Restore Your PC with a USB: A Step-by-Step Guide
Restoring your PC with a USB drive can come in handy when your computer's operating system is damaged or corrupted. With a USB drive, you can easily reinstall the OS and recover your data. This step-by-step guide covers the process for both Windows and MacOS users.
Windows Users
Step 1: Create a Windows Installation Media
- Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's official website.
- Connect a USB drive (8GB or larger) to your computer.
- Run the Media Creation Tool and accept the license terms.
- Choose "Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC" and click "Next."
- Select the language, edition, and architecture of Windows 10 you want to install, then click "Next."
- Choose "USB flash drive" and click "Next."
- Select your USB drive from the list and click "Next." The tool will now create the Windows installation media on your USB drive.
Step 2: Boot from the USB Drive
- Connect the USB drive to the PC you want to restore.
- Restart your computer and press the appropriate key (usually F12, F10, or ESC) to access the Boot Menu.
- Select your USB drive from the list and press Enter to boot from it.
Step 3: Install Windows
- Choose your language, time format, and keyboard layout, then click "Next."
- Click "Install now" and enter your Windows product key (if you have one) or click "I don't have a product key" to proceed.
- Accept the license terms and click "Next."
- Choose "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)."
- Select the drive where you want to install Windows and click "Next." The installation process will begin.
MacOS Users
Step 1: Create a MacOS Installation Media
- Download the desired MacOS installer from the Mac App Store (e.g., macOS Big Sur).
- Connect a USB drive (16GB or larger) to your computer.
- Open Terminal (in Applications > Utilities) and enter the appropriate command for your MacOS version. For example, for macOS Big Sur:
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Big
Sur.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume
Replace "MyVolume" with the name of your USB drive.
- Press Enter and enter your administrator password when prompted. The Terminal will now create the MacOS installation media on your USB drive.
Step 2: Boot from the USB Drive
- Connect the USB drive to the Mac you want to restore.
- Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Option key until the Startup Manager appears.
- Select your USB drive and press Enter to boot from it.
Step 3: Install MacOS
- Choose your language and click "Next."
- Select "Install MacOS" and click "Continue."
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the MacOS installation process.
By following these steps, you can successfully restore your PC using a USB drive. Remember to back up your important data before reinstalling your operating system to avoid data loss.