Creating a Windows 10/11 Boot Media and Installer Using Ubuntu

For digital nomads, programmers, and data scientists, being able to create a bootable USB for Windows 10 or Windows 11 using Ubuntu can be incredibly useful. Whether you're setting up a new installation or recovering from a system failure, having a bootable USB can save you a lot of time and helpful. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step.

Introduction

Why Create a Bootable USB on Ubuntu?

Ubuntu is a powerful Linux distribution that provides a robust set of tools for creating bootable media. Using Ubuntu to create a Windows boot USB allows for a flexible and reliable way to manage your installations and system recoveries.

Who is This Guide For?

This guide is tailored for digital nomads, programmers, and data scientists who often need to set up new installations or recover systems on the go. By using Ubuntu, you can create a bootable USB for Windows 10 or Windows 11 efficiently and effectively.

Prerequisites

Before we dive into the process, ensure you have the following:

A machine running Ubuntu (20.04 LTS or later)
An ISO file for Windows 10 or Windows 11
A USB drive with at least 8GB capacity
Basic knowledge of using the terminal

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Windows Bootable USB

Step 1: Download the Windows ISO File

First, you need the ISO file for Windows 10 or Windows 11. Make sure you have this file saved on your Ubuntu system.

Step 2: Install Required Tools

We’ll use tools like WoeUSB to create the bootable USB. Install WoeUSB using the following commands:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:tomtomtom/woeusb

sudo apt update

sudo apt install woeusb-frontend-wxgtk

Step 3: Prepare the USB Drive

Insert your USB drive and identify its device name using the lsblk command:

lsblk

Look for your USB drive in the output (it should be something like /dev/sdX, where X is a letter).

Step 4: Format the USB Drive

Format the USB drive to ensure it’s clean and ready for the bootable media:

1 2	sudo umount /dev/sdX* sudo mkfs.vfat -I /dev/sdX

Replace /dev/sdX with your actual USB device name.

Step 5: Create the Bootable USB

Use WoeUSB to create the bootable USB from the ISO file:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:tomtomtom/woeusb

sudo apt update

sudo apt-get install woeusb

sudo woeusb --device /path/to/windows.iso /dev/sdX

Replace /path/to/windows.iso with the path to your Windows ISO file and /dev/sdX with your USB device name. This process may take some time, so be patient.

Step 6: Boot from the USB Drive

Once the process is complete, you can boot from the USB drive. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing a key like F2, F12, Esc, or Del during startup). Change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive, save the changes, and exit.

Installing Windows 10/11

Step 1: Start the Installation

With your USB drive set as the primary boot device, your computer should boot into the Windows installation environment. Follow the on-screen prompts to start the installation process.

Step 2: Partition the Drive

During the installation, you’ll be prompted to partition your drive. If you’re setting up a new installation, you can choose to format the entire drive. If you’re dual-booting with Ubuntu, be careful to select the correct partition.

Step 3: Complete the Installation

Continue following the installation prompts, setting your preferences for language, keyboard layout, and time zone. Once the installation is complete, your system will reboot, and you’ll be welcomed by the Windows setup experience.

Advanced Configuration: UEFI and Secure Boot

Understanding UEFI and Secure Boot

UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is a modern version of the traditional BIOS. It provides more features and a user-friendly interface. Secure Boot is a UEFI feature that ensures only trusted software can boot on your system.

Enabling UEFI Mode

To enable UEFI mode, access your BIOS/UEFI settings and look for boot options. Ensure UEFI is selected instead of Legacy BIOS. Save the changes and exit.

Configuring Secure Boot

If Secure Boot is enabled, you may need to disable it temporarily to install Windows. You can re-enable it after the installation. Navigate to the Secure Boot settings in your BIOS/UEFI, disable it, and proceed with the installation.

Sample Code: Automating USB Creation with a Script

For advanced users, you can automate the process of creating a bootable USB with a script. Here’s a sample script that combines the steps above:

#!/bin/bash

# Variables

ISO_PATH="/path/to/windows.iso"

USB_DEVICE="/dev/sdX"

# Ensure script is run as root

if [ "$EUID" -ne 0 ]; then

echo "Please run as root"

exit

# Unmount USB device

echo "Unmounting USB device..."

sudo umount ${USB_DEVICE}*

# Format USB device

echo "Formatting USB device..."

sudo mkfs.vfat -I ${USB_DEVICE}

# Create bootable USB

echo "Creating bootable USB..."

sudo woeusb --device ${ISO_PATH} ${USB_DEVICE}

echo "Bootable USB creation complete!"

Save this script as create-bootable-usb.sh, make it executable, and run it:

1 2	chmod +x create-bootable-usb.sh sudo ./create-bootable-usb.sh

Replace /path/to/windows.iso and /dev/sdX with your actual ISO path and USB device name.

Conclusion

Creating a Windows 10 or Windows 11 bootable USB using Ubuntu is a valuable skill for digital nomads, programmers, and data scientists. This guide has walked you through each step, from downloading the ISO file to configuring UEFI settings, ensuring you have a reliable and efficient setup process.

By mastering this process, you can easily set up new installations or recover systems, no matter where you are. Happy computing!