows 11 to boot from a USB drive, follow these steps: 1. **Ensure USB is Bootable**: First, make sure you have a bootable USB drive containing the Windows 11 installation files. You can create one using tools like Rufus or the Media Creation Tool provided by Microsoft. 2. **Change Boot Order**: Restart your computer and enter the BIOS or UEFI settings. To access it, usually press a specific key (like F2, F10, F12, or Del) during the initial startup screen. The key will be displayed at the bottom of the screen. 3. **Enter Boot Menu**: In the BIOS/UEFI settings, find the "Boot" or "Startup" section. Here, you'll see a list of boot devices. 4. **Prioritize USB**: Move the USB drive to the top of the boot order list. This ensures your computer will attempt to boot from the USB first. Use the arrow keys to navigate and + or - keys to adjust the order. 5. **Save and Exit**: Once done, save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings. Your computer will restart and should now attempt to boot from the USB drive. 6. **Install Windows 11**: If everything is set up correctly, the Windows 11 installation process will begin automatically. Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the installation. Remember that after installing Windows 11, you may need to change the boot order back to your regular hard drive to ensure normal system startup.

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

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 select Use USB storage.

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

The most likely reason for Windows 11 not installing is that your computer is incompatible with this version of Windows and does not meet the minimum hardware requirements. Another possibility is that there is an issue with your installation media.