Top 2 Ways to Create Bootable WinPE USB Drive

Are you looking for a way to create a bootable WinPE USB drive? Here in this article, we offer 2 proven methods and walk you through the process step by step using Deployment and Imaging Tools and a third-party tool.

By @Ivy Last Updated September 13, 2024

What Is WinPE?

Windows Preinstallation Environment (WinPE) is a lightweight version of the Windows operating system containing a variety of system recovery and diagnostic tools for deploying PCs, workstations, and servers, and troubleshooting an operating system while it's offline. With Windows PE, you can:

  • Set up a hard drive before installing Windows.
  • Install a fresh version of Windows.
  • Capture and apply Windows images.
  • Modify the Windows operating system while it's not running.
  • Set up automatic recovery tools.
  • ...

Also, there are many customized WinPE with third-party packages for different uses, for example, recover data from hard disk without OS, perform a disk clone task, etc. Anyway, you need to create a WinPE USB drive, CD/DVD, or ISO files. Of these, the USB drive is the easiest to create.

💬 We will show you two practical methods to do this in the following, namely using official Deployment and Imaging Tools or employing third-party software to perform a customized task. You can directly go to the 3rd part to get it if you lost any data.

Create a WinPE USB Drive Using Deployment and Imaging Tools

One of the most efficient ways to create a bootable Windows PE USB flash drive is through the Deployment and Imaging Tools. This method is favored by many IT professionals due to its robustness and reliability. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

Step 1. First, download and install the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK). Make sure to include the Deployment Tools and Windows Preinstallation Environment features.

Step 2. Then, click Start > W> Windows Kits and select More > Run as administrator to open Windows ADK.

Step 3. Type these commands to create a WinPE working directory. 

  • cd\
  • copype amd64 D:\WinPEx64

⚠️Notes:

  • Replace the path D:\WinPEx64 with your preferred drive and folder name.

  • The amd64 is to boot a 64-bit system. To boot a 32-bit system, replace it with amdx86, it should be like this: copype x86 D:\WinPEx86.

Step 4. Type the following command to mount the WinPE image.

Dism /Mount-Image /ImageFile: C:\WinPEx64\media\sources\boot.wim /Index:1 /MountDir: D:\WinPEx64\mount

Step 5. Copy any necessary drivers or applications into the mounted WinPE image.

Step 6. Type the following command to unmount the WinPE image and commit changes.

Dism /Unmount-Image /MountDir: D:\WinPEx64\mount /Commit

Step 7. Connect a USB drive and remember its drive letter (I:). Replace the path C:\WinPEx64 with the actual folder where you create the PE files.

MakeWinPEMedia /UFD D:\WinPEx64 I:

⚠️Note: If you want to create a WinPE ISO, replace /UFD with ISO and add the path where you want to create WinPE ISO.

Step 8. You will be prompted that the disk needs to be formatted, type Y to confirm it.

Step 9. Restart your computer and type a prompted key (e.g. F2, ESC, F10, etc.) to access the BIOS. Go to the Boot menu and select the USB drive as the boot drive. Save the changes and let it boot automatically.

This method ensures you have a custom, bootable WinPE USB drive tailored to your specific needs, ready to tackle any deployment or recovery task.

Create a Bootable WinPE USB Drive using Third-Party Tool

Nowadays, there are many derivatives of the WinPE USB drive, for example, to recover data from hard disk without OS, MyRecover is a user-friendly choice. It simplifies the process and makes it easy for even the non-tech savvy to get started.

MyRecover
Best Deleted Audio Recovery App
  • Recover multiple data types, from documents to images, audio, videos, compressed files, and more, up to 200 file formats.
  • Two crucial scanning technologies - Quick Scan and Deep Scans can thoroughly search for deleted or lost files, laying a basis for a high success rate of data recovery.
  • Filter deleted or lost data to locate the desired file and preview them before recovering, ensuring you get exactly what you need.
  • Recover files deleted from formatted disk or damaged disk, system crash, virus attack, Recycle Bin, etc., and more misfortune scenarios.
  • Recover deleted files from hard drive for free over 500MB.
Download Freeware Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 & servers
100% Secure

Now FREE download WinPE bootable media - MyRecover and start the creation process.

Step 1. Prepare your USB drive by connecting it to a working computer. Also, you need to ensure it has enough space and is formatted for use.

Step 2. Open the MyRecover, You’ll be greeted with an easy-to-navigate interface. Click Crashed PC recovery at the left panel.

Step 3. Select the USB Boot Device and your drive from the drop-down menu. Click Create to start the creation of the WinPE USB drive.

Step 4. Click Yes to format this USB and continue to this process. It may take a few minutes, just wait patiently and exit this software when finished.

Step 5. Once created, you can boot your computer from this USB drive, After loading, you will see MyRecover and start data recovery without booting into Windows.

By using MyRecover, creating a WinPE USB drive becomes a straightforward task, even for those who might find the Deployment and Imaging Tools a bit daunting. Plus, MyRecover's powerful recovery feature makes it a great tool for retrieving deleted files in Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, and Windows Server.

Conclusion

Creating a WinPE USB drive is a crucial skill for IT professionals and tech enthusiasts. Also, it’s an urgent need if you have problems with your computer. Try to create one with the Deployment and Imaging Tools Environment, or 3rd party tool - MyRecover, depending on whether you are dealing with system deployments and system repair issues, or perform a customized task, such as data recovery.

FAQs

1. What is a WinPE USB drive used for?

A WinPE USB drive is used for deploying Windows operating systems, troubleshooting issues, recovering data, and running diagnostic tools in a minimalistic Windows environment.

2. Can I create a WinPE USB drive on any computer?

Yes, you can create a WinPE USB drive as long as the computer has the necessary tools such as the Windows ADK or 3rd party tool and a compatible USB drive.

3. Do I need special software to create a WinPE USB drive?

While you can use the Deployment and Imaging Tools included in the Windows ADK, or third-party tools to perform customized tasks.

4. Can a WinPE USB drive recover deleted files?

Yes, especially if you use MyRecover, which includes powerful data recovery features designed to retrieve deleted or lost files.

5. What should I do if my WinPE USB drive isn't booting?

  • Ensure that your BIOS/UEFI settings are configured to boot from USB.
  • Also, check that the USB drive is properly formatted. In most cases, it requires a FAT32 file system.
  • Furthermore, the WinPE image was correctly created and transferred.