Create Bootable USB Windows 10 On Ubuntu A Step By Step Guide

July 16, 2025 by StackCamp Team 62 views

How to Create a Bootable USB Drive for Windows 10 on Ubuntu

If you're an Ubuntu user who might need to revert to Windows 10 or install it on another machine, creating a bootable USB drive is essential. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can create a bootable USB drive from a Windows 10 ISO file on your Ubuntu system. Using Ubuntu 22.04.2 LTS, this method provides a reliable way to prepare for dual-booting or system recovery scenarios.

Prerequisites

Before we dive into the process, ensure you have the following:

A Windows 10 ISO file: You can download this from the Microsoft website. Make sure you have a genuine ISO file to avoid any issues during installation.
A USB drive with at least 8 GB of storage: This is the minimum recommended size to accommodate the Windows 10 installation files. Ensure there's no important data on the drive, as the process will format it.
An Ubuntu system: This guide is tailored for Ubuntu, but the general steps can be adapted for other Linux distributions.
Internet connection: For downloading necessary tools and updates.

Step 1: Download the Windows 10 ISO File

Firstly, you need to download the Windows 10 ISO file from Microsoft's official website. This ensures you have a clean and legitimate copy of the operating system. Avoid downloading from unofficial sources to prevent malware or corrupted files.

Visit the Microsoft Software Download page: Go to the official Microsoft website and navigate to the Windows 10 download section.
Select the Windows 10 edition: Choose the appropriate edition of Windows 10 (e.g., Home, Pro) you wish to install. It’s crucial to select the correct version to match your product key if you have one.
Download the Media Creation Tool: Microsoft provides a tool specifically for downloading Windows ISO files. Download this tool to your Ubuntu system.
Run the Media Creation Tool (on a Windows system if necessary): Since the Media Creation Tool is designed for Windows, you might need to use a Windows system temporarily to download the ISO file. If you have access to a Windows machine, run the tool and select the option to create an ISO file.
Choose your language, edition, and architecture: The tool will prompt you to select your preferred language, Windows 10 edition, and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit). Choose according to your needs and system compatibility.
Save the ISO file: Select a location on your system to save the downloaded ISO file. Make sure you have enough disk space available, as the file size is typically several gigabytes.

Once you've successfully downloaded the Windows 10 ISO file, you can proceed to the next step, which involves selecting the appropriate tool for creating a bootable USB drive on Ubuntu.

Step 2: Choose a Bootable USB Creation Tool

On Ubuntu, several tools can create a bootable USB drive. We'll explore two popular options: Startup Disk Creator and WoeUSB. Each has its strengths, so choose the one that best suits your needs. Let’s delve into each option to help you make an informed decision.

Option 1: Startup Disk Creator

Startup Disk Creator is a built-in utility in Ubuntu, making it a convenient option if you prefer not to install additional software. It's designed to create bootable USB drives from ISO files, but its effectiveness with Windows ISOs can be inconsistent. While it’s primarily intended for Ubuntu and other Linux distributions, it’s worth trying if you want a quick and simple solution without installing extra tools.

Access Startup Disk Creator: You can find it by searching in the Ubuntu Activities overview or through the terminal by typing usb-creator-gtk and pressing Enter.
Select the Windows 10 ISO file: In the Startup Disk Creator interface, you'll see an option to select a source ISO image. Browse to the location where you saved the Windows 10 ISO file and select it.
Choose your USB drive: The tool will display a list of connected USB drives. Select the drive you want to make bootable. Ensure you choose the correct drive, as the process will erase all data on it.
Create the bootable USB: Click the “Make Startup Disk” button. The tool will warn you that all data on the USB drive will be erased. Confirm the action to proceed. The process may take some time, depending on the size of the ISO file and the speed of your USB drive.
Test the USB drive: Once the process is complete, you can test the USB drive on another computer or virtual machine to ensure it boots correctly. However, keep in mind that Startup Disk Creator may not always work perfectly with Windows ISOs, so be prepared to try an alternative tool if necessary.

