How to install Windows 10 via RUFUS

March 8, 2026

How to Install Windows Using Rufus: A Step-by-Step Guide

Installing Windows on your PC can be simple and fast if you use the right tools. Rufus is a free, lightweight utility that helps you create a bootable USB drive for installing Windows. In this guide, we’ll show you how to use Rufus to install Windows safely and efficiently.

What You’ll Need

Before starting, make sure you have the following:

  • A USB flash drive with at least 8GB of storage.

  • A Windows ISO file (Windows 10 or Windows 11).

  • A computer to run Rufus.

  • Backup of your data, as installation will erase the target drive.

Step 1: Download Rufus

Go to the official Rufus website and download the latest version. Rufus doesn’t require installation, so you can run it immediately after downloading.

Step 2: Insert Your USB Drive

Plug your USB flash drive into your computer. Make sure it doesn’t contain any important data because it will be formatted during the process.

Step 3: Launch Rufus

Open Rufus. You’ll see a simple interface:

  1. Device: Select your USB drive.

  2. Boot selection: Click "SELECT" and choose your Windows ISO file.

  3. Partition scheme: Usually, select GPT for UEFI systems or MBR for legacy BIOS systems.

  4. File system: Keep it as NTFS (default).

Step 4: Start the Process

Click START. Rufus may ask you to choose a mode; select ISO Image mode (Recommended). Confirm that you want to erase the USB drive, and wait for Rufus to create the bootable USB. This may take several minutes depending on your USB speed.

Step 5: Boot from USB

Once the USB is ready, restart your computer and boot from the USB drive:

  1. Enter BIOS/UEFI by pressing F2, F12, DEL, or your manufacturer’s key during startup.

  2. Change the boot order to prioritize your USB drive.

  3. Save and exit BIOS/UEFI.

Step 6: Install Windows

Your computer will boot into the Windows installer. Follow these steps:

  1. Select your language and keyboard layout.

  2. Click Install Now.

  3. Enter your Windows product key or skip if you don’t have one.

  4. Select Custom Installation to install a fresh copy of Windows.

  5. Choose the partition where Windows will be installed (usually drive C:).

  6. Click Next and wait for the installation to complete. Your PC will restart several times.

Step 7: Final Setup

After installation, Windows will guide you through account creation, regional settings, and privacy preferences. Once done, your system is ready to use.


Tips for a Smooth Installation

  • Always back up your data before installing Windows.

  • Make sure your USB drive is fast (USB 3.0 recommended) to reduce installation time.

  • Keep drivers ready, especially for network and graphics cards.

Using Rufus makes creating a Windows bootable USB easy, even for beginners. Now you can install Windows on any PC quickly and safely.