How to Create a Windows 11 Bootable USB Using Rufus (2026 Updated Guide)

Creating a Windows 11 bootable USB is one of the easiest ways to install or reinstall Windows on your PC. But after the latest Rufus update, many users started getting confused because several options and setup screens changed.

If you were following older tutorials, there’s a good chance you ended up stuck during the process.

In this updated guide, I’ll show you the complete step-by-step method to create a Windows 11 bootable pendrive using the latest version of Rufus.

What You Need

• A USB pendrive with at least 8GB storage
• Stable internet connection
• Official Windows 11 ISO file
• Latest version of Rufus

Important: All data inside the USB drive will be erased during the process.

Step 1: Download Windows 11 ISO

First, download the official Windows 11 ISO directly from Microsoft.

Avoid downloading modified or unofficial ISOs from random websites because they may contain issues, malware, or outdated files.

Once you open the Windows 11 download page:

1. Select Windows 11
2. Choose your language
3. Download the ISO file

Depending on your internet speed, this may take a while since the file is quite large.

Step 2: Download the Latest Version of Rufus

While the ISO is downloading, download the latest version of Rufus.

Many older tutorials still use outdated versions, but the interface and installation options changed after the recent updates.

The latest Rufus versions also include useful features such as:

• Removing Microsoft account requirement
• Bypassing TPM and Secure Boot checks
• Removing preinstalled apps like Copilot, Teams, and Outlook
• Silent Windows installation options
• Privacy setup bypass options

Step 3: Connect Your USB Drive

Once both files are ready:

1. Connect your USB pendrive
2. Open the drive and check for important files
3. Backup anything important before continuing

Warning: Rufus will completely format the USB drive.

Also make sure your pendrive has at least 8GB storage.

Step 4: Run Rufus as Administrator

1. Open the folder where Rufus was downloaded
2. Right-click Rufus
3. Select “Run as administrator”

After opening Rufus, it should automatically detect your connected USB drive.

Step 5: Select the Windows 11 ISO

Inside Rufus:

1. Go to Boot Selection
2. Click SELECT
3. Choose your Windows 11 ISO file

For the Image Option, leave it as default.

Step 6: Choose GPT or MBR Partition Scheme

This is the part where many users get confused.

If you don’t know whether to select GPT or MBR, follow this method:

1. Open the Start Menu
2. Search for Disk Management
3. Open “Create and format hard disk partitions”
4. Right-click Disk 0
5. Go to Properties
6. Open the Volumes tab

There you will see whether your system uses GPT or MBR.

Now simply select the same option inside Rufus.

Step 7: Configure Rufus Settings

You can optionally rename your USB drive using the Volume Label option.

Leave File System and Cluster Size as default.

After that, click Start.

Step 8: Rufus Windows Customization Options

After clicking Start, Rufus will show several Windows customization options.

You may see settings like:

• Remove TPM requirement
• Remove Secure Boot requirement
• Remove Microsoft account requirement
• Disable data collection
• Remove Copilot and other apps
• Silent install option

Important: Only enable options you actually understand.

Avoid randomly selecting settings because they may cause installation problems or unwanted behavior.

About Silent Install

The “Silently erase disk and install” option automatically installs Windows on the selected drive.

Only use it if:

• You fully understand what it does
• You are okay with data being erased
• You have a single target drive setup

Otherwise, it’s safer to leave it disabled.

Step 9: Create the Bootable USB

After selecting your preferred options:

1. Click OK
2. Confirm the warning prompt

Rufus will now begin:

• Formatting the USB drive
• Copying Windows files
• Writing the bootable image

This process may take several minutes depending on:

• USB speed
• PC performance
• ISO size

Do not remove the USB drive during the process.

Step 10: Bootable USB Completed

Once the process finishes, the status inside Rufus will change to READY.

That means your Windows 11 bootable USB has been successfully created.

You can now safely eject the pendrive and use it to install Windows 11 on compatible systems.

Final Thoughts

That’s the updated method for creating a Windows 11 bootable USB using the latest Rufus version.

Even though the newer Rufus updates added extra options and features, the process is still simple once you understand what each setting does.

If you’re reinstalling Windows, upgrading a PC, or creating installation media for troubleshooting, this method works reliably and quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rufus safe to use?

Yes, Rufus is one of the most trusted bootable USB creation tools for Windows.

Can I create a Windows 11 bootable USB without TPM?

Yes. Rufus includes options to bypass TPM and Secure Boot requirements.

What size USB drive is required?

At least 8GB is recommended.

Should I choose GPT or MBR?

Choose the same partition style your system currently uses.

Can I use the USB for multiple PCs?

Yes, as long as the systems support the Windows version you installed.

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Disclaimer: All content is created for educational and informational purposes only. Methods shared may change over time depending on platform updates. Always use tools and services responsibly and follow their official terms.