To create a bootable Windows 11 bootable USB drive you will need a flash drive with at least 10GB of memory. Please make sure to read through the documentation thoroughly and completely, accidents on any of these steps will result in an undesirable outcome. Note, that this process will do its best to save the data on the hard drive already but there is no guarantee.
DISCLAIMER: Images and guide are for reference only. What you may encounter may appear differently.
Step 1: Plug in the USB flash drive to the computer you are creating the tool on. Make sure the USB flash drive has not files you need on it, the flash drive will be erased as part of the process.
Step 2: Copy this link into a web browser and download both the installer and the Operating system. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11
Step 3: On the web page, go to the media tool and click download. Let this finish and save it for later. Then go further down to the ISO selection, and click multi ISO. In each of the Examples below, choose the option outlined, then click Download Now.
Ex1:
Ex2:
Ex3:
Ex4:
If everything goes correctly, you should get a button that says Download Windows 11 English with a 64-bit Download button like the one above. Click the button to start your download of Windows 11 English.
Step 4: Run the installer for the media creation tool and agree to the terms and conditions. Scroll down to the bottom and click the Accept button.
Step 5: The Language, Edition and Architecture should be gray and unchangeable. Check the box that says “Use the recommended options for this PC” for the quickest re-install. Then click next.
Step 6: Choose USB Flash drive option, then click next. (WARNING: MAKE SURE THE FLASH DRIVE IS EMPTY BECAUSE THE FLASH DRIVE WILL BE ERASED. THERE IS NO WAY TO UNDO THIS.) When the install is done, click finish.
Step 7: Restart the computer with the flash drive still inserted. Pay attention to your screen because this part will happen quickly. Tap the corresponding key for your boot menu, some are F4 and some are Delete keys. Press that key until you get a menu where you can select a “drive” to boot from. Find your USB and boot from there.
Step 8: When the Windows screen comes up choose your preferred language and click next.
Step 11: The next screens will show you what the installation process looks like. Choose the “Install now” option. The product key is embedded in the system, you can enter it at a later time if the system does not automatically detect the key once fully installed. Next, choose Windows 11 Home then click next. After this accept the user agreement, click next, and choose Custom Install. Note: This will wipe the hard drive, backup any necessary files if needed. Finally, choose the drive you are installing the OS onto and click next.
The installation process can take 20 minutes to 1 hour depending on the machine. After the installation is complete you will be prompted to make customizations for your system such as log-ins, email setup, and more. Once the installation and customization are complete, run all necessary updates and the Windows OS should recover your key on restart.
If your Windows does not recover the key, and it is not activated after this process, contact Thermaltake Technical Support and we will assist you in activation or provide a new key.