One of the questions that come up from time to time is how to create a bootable USB with a Windows Installation (from an ISO file). Having this can be helpful in various scenarios, such as bypassing a particular issue or bug, or even to quickly setup a new device into the Windows Insider program.
Create a bootable USB drive
Should you want (or need) to create a bootable USB drive from a Windows Insider ISO file, please see the directions below:
*NOTE* There are numerous third-party software applications that are capable of converting a USB drive into a “bootable” format. For the purpose of this example, we’ve selected Rufus as it is a free application and lightweight on system resources. You can use this or any other software of your choosing that can complete this functionality. Whatever software you choose, it should be able to properly format the USB into a bootable format as well as convert the ISO into the decompiled installation files.
- Download the latest Windows Insider ISO here -> LINK
- Ensure you save this file to a location you can easily remember
- Connect the USB drive that you’ll be converting to a bootable USB
- IMPORTANT: Any data on this drive will be erased. Back up any important data before proceeding.
- USB drive size/capacity should be at least 8GB
- Launch the Rufus software (or another software client of your choosing)
- Configure the Rufus menu options as seen in the image below. Please take note of the following:
- If you have multiple drives connected via USB (external hard drive, thumb drive, etc.), please ensure you select the proper drive from the drop-down list.
- File system should be set to NTFS. If for some reason this does not work on your PC, you may re-create it using FAT32
- Provide the “New Volume Label” of your choosing.
- Ensure “Create bootable disk using” is set to <ISO Image>. Click the disk icon next to this line and navigate the path to the ISO file that you downloaded from step 1.
Click “Start” and allow Rufus (or other software clients) to format your USB drive and decompile the ISO as needed. Once the process is completed, you’re ready to go. You now have a bootable USB.
When to use your USB drive
If you are using this drive to upgrade a device that already has Windows on it, insert the thumb drive into the target PC, open File Explorer, locate the drive, and launch setup.exe from there.
If you are using this drive to do a clean Windows install which overwrites and clears the hard drive, insert the thumb drive and reboot your PC. You may also need to adjust your BIOS or UEFI settings to allow booting from a USB-based drive.
For more information call Ryan Danvers at Abacon IT on 072 601 2858.
Windows 11 Upgrade - Will it work on your lapop?
So, you’re wondering about Windows 11, the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system. It looks snazzy and has some neat features. But can your current laptop actually run it? Don’t worry, you don’t need a degree in IT to figure this out! We at abacon IT in Cape Town are here to help you understand the basics.
Upgrading your laptop to Windows 11 can give it a new lease on life. However, Windows 11 has certain system requirements. These are the minimum specifications your laptop needs to have to run the software smoothly. Think of it like needing the right ingredients for a recipe – without them, it just won’t work properly.
One of the most important parts is your laptop’s processor, often called the CPU (Central Processing Unit). This is the “brain” of your computer. Windows 11 needs a fairly recent and capable CPU to function well.
Which Processors Work with Windows 11?
Here’s a simplified look at the processors that are generally compatible:
Intel Processors:
- Generally, Windows 11 requires an 8th-generation Intel Core processor or newer. You might see names like “Intel Core i5-8xxx” or “Intel Core i7-11xxx.” The first number after the “i” (or “i3”) usually indicates the generation. So, an “i5-8250u” is an 8th-generation processor.
- Intel also has its Pentium and Celeron processors. For Windows 11, only certain newer models are compatible.
AMD Processors:
- For AMD, Windows 11 requires Ryzen 2000 Series and newer. You’ll see names like “AMD Ryzen 5 2xxx” or “AMD Ryzen 7 5xxx”. Again, the first number after “Ryzen” indicates the series.
- AMD also has Athlon processors. Similar to Intel’s Pentium and Celeron, only specific newer Athlon models will work with Windows 11.
Important Note: This is a general guideline. There can be exceptions, so it’s always best to double-check your specific processor.
How to Find Out Which Processor Your Laptop Has
Don’t fret, Windows makes it pretty easy to see what CPU is inside your laptop:
- Right-click the Start Button: This is the Windows logo (usually in the bottom-left corner of your screen).
- Select “System”: A new window will pop up with information about your computer.
- Look for “Processor”: You’ll find this listed under the “Device specifications” section. It will tell you the name of your processor, including the manufacturer (Intel or AMD) and the model number, which usually indicates the generation or series.
Once you have this information, you can compare it to the general lists above.
Other Important Bits for Windows 11
Besides the processor, there are a few other things Windows 11 needs:
- RAM (Random Access Memory): Consider this your laptop’s short-term memory. Windows 11 requires at least 4 gigabytes (GB) of RAM. More is always better for smoother performance. Instead, consider 16 gigabytes (GB).
- Storage: To install Windows 11, you’ll need at least 64 GB of free space on your hard drive or SSD (Solid-State Drive). An SSD generally makes your computer much faster.
- TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module): This is a security feature. Most modern laptops have this, but it’s worth checking. You can usually find information on how to check for TPM 2.0 in your laptop’s BIOS settings (you might need to consult your laptop manufacturer’s website for instructions on accessing this).
- Graphics Card: Your graphics card needs to be compatible with DirectX 12 or later with a WDDM 2.0 driver. Most reasonably recent graphics cards will meet this requirement.
- Display: You’ll need a screen with a resolution of at least 720p (HD).
Still Not Sure? We Can Help!
Figuring out all these technical details can be daunting. If you’re still unsure whether your laptop is ready for Windows 11, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at abacon IT in Cape Town.
Our friendly team can quickly assess your system and give you straightforward advice. We’re here to help your SME thrive with reliable IT solutions! Contact us at 072-601-2858 or email info@abacon.co.za, and we will call you back.
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