Option 2: WoeUSB

WoeUSB is a dedicated tool for creating Windows bootable USB drives on Linux. It's more reliable for Windows ISOs compared to Startup Disk Creator. If you encounter issues with Startup Disk Creator, WoeUSB is a solid alternative. This tool is specifically designed to handle Windows ISOs, providing a more robust solution for creating bootable USB drives.

Install WoeUSB: Since WoeUSB is not a built-in tool, you need to install it. Open your terminal and add the WoeUSB PPA (Personal Package Archive) to your system’s software sources. This allows you to install WoeUSB using the apt package manager. Run the following commands:
```
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:WoeUSB/ppa
sudo apt update
sudo apt install woeusb
```
These commands add the WoeUSB repository, update your package lists, and install the WoeUSB application.
Launch WoeUSB: After installation, you can launch WoeUSB by typing woeusbgui in the terminal or searching for it in your applications menu.
Select the Windows 10 ISO file: In the WoeUSB interface, you'll see options to select the source ISO image and the target USB drive. Browse to the location of your Windows 10 ISO file and select it.
Choose your USB drive: Select the USB drive you want to use. Again, ensure you select the correct drive, as this process will erase all data on it.
Create the bootable USB: Click the “Install” button to start the process. WoeUSB will format the USB drive and copy the Windows installation files onto it. This may take a while, so be patient.
Wait for completion: WoeUSB will display a progress bar and messages indicating the status of the process. Once it’s finished, you’ll see a confirmation message. It’s crucial not to interrupt the process to avoid creating a corrupted bootable drive.
Test the USB drive: After the process is complete, test the USB drive to ensure it boots correctly. You can do this by booting from the USB on another computer or using a virtual machine.

Choosing between Startup Disk Creator and WoeUSB depends on your specific needs and experiences. If you prefer a built-in solution and are willing to risk potential compatibility issues, Startup Disk Creator is a quick option. However, for a more reliable and dedicated tool for Windows ISOs, WoeUSB is the recommended choice.

Step 3: Using WoeUSB to Create the Bootable USB Drive

For this guide, we'll use WoeUSB due to its reliability with Windows ISO files. If you haven't already, install WoeUSB using the commands provided in the previous step. WoeUSB is a powerful and dedicated tool for creating Windows bootable USB drives on Linux systems, making it a preferred choice for many users.

Open WoeUSB: Launch WoeUSB by typing woeusbgui in the terminal or searching for it in your applications menu. The graphical user interface will appear, providing a clear and straightforward way to create your bootable USB drive.
Select the ISO Image: In the WoeUSB interface, you'll see a section labeled “Source.” Under this section, click the “From a disk image (ISO)” radio button. Then, click the folder icon next to the text box and browse to the location where you saved the Windows 10 ISO file. Select the ISO file and click “Open.” This step ensures that WoeUSB knows which ISO file to use for creating the bootable drive.
Select the Target USB Drive: In the “Target” section, you’ll see a list of connected USB drives. Carefully select the USB drive you want to use as your bootable drive. Ensure you choose the correct drive, as the next step will erase all data on it. This is a crucial step to avoid accidental data loss.
Choose Partition Scheme (Optional): WoeUSB offers options for the partition scheme. For most modern systems, the default “GPT for UEFI” is the recommended option. If you are working with an older system that uses BIOS, you may need to select “MBR for BIOS.” If you’re unsure, GPT is generally the safer choice as it's compatible with newer hardware.
Start the Installation: Once you've selected the ISO file and the USB drive, click the “Install” button at the bottom of the WoeUSB window. A warning message will appear, reminding you that all data on the USB drive will be erased. Double-check that you have selected the correct drive before proceeding.
Wait for the Process to Complete: After confirming the installation, WoeUSB will begin formatting the USB drive and copying the Windows installation files onto it. This process may take some time, depending on the size of the ISO file and the speed of your USB drive. A progress bar will display the status of the operation. It’s essential not to interrupt the process to avoid creating a corrupted bootable drive.
Installation Complete: Once the process is finished, WoeUSB will display a message indicating that the installation was successful. You can now close WoeUSB and safely remove your USB drive.

