Is Your PC Running Slow or Acting Up?
If your Windows 10 computer is crashing frequently, lagging, or infected with malware, formatting and reinstalling the operating system can be a smart solution. Performing a clean installation of Windows 10 gives your computer a fresh start and often resolves major issues.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to do this is by creating a bootable USB drive using Rufus, a free and user-friendly tool. In this post, I’ll walk you through the entire process—step-by-step.
Why Choose Rufus?
Rufus is widely trusted for creating bootable USB drives, and here’s why:
- ✅ Free, lightweight, and portable
- ✅ Supports ISO files for Windows, Linux, and more
- ✅ Fast and reliable, even on older computers
If you’re new to Rufus or working with USB tools, check out our Beginner’s Guide to Bootable Drives for more helpful tips.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before formatting your PC, gather the following:
- USB Drive: At least 8GB (16GB recommended)
- Windows 10 ISO File: Download from the official Microsoft website
- Rufus Tool: Download the latest version from https://rufus.ie/
- Another Computer: To create the bootable USB
- Backup Storage: External hard drive or cloud storage to back up your files
⚠️ Important: Formatting your PC will erase all data. Always back up important files before proceeding.
Step 1: Download and Prepare Rufus
- Visit https://rufus.ie/ and download Rufus (portable or installer version).
- Plug in your USB drive.
- Launch Rufus (no installation is needed for the portable version).
Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive with Rufus
Here’s how to configure Rufus:
- Select Device: Choose your USB drive from the dropdown.
- Boot Selection: Click Select and locate your downloaded Windows 10 ISO file.
- Partition Scheme:
- Choose GPT if your system uses UEFI
- Choose MBR if your system uses Legacy BIOS
(Check BIOS mode in System Information)
- Target System: Choose UEFI or BIOS based on your hardware.
- File System: Keep it as NTFS.
- Volume Label: Name your USB (e.g., “Windows10_Install”).
- Click Start, accept the warning that the USB will be erased, and wait for the process to complete.
Step 3: Boot from the USB Drive
Once Rufus finishes, you’re ready to install:
- Insert the USB into the target PC.
- Restart the PC and access the BIOS/UEFI (commonly F2, F12, Del, or Esc during startup).
- Set the USB drive as the primary boot device.
- Save changes and exit BIOS. Your PC will now boot from the USB drive.
Step 4: Install Windows 10
You’ll now see the Windows Setup screen:
- Choose your language, time, and keyboard layout, then click Next.
- Click Install Now.
- If prompted, enter your Windows 10 product key, or skip to activate later.
- Choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
- Delete existing partitions and format the drive.
- Select the unallocated space and click Next to begin installation.
Windows will install—a process that usually takes 15–30 minutes.
Step 5: Set Up Windows 10
After installation:
- Choose your region and keyboard settings.
- Sign in with a Microsoft account or create a local one.
- Once at the desktop, connect to the internet to install drivers and updates.
✅ Tips for a Smooth Installation
- Check System Requirements: Make sure your PC meets Windows 10 minimum specs.
- Use Quality USB Drives: Cheap drives may cause errors during installation.
- Keep Your License Key Handy: You’ll need it to activate Windows later.
Final Thoughts
Formatting your PC with a bootable USB using Rufus is fast, simple, and reliable. Whether you’re troubleshooting issues or giving your system a fresh start, this method ensures a clean and stable installation of Windows 10.
If you found this guide helpful, feel free to bookmark it or share it with someone who might need it.
💬 Have questions or need help? Drop a comment or message—I’m happy to help you get back up and running.
