Step-by-Step Guide to Create a Bootable USB for Windows 11 or 10 Using macOS
Key Notes
- Download the official Windows 11 ISO file.
- Format a USB flash drive to prepare it for installation.
- Use wimlib to split the install.wim file for FAT32 compatibility.
Your Guide to Creating a Bootable Windows 11 USB Installer on macOS
This guide serves as a comprehensive tutorial for macOS users to create a bootable USB drive for Windows 11 (or 10) installation. Utilizing their Mac, users can overcome the challenges of formatting USB drives and handling large installation files, enabling smooth setup on compatible hardware.
Step-by-Step Process to Create a Bootable USB
Follow these detailed instructions to create a bootable USB for installing Windows 11:
Step 1: Download the Windows 11 ISO File
Visit the official Microsoft website to obtain the Windows 11 ISO file. Select the appropriate options for your download.
Step 2: Connect Your USB Drive
Insert a USB flash drive with at least 8GB of space into your Mac. Ensure you’ve backed up any important files, as this process will erase the drive.
Step 3: Open Terminal and Identify the USB Drive
Launch Terminal from Launchpad and use the command diskutil list to determine the identifier of your USB drive (e.g., disk4).
Pro Tip: Be sure to replace “disk4” with the correct identifier you found in Terminal.
Step 4: Mount the Windows 11 ISO
Use the command hdiutil mount to mount the ISO file to your system. Replace `
Step 5: Transfer Files from the ISO to USB
Utilize the rsync command to move the files from the mounted ISO to the USB drive, making sure to exclude the install.wim file to avoid exceeding the 4GB limit of FAT32.
Step 6: Install Homebrew on macOS
Install the Homebrew package manager using the command /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)". This will be necessary for installing wimlib.
Step 7: Install wimlib Tool
After installing Homebrew, use the command brew install wimlib to install the wimlib tool, necessary for splitting the install.wim file.
Step 8: Split and Transfer install.wim File
Execute the wimlib-imagex split command to separate the install.wim file into smaller parts, allowing for a successful transfer to the USB drive.
Pro Tip: Adjust the size parameter in the command to ensure the split files remain under the FAT32 4GB limit.
Additional Tips
- Always verify your backup before you start.
- Make sure to safely eject the USB drive after completing the transfer.
- Consider using a USB 3.0 drive for faster transfers.
Summary
Creating a bootable USB installer for Windows 11 from macOS involves downloading the ISO file, formatting your USB drive, transferring files, and managing the install.wim for FAT32 compatibility. These steps, while complex, empower macOS users to install Windows seamlessly on their devices.
Conclusion
By following these comprehensive steps, you can successfully create a bootable USB drive for Windows installation using macOS. Embrace this DIY approach to expand the functionality of your devices and enjoy running Windows on your Mac hardware.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use a USB drive smaller than 8GB for the installation?
No, a minimum of 8GB is recommended to ensure proper transfer of files and successful installation.
Is it safe to format my USB drive using macOS?
Yes, formatting your USB drive via macOS is safe, but be sure to back up any important data beforehand as it will be erased.