Step 4: Verify the Bootable USB Drive

After creating the bootable USB drive, it's crucial to verify that it works correctly. This ensures that you can successfully boot from the drive when you need to install Windows 10 or troubleshoot a system issue. There are a couple of ways to verify the bootable USB drive:

Method 1: Boot from the USB Drive

The most straightforward way to verify the drive is to attempt to boot from it on a computer. This method ensures that the USB drive is correctly recognized as a bootable device and that the Windows installation process starts.

Connect the USB drive: Plug the newly created bootable USB drive into a computer you want to test. This can be the machine you intend to install Windows on or another test machine.
Access the Boot Menu or BIOS Settings: Restart the computer and enter the boot menu or BIOS settings. The key to access the boot menu varies depending on the computer manufacturer but is often one of the following: F2, F12, Esc, or Delete. Consult your computer’s manual or the startup screen for the correct key.
Select the USB Drive: In the boot menu, you should see your USB drive listed. Use the arrow keys to navigate to the USB drive and press Enter to select it. This instructs the computer to boot from the USB drive.
Check for Windows Setup: If the USB drive was created correctly, the computer should boot from the USB drive and display the Windows Setup screen. This screen indicates that the bootable USB drive is working as expected. You don't need to proceed with the installation; simply reaching this screen confirms that the drive is bootable.
Exit Windows Setup: If you reach the Windows Setup screen, you can exit without installing Windows. Simply power off the computer or restart it to boot from the regular hard drive.

Method 2: Use a Virtual Machine

Another method to verify the bootable USB drive is to use a virtual machine (VM). This allows you to test the drive without needing a physical computer. VirtualBox and VMware are popular virtualization software options that you can use on Ubuntu.

Install Virtualization Software: If you don’t have virtualization software installed, download and install either VirtualBox or VMware. VirtualBox is a free and open-source option, while VMware offers both free and paid versions. For this guide, we'll assume you're using VirtualBox. You can install VirtualBox on Ubuntu using the following command in the terminal:
```
sudo apt update
sudo apt install virtualbox
```
Create a New Virtual Machine: Open VirtualBox and click the “New” button to create a new virtual machine. Follow the wizard to set up the VM.
Configure VM Settings:
- Name and Operating System: Enter a name for the VM (e.g., “Windows 10 Test”) and select “Microsoft Windows” as the type and “Windows 10” as the version.
- Memory Size: Allocate a sufficient amount of RAM to the VM (e.g., 2048 MB or more).
- Hard Disk: Choose “Create a virtual hard disk now” and follow the prompts to create a virtual hard disk.
Mount the Bootable USB Drive: With the VM created, select it in the VirtualBox main window and click “Settings.”
- Go to the “Storage” tab.
- Click the “Empty” CD/DVD drive under the “Controller: IDE” section.
- Click the CD/DVD icon on the right and select “Choose a disk file…”
- Navigate to the root of your USB drive and select the drive itself. This mounts the USB drive to the VM.
Boot from the USB Drive:
- Go to the “System” tab.
- In the “Boot Order” section, move “Optical” to the top of the list.
- Ensure that “Hard Disk” is below “Optical” in the boot order.
- Click “OK” to save the settings.
Start the Virtual Machine: Select the VM and click the “Start” button. The VM should boot from the USB drive.
Check for Windows Setup: If the USB drive was created correctly, the VM should boot from the USB drive and display the Windows Setup screen. This confirms that the bootable USB drive is working as expected.
Power Off the VM: Once you’ve verified that the VM boots from the USB drive, you can power off the VM without proceeding with the installation.

Verifying your bootable USB drive using either of these methods ensures that you're prepared for installing Windows 10 when the time comes. This step can save you from potential frustration and wasted time during the actual installation process.

