How to Create Bootable USB Installation Media on a Dell Computer

Summary: Learn how to create a bootable USB drive to reinstall Windows or Ubuntu on your Dell computer using the right Dell tools and step-by-step guides.

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Instructions

Need to reinstall Windows or Ubuntu on your Dell computer? This article points you to the right tools and guides to help you create a bootable USB drive quickly and with confidence.

Note: The Diskpart method previously described in this article applies only to older versions of Windows that Microsoft no longer supports. If you're running Windows 11 or want to install Ubuntu, use the dedicated Dell tools below instead, they're easier and designed specifically for your Dell computer.

What would you like to do?

Reinstall Windows on your Dell computer

Dell recommends using the Dell OS Recovery Tool to create your Windows installation USB drive. It automatically downloads the right version of Windows for your Dell computer and prepares the USB drive for you, no manual steps required.

Get step-by-step instructions for the Dell OS Recovery Tool

What you'll need:

  • A USB drive with at least 16 GB of storage
  • A working internet connection
  • A Windows PC to run the Dell OS Recovery Tool

Install Ubuntu on your Dell computer

If you want to install Ubuntu Linux on your Dell computer, Dell provides a dedicated guide to help you download the Ubuntu recovery image and set up your USB drive correctly.

Get step-by-step instructions for Ubuntu installation media

What you'll need:

  • A USB drive with enough storage space (check the guide for the exact requirement)
  • A working internet connection

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I still use Diskpart to create a bootable USB drive?
A: The Diskpart method works only with older Windows versions that Microsoft no longer supports (such as Windows 7 and Windows Vista). For Windows 11, use the Dell OS Recovery Tool linked above. It's the safest and most reliable option for your Dell computer. Microsoft Windows 10 End of Support Announcement

Q: Which method is right for me?
A: If you're not sure, go with the Dell OS Recovery Tool for Windows. It's designed to work seamlessly with Dell computers and takes care of all the technical details for you.

Affected Products

Dell All-in-One, Dell Pro Max Micro, Dell Pro Max Slim, Dell Pro Max Tower, Dell Pro Micro, Dell Pro Slim, Dell Pro Tower, Dell Slim, Dell Tower, Dell Plus, Dell Pro, Dell Pro Max, Dell Pro Plus, Dell Pro Premium, Inspiron, Latitude, Dell Pro Rugged , Vostro, XPS, Legacy Laptop Models, Fixed Workstations ...
Article Properties
Article Number: 000136959
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 26 Feb 2026
Version:  13
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