logo
  1. Home
  2. Blog
  3. Usb size windows 11 installation

What Size USB Do You Need for Windows 11 Installation

By: Barnaby

|

June 24, 2025

blog_image_main

Ready to Install Windows 11? 

If you're planning to install Windows 11 using a USB stick, one of the first things to sort out is the size. Too small, and it won’t fit the installer. Too large, and it’s unnecessary. Let’s clear up exactly what size USB you need to install Windows 11 and how to get it ready. 

Minimum USB Size for Windows 11 Installation 

  • At least 8GB of storage is required 
  • Recommended: 16GB or more for extra space and reliability 

Microsoft officially recommends a USB drive with 8GB minimum, but using a 16GB or 32GB USB stick ensures you won’t run into space issues. 

USB Format Requirements 

Before using the USB stick: 

  • Format it as FAT32 (for UEFI systems) or NTFS (for BIOS/Legacy systems) 
  • Use tools like Rufus (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac) to format and prepare the drive 

Create a Bootable USB for Windows 11 

Using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool: 

  1. Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website 
  2. Run the tool and choose Create installation media 
  3. Select USB Flash Drive and follow the steps 

Using ISO and Rufus: 

  1. Download the Windows 11 ISO file 
  2. Use Rufus to create a bootable USB stick 
  3. Choose correct partition scheme (MBR or GPT) depending on your PC 

Use USB 3.0 or USB-C for faster transfer speeds 

Things to Avoid 

  • Don’t use USB sticks smaller than 8GB—they won’t work 
  • Avoid using slow or damaged USB drives 
  • Double-check you're using the correct Windows 11 ISO file 

Final Thoughts: Pick the Right USB, Avoid the Hassle 

To install Windows 11 hassle-free, we recommend a USB stick of 16GB or larger, formatted correctly and created using the right tools. It’s a small step that ensures a smooth OS installation experience. 

Need a high-quality USB stick for Windows setup? Browse Laptop Outlet’s top deals on fast, reliable USB storage

FAQs: USB for Windows 11 Install 

1. Can I install Windows 11 on a 4GB USB stick? 
No—the installer requires at least 8GB of space. 

2. Is FAT32 or NTFS better for Windows 11 USB? 
FAT32 is recommended for UEFI systems; NTFS for older BIOS-based setups. 

3. Can I use the same USB for multiple installations? 
Yes—just reformat and replace the files with new installation media. 

4. Does USB speed matter for installation? 
Yes—USB 3.0 or higher offers faster installation compared to USB 2.0. 

5. Will creating a bootable USB erase existing files? 
Yes—always back up your data before creating a bootab

 

Read More:

What Is a USB Flash Drive or Thumb Drive
How Kingston’s USB Drives Keep Your Data Safe
How to Transfer Large Files Quickly with USB Sticks

Related Articles

calendar

January 13, 2022

How to transfer photos from iphone to laptop without usb
There are a lot of ways to transfer any data including photos from iphone to a regular PC or laptop. Not being able to do it through USB can be due to some of the common troubles such as not having any cable or lost USB. Well, in both cases we do fortunately have ways that allow users to quickly transfer photos from iPhone to laptop without USB.
Read More
A Comprehensive Guide to USB-C Docks and Desktop Compatibility
calendar

January 15, 2024

A Comprehensive Guide to USB-C Docks and Desktop Compatibility

Introduction

Are you frustrated with wires scattered across your desktop and need a simple fix to keep your gadgets charged and organised?

In the world of desktop technology, the USB-C port has emerged as a versatile force with streamlined connectivity and enhanced functionality. As desktop setups become sophisticated, the demand for efficient cable management and expanded connectivity has grown.

Desktop docking stations can enhance productivity, improve ergonomics and ensure convenience for content creation, 3D designers, and CAD engineers. They allow connections between the monitor, keyboard, mouse, storage drive, network port, headphone jack, SD card, and charging ports.

This comprehensive guide explores USB-C docks and their compatibility with various desktop systems. You will learn everything from understanding the fundamentals of USB-C technology to choosing the right dock for your specific desktop needs.

So, let's get into it!

Standard Ports Available in USB-C Docks

USB-C docks are

Read More
Format a USB Stick on a Mac
calendar

June 02, 2025

How Do I Format a USB Stick on a Mac?

