Tech
How to create a bootable USB drive for Windows 7
To create a bootable USB drive for Windows 7 you need a pendrive with at least 4 GB of memory. Before starting the boot process, you must format it and then insert it into the USB ports of the computer. Then you need to download a program to carry out the other actions. It is a simple process that does not require much time depending on the program that is going to be used.
A booted USB is a startup tool for storing Windows programs that will later be installed on other computers. This is done with the aim of not requiring installation discs to run. Since Windows has discontinued support for several older versions, this is a workable method in case you want to keep certain programs. That is why in this tutorial, you will see how to create a bootable USB drive for Windows 7.
How to get the ISO image
Before starting to boot the USB drive for Windows 7, it is important to identify how you can get the ISO image of this Operating System. In this image are all the files that you can save on the pendrive to later install them on any computer. It is worth mentioning that for this action you only have two options: Download the files through Microsoft or with other web pages .
If you decide to use the Microsoft option , you should know that you will need a product key. They are usually attached to the laptops you have purchased. On the contrary, if you decide to use the web portals, make sure they are reliable sites where the download links do not have viruses or malware.
Steps to follow
The first thing you should have on hand is a pendrive (preferably previously formatted) with 4GB or 8GB of memory to store Windows 7 files. That said, this section will describe the steps to boot a USB drive using the program called Rufus and through the Application System (CMD).
With rufus
It is a lightweight program that allows you to boot a pendrive with any version of Windows. It is not compatible with Linux systems, but it remains one of the most prominent due to its fast interface. If you want to create a bootable USB for Windows 7 with Rufus , take a look at the following steps:
- Download and run the ” Rufus” program on your computer .
- Connect your previously formatted pendrive. The program will recognize the drive automatically.
- Press ” Select” to add an ISO Image. You can download it for free through this link .
- Once you insert the file, press ” Start“. Wait for all the files to upload. Then choose ” Close .”
Using CMD
This is a much more complex process in which you will have to carefully enter a series of commands in the Application System (CMD). It is important to note that for this option it is recommended that you have experience with programming codes, since if you make a mistake you can format the entire Operating System.
Softwares to boot USB memory
In addition to Rufus, there are other programs that allow you to create a bootable USB for Windows 7 quickly and easily. The steps are similar and one of the great advantages is that they work on any computer, so you won’t have to worry about checking compatibility.
Yumi
It is a software that is characterized by being multiboot, that is, its interface records more than one boot at a time. It is easy to download and install on Mac, Linux or Windows computers. In case you are looking for multiple and fast processes to boot USB drives with other Operating Systems, download Yumi .
Power ISO
This program offers the possibility to record, edit, add or delete files on USB, CD and DVD. It is characterized by having a variety of image formats, among which we can mention ISO, NRG, BIN, CDI, among others. Power ISO also has the ability to create virtual disk drives to avoid new disk errors.
UNetbootin
UNetbootin is compatible with Linux, Mac and Windows. It does not require physical disks for storages since, like Power ISO, it also has virtual storages. Its main advantage is that it has a dual boot after the installation you have chosen.
Ultra ISO
Due to its quick installation method and autostart, Ultra ISO is positioned as a favorite program among users. ISO files can be edited, transformed, and created for transfer in no time. In this way, you can create a bootable USB for any Operating System.
Etcher
Despite not being so recognized, Etcher is a program that facilitates the storage and transfer of ISO images both on USB drives and on SD Cards. It is open source and compatible with all Operating Systems, so it is also a suitable option to create a bootable USB drive for Windows 7.
DaemonTool
It is a software that is characterized by also being a multiboot, like Yumi. DaemonTool stands out for its speed, in addition to having an intuitive and friendly interface. Among its main tools is available to edit and store ISO files (and other formats) on pendrives, DVD and CD.
Windows 7 USB Download Tool
It is one of the most chosen for its safety. It comes directly from Microsoft and its download process is straightforward. You just have to enter the program and choose the language that corresponds to you. Then press ” Download “. If you want to locate the Spanish language, look for the file that says ” Windows7-USB-DVD-Download-Tool-Installer-es-ES.exe “. Then check the box and press “ Next ”. Finally, open the folder where the program is located to run it on your computer.
Creating a bootable USB for Windows 7 , or any other Operating System, will always be a good option in case you decide to format the computer and it does not have a CD / DVD drive. Similarly, if the OS is not factory installed, you have an option that will solve this problem. You just have to choose one method to start booting the USB drive.