Restore Your PC with a USB: A Step-by-Step Guide

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

  1. Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's official website.
  2. Connect a USB drive (8GB or larger) to your computer.
  3. Run the Media Creation Tool and accept the license terms.
  4. Choose "Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC" and click "Next."
  5. Select the language, edition, and architecture of Windows 10 you want to install, then click "Next."
  6. Choose "USB flash drive" and click "Next."
  7. Select your USB drive from the list and click "Next." The tool will now create the Windows installation media on your USB drive.

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Step 2: Boot from the USB Drive

  1. Connect the USB drive to the PC you want to restore.
  2. Restart your computer and press the appropriate key (usually F12, F10, or ESC) to access the Boot Menu.
  3. Select your USB drive from the list and press Enter to boot from it.

Step 3: Install Windows

  1. Choose your language, time format, and keyboard layout, then click "Next."
  2. Click "Install now" and enter your Windows product key (if you have one) or click "I don't have a product key" to proceed.
  3. Accept the license terms and click "Next."
  4. Choose "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)."
  5. 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

  1. Download the desired MacOS installer from the Mac App Store (e.g., macOS Big Sur).
  2. Connect a USB drive (16GB or larger) to your computer.
  3. 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.

  1. 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

  1. Connect the USB drive to the Mac you want to restore.
  2. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Option key until the Startup Manager appears.
  3. Select your USB drive and press Enter to boot from it.

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Step 3: Install MacOS

  1. Choose your language and click "Next."
  2. Select "Install MacOS" and click "Continue."
  3. 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.