Step 5: Booting from the USB Drive to Install Windows 10

Now that you've created and verified your bootable USB drive, you're ready to use it to install Windows 10. This step involves booting your computer from the USB drive and following the on-screen instructions to install the operating system. Ensure you back up any important data before proceeding, as the installation process may format your hard drive.

Connect the USB Drive: Plug the bootable USB drive into the computer where you want to install Windows 10. Ensure the computer is powered off before connecting the USB drive.
Access the Boot Menu or BIOS Settings: Power on the computer and immediately press the key that allows you to access the boot menu or BIOS settings. The key varies depending on the computer manufacturer, but common keys include F2, F12, Esc, and Delete. The key is often displayed on the startup screen, so watch for it.
Select the USB Drive: In the boot menu, you should see your USB drive listed. Use the arrow keys to navigate to the USB drive and press Enter to select it. This tells the computer to boot from the USB drive instead of the hard drive.
Start Windows Setup: If the bootable USB drive was created correctly, the computer will boot from the USB drive and display the Windows Setup screen. This screen indicates that the installation process has started. You’ll see the Windows logo and a progress indicator.
Choose Your Language and Keyboard Settings: The first screen in the Windows Setup will ask you to choose your language, time and currency format, and keyboard input method. Select your preferences and click “Next.”
Click “Install Now”: On the next screen, you’ll see an “Install now” button. Click this button to begin the installation process.
Enter Your Product Key (if prompted): If you have a Windows 10 product key, enter it on the next screen. If you’re reinstalling Windows 10 on a computer that was previously activated, you might not need to enter a key; it should activate automatically once the installation is complete. You can also select “I don’t have a product key” if you plan to activate Windows later.
Select the Operating System Edition: If the ISO file contains multiple editions of Windows 10 (e.g., Home, Pro), you’ll be prompted to select the edition you want to install. Choose the edition that matches your product key or license. If you’re not sure, select the edition that you previously had installed.
Accept the License Terms: Read the license terms and check the box to accept them. Then, click “Next.”
Choose the Installation Type: You’ll be presented with two installation options: “Upgrade” and “Custom.”
- Upgrade: This option is used to upgrade an existing installation of Windows while preserving your files and settings. However, it’s generally recommended to perform a clean installation for better performance and stability.
- Custom: This option allows you to choose where to install Windows and format partitions. Select this option for a clean installation.
Select the Partition: If you chose the “Custom” installation option, you’ll see a list of partitions on your hard drive. Be very careful at this step, as selecting the wrong partition can result in data loss. If you’re performing a clean installation, you can delete existing partitions and create new ones, or you can format an existing partition. Select the partition where you want to install Windows and click “Next.”
Wait for the Installation to Complete: Windows Setup will now begin copying files and installing the operating system. This process may take some time, and your computer may restart several times. Do not interrupt the installation process.
Configure Windows Settings: Once the installation is complete, your computer will restart, and you’ll be guided through the initial setup process. This includes choosing your region, language, keyboard layout, and network settings. You’ll also be prompted to create a user account and configure privacy settings.
Install Drivers and Software: After completing the initial setup, install the necessary drivers for your hardware (e.g., graphics card, network adapter) and any software you want to use. You can download drivers from the manufacturer’s website or use Windows Update to find them.

By following these steps, you can successfully boot from the USB drive and install Windows 10 on your computer. Remember to always back up your data before making significant changes to your system.

Conclusion

Creating a bootable USB drive for Windows 10 on Ubuntu is a straightforward process with the right tools and guidance. By following this comprehensive guide, you can confidently prepare a bootable USB drive using either Startup Disk Creator or WoeUSB. WoeUSB is generally the more reliable option for Windows ISOs, ensuring a smooth installation process. Verifying the USB drive and understanding the boot process are crucial steps to ensure a successful Windows 10 installation. Whether you need to dual-boot, reinstall Windows, or set up a new system, having a bootable USB drive is an invaluable asset for any Ubuntu user. Remember to always back up your data and double-check your steps to avoid any issues during the installation process.