A Fresh Start for Your USB Drive 

Whether you're clearing space, fixing errors, or preparing your USB stick for Windows or macOS, formatting is the way to go. Luckily, it’s super simple on a Mac. Here’s a clear step-by-step on how to format a USB stick on macOS. 

1. Plug In the USB Stick 

  • Insert your USB drive into an available port 
  • If prompted, choose to ignore or open Finder 

Make sure to back up any important files—formatting erases everything 

2. Open Disk Utility 

  • Go to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility 
  • Or search for Disk Utility via Spotlight (Cmd + Spacebar) 

3. Select Your USB Drive 

  • In the sidebar, click your USB stick (look under 'External') 
  • Double-check the name and capacity to avoid formatting the wrong drive 

4. Click 'Erase' 

  • At the top of the window, click the Erase button 

Format Options: 

  • Mac OS Extended (Journaled): For Mac-only use 
  • ExFAT: For both Mac and Windows compatibility 
  • MS-DOS (FAT): Best for small drives under 32GB 

Use ExFAT if you

Read More
What Is a USB Stick
calendar

June 02, 2025

What Is a USB Stick?

Pocket-Sized Power

A USB stick, also known as a USB flash drive, is one of the most convenient and widely used storage tools available. Small, portable, and incredibly useful—it’s your go-to device for storing, transferring, and backing up files in seconds. But what exactly is a USB stick, and how does it work? 

1. What Is a USB Stick?

A USB stick is a small, portable storage device that plugs into a computer or compatible device via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port. It uses flash memory to store data and requires no external power source. 

Also known as thumb drive, flash drive, or pen drive 

2. How Does a USB Stick Work? 

  • Plug it into a USB port on your laptop, PC, or compatible device 
  • It appears as an external drive 
  • You can drag and drop files, create folders, and even run portable software 

3. Common Uses for USB Flash Drives 

  • Storing documents, photos, videos, and music 
  • Transferring files between computers or devices 
  • Creating system backups or recovery tools 
  • Installing
Read More
How to Wipe a USB Stick
calendar

June 02, 2025

How to Wipe a USB Stick

Start Fresh with a Clean USB Drive

Before selling, giving away, or repurposing a USB stick, it’s important to completely wipe it. This removes all files and helps protect your privacy. Here’s how to safely and securely wipe a USB stick on both Windows and Mac. 

1. What Does 'Wipe' Mean? 

Wiping a USB stick means: 

  • Erasing all data stored on the drive 
  • Optionally overwriting it to prevent file recovery 
  • Preparing the stick for reuse or disposal 

Different from simply deleting files—it removes all traces 

2. How to Wipe a USB Stick on Windows 

Option 1: Quick Format 

  1. Insert the USB stick 
  2. Open File Explorer > This PC 
  3. Right-click the USB drive > Format 
  4. Choose File System (e.g. FAT32 or exFAT) 
  5. Leave Quick Format checked for speed or uncheck for deep format 
  6. Click Start 

Option 2: Command Prompt (Full Wipe) 

  1. Type cmd in Start Menu, right-click Command Prompt > Run as admin 
  2. Enter: diskpart 
  3. Then: list disk 
  4. Identify your USB stick by size, then enter: select disk X (replace
Read More
How to clone Mac system to USB
calendar

June 13, 2025

How to clone Mac system to USB

Portable Mac Backup, Sorted 

Cloning your Mac to a USB stick is a great way to create a full system backup, test new software, or carry a bootable version of macOS. Whether you're preparing for emergencies or upgrading your Mac, here’s how to clone your Mac system to a USB drive safely. 

1. What Does Cloning a Mac Mean? 

  • Copies your entire system, including macOS, files, apps, and settings 
  • Lets you boot from the USB if your Mac fails or if you want to use another machine 
  • Ideal for creating a full backup before macOS upgrades 

2. What You’ll Need 

  • A USB stick or external SSD (at least 64GB recommended; more for full system clone) 
  • A Mac running macOS Ventura or newer 
  • Cloning software (recommended: SuperDuper! or Carbon Copy Cloner) 

Use a fast USB 3.0 or USB-C drive for better performance 

3. Format the USB Drive (macOS Journaled) 

  1. Open Disk Utility (Applications > Utilities) 
  2. Select your USB drive in the sidebar 
  3. Click Erase > Format as Mac OS Extended (Journaled) 
  4. Name
Read More