How To Create a Bootable USB of Windows 11 on macOS?
Greetings, fellow Mac users! If you’re eager to venture into the world of Windows 11, whether it’s for your trusty Mac or a PC, you’ll need a reliable bootable USB drive. In this guide, I’ll use only Microsoft and Apple tools to create a bootable USB of Windows 11 on macOS.
While this may involve some Terminal wizardry, don’t worry! I’ll take it step by step, ensuring a smooth journey for both the tech-savvy and those new to the command line. So, let’s start on the adventure of creating your very own Windows 11 bootable USB on macOS!
Creating a Bootable Windows 11 USB on a Mac: What You’ll Need
For creating a bootable Windows USB drive on your Mac, you are going to need the following essentials:
1. Mac Computer Compatible with Boot Camp: Ensure your Mac supports Boot Camp, as this is essential for the installation process.
2. Windows 11 ISO File: Download the Windows 11 ISO file from the official Microsoft website or use this direct link. You are recommended to download the Windows 11 ISO file as it is necessary for the installation.
3. USB Flash Drive (8GB or More): Choose a USB drive with at least 8GB of storage space. This will be the vessel for your bootable Windows installation.
4. Stable Internet Connection: A reliable internet connection is crucial for downloading the necessary files and resources.
With these tools in your arsenal, you’re well-prepared to create a bootable USB on your Mac. Now, let’s dive into the process step by step.
Create a Bootable USB of Windows 11 on macOS
Here are three methods to create a bootable USB of Windows 11 on macOS:
Method 1: Boot Camp Assistant
Boot Camp Assistant is an Apple tool designed to help users install Windows on a Mac. It also enables Mac users who wish to run Windows alongside macOS. Beyond its primary function of setting up a dual-boot system, Boot Camp Assistant can also be utilized to create a bootable Windows USB.
However, this method is only available on Intel-based Macs and may not be supported on newer Apple silicon models.
Quickly: Boot Camp Assistant > Create a Windows 11 or later install disk and follow the prompts to choose the ISO file and the USB drive.
Step 1. Opening Boot Camp Assistant
Boot Camp Assistant is located in the Utilities folder within the Applications directory. Launch it to initiate the process.
Step 2. Creating a Windows 11 Install Disk
Select the option that reads Create a Windows 11 or later install disk. This triggers a guided process where you will be prompted to choose the Windows 11 ISO file and designate the target USB drive. Ensure the USB drive has sufficient space (at least 8GB).
Step 3. Formatting the USB Drive
Boot Camp Assistant will undertake the task of formatting the USB drive to the necessary specifications for Windows installation. It will then copy the essential files required for booting.
Additional Tips: Ensure you have a stable power source for your Mac during this process to prevent any interruptions.
Troubleshooting: If you encounter any errors during the process, ensure that the USB drive is properly inserted and try reformatting it using Disk Utility before attempting the process again.
Method 2: Terminal Commands
Utilizing Terminal empowers users with greater control over the process, making it suitable for those comfortable with command-line interfaces. This method works on both Intel-based and Apple-silicon Macs.
Quickly: Termnial > “diskutil” > Mount Windows 11 .
Step 1. Open Terminal on Mac
Navigate to Applications > Utilities > Terminal to access the command-line interface.
Step 2. Format USB Drive for Windows
Begin by identifying your USB drive using the “diskutil” command. This step ensures that you select the correct drive for the Windows installation. Now format the USB drive for the Windows installation files.
diskutil unmountDisk /dev/diskXReplace the “diskX” with your USB disk number.
sudo diskutil eraseDisk FAT32 Windows11 MBRFormat /dev/diskX- You can replace “Windows11” with the desired name for your USB drive.
- Replace diskX with your actual disk number.
- Note: The sudo command may prompt you for your password.
Your USB will be formatted.
Step 3. Mount the Windows 11 ISO file
This step grants you access to the contents necessary for copying. So, we will give access to the Windows 11 ISO file to USB now.
Use the “dd” command to write the Windows 11 ISO to the USB drive. Replace “/path/to/windows11.iso” with the actual path to your ISO file and “/dev/diskX” with the device name of your USB drive (I named it “Windows11”). Be very careful with this command as it can erase data if used incorrectly:
sudo dd if=/path/to/windows11.iso of=/dev/diskX bs=1m- The “if” flag specifies the input file (the Windows 11 ISO).
- The “of” flag specifies the output file (the USB drive).
- The “bs” flag sets the block size, which in this case is 1MB.
Additional Tips: Double-check the device name before executing any ‘dd’ command to avoid overwriting the wrong drive. And take your time and ensure accuracy in typing out commands to prevent any unintended errors.
Troubleshooting: If you encounter any errors, double-check the syntax of your commands and ensure that the paths and device names are accurate.
Method 3: Third-party Tools
There are third-party applications available that simplify the process of creating a bootable Windows 11 USB on a Mac. One such tool is UUByte ISO Editor for Mac. UUByte ISO Editor for Mac provides an excellent alternative for users seeking a streamlined, user-friendly experience.
Quickly: Download & Install > Launch > Choose USB > Burn.
Step 1. Downloading and Installing UUByte ISO Editor
Start by downloading and installing UUByte ISO Editor for Mac.
Step 2. Launching UUByte ISO Editor
Open the application and select the Windows 11 ISO file you downloaded.
Step 3. Choosing the USB Drive
Select the USB drive as the target for the Windows installation files.
Step 4. Burning the ISO to USB
Click the Burn button to initiate the process. UUByte ISO Editor will handle the rest, creating a bootable Windows 11 USB.
Additional Tips: Ensure you have sufficient disk space on your Mac to accommodate both the UUByte ISO Editor application and the Windows 11 ISO file.
Troubleshooting: If you encounter any issues with UUByte ISO Editor, ensure that you have downloaded the correct version compatible with your Mac’s operating system.
By following these methods, you can create a bootable Windows 11 USB on macOS. Always exercise caution, especially when using Terminal commands, to prevent any unintended consequences. Remember to save your work and back up important data before proceeding with any of these methods.
