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How can I create a bootable usb of windows 11 and use it?

Anonymous
2023-06-27T14:12:29+00:00

So I've deleted an important system file and making a bootable drive of windows 11 will fix it. How can I make one and how can I use it to reinstall a new copy of windows 11. I have a product key active currently aswell when I use the bootable drive will the product key disappear?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Recovery and backup

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DaveM121 879.4K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2023-06-27T14:45:54+00:00

Hi Kris_531,

I am Dave, I will help you with this.

1

On another working PC, click this link:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-downlo...

to download the Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB on a blank 8GB USB flash drive.

Then, Boot your PC from the Installation Media you just created (change Boot Order in your BIOS) to begin installing Windows 11.

2

Activation depends on your type of Windows license.

A

If Windows came pre-installed on your PC, then you have an OEM licence stored on the motherboard and you have no need to worry, you can re-install Windows any time you need to and it will automatically activate.

B

If you purchased a retail Windows licence separately to your PC from Microsoft, then if you re-install windows and log into your Microsoft Account, it will activate automatically

C

If you purchased a retail Windows licence separately to your PC from a 3rd party retailer, you will need to have your product key available to re-activate Windows.

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-06-27T15:16:26+00:00

    Hi Kris_531,

    I am Dave, I will help you with this.

    1
    On another working PC, click this link:
    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-downlo...
    to download the Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB on a blank 8GB USB flash drive.

    Then, Boot your PC from the Installation Media you just created (change Boot Order in your BIOS) to begin installing Windows 11.

    2
    Activation depends on your type of Windows license.

    A
    If Windows came pre-installed on your PC, then you have an OEM licence stored on the motherboard and you have no need to worry, you can re-install Windows any time you need to and it will automatically activate.

    B
    If you purchased a retail Windows licence separately to your PC from Microsoft, then if you re-install windows and log into your Microsoft Account, it will activate automatically

    C
    If you purchased a retail Windows licence separately to your PC from a 3rd party retailer, you will need to have your product key available to re-activate Windows.

    My pc is working but it's just missing a file. If I install the installation media will that file be there or will I need to find a windows 11 computer that had the file?

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-12-31T21:50:52+00:00

    "A
    If Windows came pre-installed on your PC, then you have an OEM licence stored on the motherboard and you have no need to worry, you can re-install Windows any time you need to and it will automatically activate."

    Funny. My win explorer failed and that machine WILL NOT LET ME INSTALL WINDOWS, PERIOD! i TRIED EVERYTHING, EVEN REPLACED THE DRIVE WITH A BRAND NEW SSD! So that is wrong.

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    4 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2023-06-27T16:04:38+00:00

    Ok thank you! Will I be able to use OneDrive to store my files I want to keep?

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-06-27T15:30:58+00:00

    Just the crypto folder in appdata/localLow/Microsoft

    Apparently it's used for the encryption of the tpm 2 chip and I want it back since my worries about it have came back

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