Alex Ruben
How to Fix Rufus Not Working on Windows 11/10
Rufus is a popular tool for creating bootable drives, especially for installing Windows operating systems. However, many users have recently reported issues with Rufus not working on Windows 11/10. This is primarily due to Microsoft’s stringent security requirements, such as TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. Fortunately, there are effective solutions to resolve these issues and create bootable drives without hassle.
Steps to Fix Rufus Not Working on Windows
Below are three methods to troubleshoot and fix Rufus issues on Windows 11/10:
1. Download the Latest Version of Rufus
- Download the latest Windows ISO file from the official Microsoft website.
- Visit Rufus’ official website and download the latest version of the tool.
- Select your USB drive and the downloaded ISO file in Rufus.
- In the partition scheme settings, choose MBR if your motherboard doesn’t support UEFI. This can help bypass requirements like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot.
- Run Rufus as an administrator, create the bootable drive, and test it on your PC.
Pro Tip: Before reinstalling Rufus, uninstall the previous version, restart your PC, and reinstall it as an administrator for a clean setup.
2. Use Rufus Alternatives
If Rufus is still not working, consider trying alternative tools. While many alternatives cannot bypass Windows 11 requirements, there are exceptions like Flyby:
- Flyby: A GitHub tool that skips most hardware compatibility checks, making it easier to install Windows 11.
- Etcher: A user-friendly tool for creating bootable drives, although it doesn’t bypass Windows requirements.
- PowerISO: Another alternative for creating bootable media, ideal for simpler setups.
Note: Use Flyby for bypassing Windows 11’s security checks and compatibility restrictions.
3. Use Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool
Microsoft provides an official solution for creating bootable drives using the Media Creation Tool. While this method doesn’t bypass Windows 11 requirements, it is reliable and straightforward:
- Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website.
- Run the tool, accept the license agreement, and choose the Windows version you want.
- Select your USB flash drive as the installation media.
- Wait for the tool to download Windows files and create the bootable drive.
Tip: Ensure your PC meets Windows 11 requirements before using the Media Creation Tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Rufus not detecting my USB drive?
If Rufus doesn’t detect your USB drive, ensure the following:
- Check if the USB drive is properly connected and not corrupted.
- Try connecting the drive to a different USB port, preferably a USB 2.0 port.
- Ensure the USB drive is formatted correctly as FAT32 or NTFS using Disk Management or Rufus.
- Restart Rufus and run it as an administrator for enhanced permissions.
Why is Rufus crashing or failing to create a bootable drive?
To fix Rufus crashes or failures:
- Verify the integrity of your ISO file by re-downloading it and checking its checksum.
- Temporarily disable antivirus or security software that may interfere with Rufus operations.
- Use the CHKDSK command to check your USB drive for errors.
Conclusion
While Rufus remains a powerful tool for creating bootable drives, issues may arise due to compatibility with Windows 11’s stringent requirements. By downloading the latest version, exploring alternatives like Flyby, or using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool, you can overcome these challenges and create a functional bootable drive for your Windows installation.
If you continue to face issues, ensure your hardware is compatible and seek further support from Rufus’ official documentation or community forums.
