Creating a bootable key from an ISO file is a convenient solution to install programs (especially operating systems) on your computer in case you can not use CDs and DVDs and also because for reasons of size they are more practical to carry with you.
Most often it is customary to create a bootable USB stick starting from an ISO image of Windows (any version it is, XP, Vista, 7, 8 or 10) to install or restore the operating system from scratch starting from the boot.
Among other things, creating a USB bootable pen is a fairly simple operation thanks to the various free special programs like those that we will now see.
The only requirement to create a bootable USB stick with this software is to have the Windows ISO file to write to the removable drive in question (which must have enough space and not contain files inside it because they will be lost during the creation).
1. Rufus
Rufus works on Windows operating systems from XP onwards. It does not require installation, easy to use, once started you can leave everything as it is set, indicate the ISO image to be used, the unit and create the bootable USB stick by clicking Start. If necessary, however, you can change the File System and assign a name to the unit in question.
Compatible with Windows:XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 | Size: 442 KB | Download Rufus
2. Passcape ISO Burner Passcape ISO Burner
of its kind is a very versatile program as it not only allows you to create a USB stick bootable from an ISO file (by selecting the Create bootable USB disk option ), but is also able to burn it to CD or DVD and eventually to unpack a folder the contents of the ISO file. It does not require installation.
Compatible with Windows: XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 | Size: 313 KB | Download Passcape ISO Burner
3. ISO to USB ISO to USB is immediately easy to use, once started you must indicate the ISO file to use, indicate the USB stick on which to write it, check the option ”
Bootable, only support Windows bootable ISO image “and click the Burn button to start everything. If necessary, it is also possible to change the File System and the name to be assigned to the unit. Requires installation.
Compatible with Windows: XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 | Size: 1.43 MB | Download ISO to USB
4. Windows 7 USB / DVD Download Tool
Even if the name could be misleading, Windows 7 USB / DVD Download Tool works not only with Windows 7 but also with XP, Vista and 8. And it is an excellent application for create bootable USB or DVD drives at system boot in just four steps. Requires installation.
Compatible with Windows: XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 | Size: 2.59 MB | Download Windows 7 USB / DVD Download Tool
5.Windows 8 USB Installer Maker
Again the name may be misleading, but Windows 8 USB Installer Maker runs from Windows XP onwards. Easy to use does not require installation, after indicating ISO files and USB drives, all you have to do is click theCreatebuttonto create the bootable stick.
Compatible with Windows: XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 | Size:2 MB | Download Windows 8 USB Installer Maker
6. WinUSB Maker
WinUSB Maker is another portable program to create bootable USB drives. Easy to use, once started it is necessary to check the “ISO image Bootable Disk” option, indicate the ISO file and the USB stick to be used and start it all by clicking on the Make it Bootable button.
Compatible with Windows: XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 | Size: 1.22 MB | Download WinUSB Maker